Discovering the Perfect Cancer Treatment Tailored Just for Me
Facing Pancreatic Cancer: A Journey of Hope and Resilience
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be one of the most shattering moments in a person’s life. For Samuel Chi, that life-altering call came while he was driving his daughter home from art camp on a fateful day in July 2015. As he learned about his likely diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, the reality set in for him and his family. The following weeks would lead him on a challenging path filled with treatments, second opinions, and an unwavering quest for healing.
Initial Diagnosis and Treatment Journey
After experiencing persistent stomach pains, Samuel underwent an MRI, which confirmed the presence of an adenocarcinoma in his pancreas. Although the cancer was localized, it had already begun infiltrating surrounding vessels. His healthcare team at University of California, San Diego Health (UCSD) acted swiftly, installing a “Smart Port” and commencing chemotherapy with the FOLFIRINOX regimen, aimed at shrinking the tumor for potential surgical removal.
Despite battling severe side effects and experiencing significant weight loss, Samuel maintained a semblance of normalcy in his life, continuing to work, cycle, and engage in family activities. After completing several rounds of chemotherapy, follow-up scans showed little progress, prompting his doctor to suggest exploring alternative treatment options.
Exploring Alternative Therapies
Determined to find a solution, Samuel consulted with experts at renowned institutions including University of California, San Francisco and MD Anderson Cancer Center. At MD Anderson, Dr. Milind Javle reviewed Samuel’s scans and suggested proton beam therapy, though he was deemed ineligible. Nevertheless, these consultations provided valuable insights into his condition.
As Samuel continued chemotherapy, he also began a regimen of radiation therapy, which proved to be more challenging than anticipated. However, his wife’s research led them to discover Dr. William Isacoff, a pancreatic oncologist known for his innovative approach to treatment. Dr. Isacoff emphasized a low-dose chemotherapy strategy, focusing on using the minimum effective dose to maximize results.
Personalized Treatment and Positive Outcomes
After discussing Dr. Isacoff’s treatment philosophy, Samuel made the pivotal decision to halt his radiation therapy and transition to his care. Dr. Isacoff ordered a "chemosensitivity" test, which tailored chemotherapy options to Samuel’s specific tumor characteristics. This personalized approach included monitoring for gene mutations and analyzing the KRAS gene, offering a customized roadmap for treatment.
The results were encouraging. Samuel experienced fewer and less intense side effects from his new chemotherapy regimen, which included drugs like 5-FU, cisplatin, and gemcitabine. Remarkably, within four months of starting treatment with Dr. Isacoff, follow-up scans indicated a reduction in tumor size, renewing his hope for the future.
Future Aspirations and Ongoing Treatment
Simultaneously, Samuel has been in talks with a surgeon at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, who specializes in advanced surgical techniques such as vascular reconstruction combined with pancreatic tumor removal. He is scheduled for preliminary tests in January and is optimistic about his eligibility for this groundbreaking procedure.
With the support of dedicated healthcare professionals, Samuel remains committed to his treatment plan. Both Dr. Isacoff and the Mayo Clinic surgeon advocate for the importance of chemotherapy in defeating pancreatic cancer, emphasizing that increased chemotherapy could enhance his long-term health prospects.
Samuel’s journey illustrates the importance of seeking the right medical team and exploring all available treatment options. Through resilience and determination, he aims to conquer this formidable disease, sharing his experience to inspire others facing similar battles.
It is with deep sympathy that we acknowledge Samuel’s passing from pancreatic cancer shortly after sharing his story. His journey will continue to provide hope and guidance to countless others navigating their own paths through this challenging disease.
