Breakthrough Clinical Trial Unveils Promising Results: No Evidence of Disease Found!
On May 23, 2013, Shannon Magee’s life took a dramatic turn when she received a diagnosis that would change everything: pancreatic cancer. After enduring months of discomfort characterized by severe bloating, heartburn, and unusual stools, her persistence paid off when a thorough MRI finally revealed the tumor. This story highlights Shannon’s remarkable journey through a challenging treatment protocol at one of the leading cancer centers in the U.S.
A Groundbreaking Treatment Plan
Seeking treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, Shannon became the first patient to undergo a newly designed clinical trial protocol under the guidance of Dr. Matthew Katz. Her aggressive treatment plan consisted of:
- FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy for eight weeks, delivered in four sessions every two weeks.
- Daily radiation combined with capecitabine for six weeks.
- A subsequent Whipple surgery once her body responded to the initial treatments.
- An additional four months of chemotherapy using gemcitabine post-surgery.
Dr. Katz assessed her condition, determining it to be around stage IIb, with the tumor located in the head of the pancreas. A PICC line was inserted to facilitate the chemotherapy procedure, which included a potent blend of leucovorin, fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin.
Navigating the Challenges of Chemotherapy
Experiencing the intensity of FOLFIRINOX proved to be one of the most challenging aspects of her journey. Despite facing side effects like nausea and weakness, Shannon’s medical team worked diligently to manage her discomfort. She took a week off between treatments to recover, ensuring she was as prepared as possible for the next round of chemotherapy.
Transitioning to the next phase of treatment, she underwent radiation and took capecitabine pills. Contrary to her expectations of feeling intensely ill, Shannon found this stage to be more manageable, with only mild side effects and no significant hair loss.
The Whipple Surgery
On November 8, 2013, Shannon underwent the Whipple surgery, a complex procedure that removed a substantial portion of her digestive system and 28 lymph nodes. The surgery was lengthy, taking over three hours just to access the pancreas.
Post-surgery, she was on a strict diet intended to stimulate her digestive tract’s recovery. Remarkably, Shannon was up and walking within 24 hours, a strategy she learned from fellow Whipple Warriors. Just three days later, her doctor delivered the incredible news: pathology reports indicated her cancer had regressed to stage 0.
Life After Treatment
Fast forward to May 2017, and Shannon had completed her treatment protocol. She now manages her health with Creon, a prescription enzyme that assists in digestion, along with a series of supplements to combat nutrient malabsorption. Thankfully, she is not diabetic and maintains a routine of daily exercise.
In the years following her treatment, Shannon has continued to receive clear scans, reinforcing her doctors’ belief that she is a medical miracle. She now visits her healthcare team every six months for follow-ups, cherishing each day as a gift.
Shannon credits her survival to the innovative treatments and unwavering support she received at MD Anderson, affirming that miracles can happen daily within its walls.
For more insights on pancreatic cancer treatment advancements, explore the latest updates on the Whipple procedure here and discover nutritional guidelines for post-surgery recovery here.
