Battling Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer: My Journey to Marathon Running

A Survivor’s Journey: From Pancreatitis to Marathon Running

In a remarkable journey from serious health struggles to athletic triumph, Rob Stuardi, a pancreatic cancer survivor, shares his inspiring story. Diagnosed after a critical surgery, Rob’s experience highlights the importance of early detection and resilience. His journey not only reflects his battle against a formidable illness but also underscores the joy of newfound passions, such as running marathons.

Health Challenges Before Diagnosis

In December 2014, Rob experienced excruciating abdominal pain that radiated to his back, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. After visiting Dr. Michael Sanders, a trusted gastroenterologist in Mobile, Alabama, tests revealed high levels of amylase and lipase, leading to a pancreatitis diagnosis. Although he recovered after a brief hospital stay, that was just the beginning of his health challenges.

• August 2015: Rob faced a severe episode of pancreatitis that required hospitalization again. Complications arose, including a feeding tube and a staph infection, leading to his transfer to Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans for specialized care.
• Numerous tests, including CT scans and MRIs, were conducted, but no significant issues were identified at that time. However, a stent was placed to alleviate bile duct inflammation.

Breakthrough and Surgery

Rob’s health took another downturn in October 2015 when pancreatitis struck once more. This time, advanced imaging revealed an Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm (IPMN) in the head of his pancreas, suspected to be the root cause of his ailments. After consultations with multiple surgeons, Rob and his wife opted for a Whipple procedure performed by renowned surgeon Dr. John Cameron at Johns Hopkins.

On November 17, 2015, the surgery revealed a malignant tumor, but fortunately, it had not spread to the lymph nodes. As a result, Rob avoided chemotherapy and radiation. He experienced minimal side effects post-surgery, with only minor dietary adjustments required. Regular check-ups every six months, including a CT scan, confirmed his good health, with his latest clean scan in March 2019 marking nearly three and a half years cancer-free.

Embracing Life Through Marathons

During his recovery, Rob expressed a desire to run a marathon, a goal met with skepticism from his wife. Despite being a novice runner, he proved his determination by participating in the 2017 Chicago Marathon with the Project Purple team.

Rob’s marathon journey continued:

• New Orleans Marathon: Spring 2018
• New York Marathon: November 2018
• Achieved a personal best of 4:25:01 at the Tokyo Marathon in March 2019, running for the Ronald McDonald House of Japan.

As he trains for the London Marathon and aims for the prestigious six-star medal from the Abbott World Marathon Majors, Rob embraces a new perspective on life. He has lost weight, discontinued cholesterol medication, and strives to live each day to the fullest.

A Message of Hope

Rob’s transformation from a pancreatic cancer patient to a marathon runner showcases not only his personal victory but also serves as an inspiration for others facing similar health challenges. His journey exemplifies resilience and the joy of pursuing passions, proving that even in the face of adversity, one can triumph and thrive.

For anyone interested in staying healthy during treatment, check out resources on managing health effectively here.