Embrace Every Moment: A Journey of Living Life to the Fullest

A Journey of Hope: Marc Binder’s Battle with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer

At 77 years old, Marc Binder from Playa Vista, California, shares an inspiring story of resilience after being diagnosed with stage IV metastatic pancreatic cancer in October 2014. Initially mistaking his severe stomach pain for something less serious, Marc was blindsided by the diagnosis. His immediate thoughts were filled with fear and uncertainty—“why me?”—a sentiment many patients can relate to. However, Marc’s journey took a positive turn thanks to a remarkable set of circumstances and a dedicated medical team.

Innovative Treatment Approaches

Marc was fortunate to be referred to Dr. William Isacoff, who implemented a unique treatment strategy. This approach involved administering lower doses of a combination of chemotherapy drugs over extended periods, carefully adjusting for any side effects. This personalized treatment plan marked a turning point in Marc’s battle against cancer.

• Initial Challenges: The first year was particularly arduous as Marc endured several debilitating side effects, including mouth sores, fatigue, and significant weight loss.
• Chemotherapy Progress: Despite these challenges, the chemotherapy began to show promising results. Initially, the pancreatic lesion measured 32 mm by 28 mm, but recent scans revealed it shrank to just 6 mm by 8 mm. Moreover, the liver masses that were once sizable became undetectable.

Marc attributes his ability to persevere through these hardships to his unwavering positivity and the steadfast support of his wife, Karen, who has been his rock throughout this journey.

Living Life to the Fullest

Even with the cloud of cancer looming over him, Marc and Karen have strived to maintain a fulfilling lifestyle. They enjoy dining out, catching movies, and traveling to various destinations including Costa Rica, Scotland, and Hawaii. Their upcoming trip to the Baltic further exemplifies their zest for life.

• Staying Active: Marc emphasizes the importance of physical activity, often swimming laps when he’s not connected to his chemotherapy pump.
• Positive Mindset: Having transitioned from consuming negative information to focusing on the positives, Marc encourages others facing similar diagnoses to seek doctors who promote a hopeful outlook and effective treatment plans.

While Marc acknowledges that he will never be entirely cancer-free, he prefers not to be defined by his illness. Instead, he wishes for people to recognize his determination to live as normally as possible, thriving with the love and support of his wife, four children, and eight grandchildren.

Marc’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. To hear more about his experiences and insights, check out the video titled “As Each Day Goes By.”

In the words of Marc, “I’ve got a lot of livin’ to do!”