Living with Pancreatic Cancer: Embracing Each Day with Hope and Resilience

In January 2020, François faced a life-altering diagnosis during a routine checkup. What began as a standard blood test revealed unsettling news—a potential cancer diagnosis. Following an ultrasound at U.C. San Francisco, the shocking reality of stage IV pancreatic cancer was confirmed, and François was given a mere three months to live. This news would set him on a challenging journey filled with hope, resilience, and a quest for innovative treatment options.

The Start of a Battle Against Cancer

François was fortunate to have a robust medical team guiding him, consisting of doctors from Stanford and UCSF, alongside local specialists in Marin County. Initially, he commenced treatment with FOLFIRINOX, a chemotherapy regimen that proved effective. Additionally, genetic testing revealed the BRCA1 mutation, which opened the door for treatment with Lynparza (olaparib). Although this targeted therapy worked temporarily, François soon faced new challenges.

• January 2021: Chemotherapy became ineffective, and liver complications arose due to a blocked biliary drain.
• Transitioned to a combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin, which provided relief for nine months.

François felt fortunate to have found a treatment that worked for him, but the battle was far from over.

Exploring New Horizons in Treatment

With the understanding that his initial treatment could falter at any moment, François proactively sought additional options. He discovered that many oncologists were limited to the clinical trials available at their own facilities. This realization prompted him to reach out to various experts across the nation, a daunting task he felt unqualified to handle alone.

That’s when Dr. George Fisher from Stanford recommended Cancer Commons, a platform dedicated to helping patients navigate their treatment options. By March 2021, François began collaborating with Lola Rahib at Cancer Commons, who presented his case to the Virtual Tumor Board. This group of specialized oncologists identified six promising clinical trials tailored to his needs.

• François began contacting each trial in the summer.
• Unfortunately, by late August, the cisplatin treatment lost its effectiveness, leading to a hospitalization due to fever.

Despite the potential of a clinical trial, the lengthy screening process forced François to prioritize immediate treatment with Abraxane, sidelining his trial options temporarily.

Current Health Situation and Future Plans

By October 6, 2021, François faced an obstacle—the blood counts that would allow him to restart Abraxane weren’t suitable. In a bid to buy time, Dr. Fisher suggested targeted radiation therapy on one specific liver lesion, hoping to shrink it and restore liver function. The plan was to resume Abraxane by November.

François reflects on this challenging journey, feeling grateful for each day.

• Navigating Treatment: He emphasizes the isolation patients often feel, even with supportive networks. Effective communication among medical professionals is crucial yet often lacking, making it essential for patients to advocate for themselves.

Life Beyond Cancer

At 63, François cherishes his life, filled with adventures, a loving wife, and two independent sons. He believes in valuing quality over quantity when it comes to life. Drawing inspiration from climber Alex Honnold, François focuses on living fully rather than merely extending life.

"I appreciate the time I have, especially after being told I had only three months," he shares.

As he prepares for the next phase of treatment with his sights set on Abraxane, François remains optimistic. “Every day is a gift,” he concludes, embracing the unpredictability of life with grace and determination.

François’s journey serves as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. His collaboration with Cancer Commons highlights the importance of comprehensive support for cancer patients navigating complex treatment landscapes.

Note: François passed away in December 2021, but his story continues to inspire those facing similar battles. His legacy serves as a reminder of the strength found in community and the relentless pursuit of hope.