Defying Pancreatic Cancer: My Journey of Strength and Resilience
In November 2010, Bill Shrieves noticed something alarming: his urine had turned a dark brown color. Concerned, he visited his primary care physician, who ordered a series of tests. The results were shocking—a CT scan revealed a tumor on his pancreas, and just days later, on November 19, he received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer at the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Surgical Intervention and Initial Treatment Plan
On November 24, 2010, Bill underwent a Whipple procedure, performed by renowned surgeon Dr. H. Richard Alexander. At this point, his cancer was classified as stage IIb. Following surgery, he enrolled in a clinical trial that combined gemcitabine and radiation therapy, hopeful for positive outcomes.
However, a routine CT scan on January 4, 2011, revealed a grim update—spots had appeared on Bill’s liver, advancing his cancer to stage IV. This devastating news meant he could no longer participate in the clinical trial.
Adapting to New Treatment Protocols
Under the guidance of Dr. Naomi Horiba, an oncologist at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Bill began a new treatment regimen with FOLFIRINOX, an innovative drug combination for treating pancreatic cancer. Over a six-month period, he completed 11 rounds of this aggressive therapy. Remarkably, after just five treatments, all but one liver spot had vanished, and by the end of his treatment, his scans showed no evidence of tumors.
As part of his treatment, molecular profiling was conducted on his tumor by Caris Life Sciences, revealing that Bill benefited significantly from fluorouracil and oxaliplatin, while irinotecan showed no clinical advantage.
Support During Recovery and Life Beyond Cancer
Fast forward to today—Bill has proudly been cancer-free for over five years. His journey through metastatic pancreatic cancer has been shaped by four pillars: his unwavering faith, the support of his wife Jean, family, and friends, a light-hearted sense of humor, and a resilient positive outlook. His grandson, Sean, even ran a 5K race to raise over $600 for pancreatic cancer awareness, donning a T-shirt that read, “My Grandpa’s Battle is My Battle, Supporting Him Until He Wins.”
In the wake of his victory against cancer, Bill established the Mid-Shore Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, Inc., dedicated to providing hope and assistance to others battling this disease within their community. Their mission is ambitious yet hopeful: to transition pancreatic cancer from a deadly affliction to a manageable chronic condition.
Bill emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset. He draws inspiration from a friend living with multiple sclerosis who says, "I have MS, but MS doesn’t have me." Bill echoes this sentiment, stating, "I have pancreatic cancer, but it doesn’t have me."
For more insights into Bill’s inspiring journey, watch his video titled “Hope and Support” to learn more about his fight and triumph over pancreatic cancer.
