Triumph Over Adversity: Battling Pancreatic Cancer Twice and Emerging Stronger
A Journey of Survival: Steven Lewis’s Battle Against Pancreatic Cancer
In August 2007, Steven Lewis’s life took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. While traveling to their country home in the Berkshires with his wife, Karen, and son, they noticed he had developed jaundice, a condition that turned his skin yellow. Despite being asymptomatic at the time, he took the matter seriously and consulted his doctor back in Boston. This decision ultimately led him down a path of resilience and hope.
Diagnosis and Initial Steps
Concerned about the jaundice, Steven sought medical attention at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Initially, doctors suspected a gallstone, but the shadow of pancreatic cancer loomed large given his family history. After undergoing a CT scan and an endoscopic biopsy, the grim news was confirmed: Steven had pancreatic cancer.
- Initial Symptoms: Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
- Diagnosis: Confirmed via biopsy
Combatting Cancer: Surgery and Treatment
Faced with this life-altering diagnosis, Steven and his family rallied together, viewing his recovery as a mission. Thanks to the small size of his tumor, he qualified for the Whipple procedure, a complex surgery aimed at removing cancerous parts of the pancreas. Under the skilled hands of Dr. Mark Callery, the surgery was executed successfully, even though the recovery was lengthy.
- Surgical Team: Dr. Mark Callery and his specialists
- Surgical Procedure: Whipple procedure
Post-surgery, Steven underwent CyberKnife radiation, a cutting-edge treatment at the time, along with conventional radiation and chemotherapy to eliminate any lingering cancer cells. Despite side effects like extreme fatigue, Steven maintained a positive outlook, believing that a hopeful mindset was essential for healing.
Setback: Return of Cancer
Despite his initial recovery, 2010 brought a new challenge when a routine scan revealed a liver metastasis. Rather than succumbing to despair, Steven demanded proactive treatment. With the hospital’s tumor board backing his request, he underwent a PET scan, which confirmed that the cancer hadn’t spread beyond the liver.
- New Diagnosis: Liver metastasis discovered in 2010
- Action Taken: Aggressive treatment rather than palliative care
Surgery and Recovery
With the all-clear on metastasis, Dr. Douglas Hanto performed surgery to remove the liver tumor. Although he faced a difficult recovery due to a post-surgical infection, Steven remained steadfast in his determination to overcome obstacles.
Life After Cancer: Thriving and Inspiring Others
Now at 70 years old, Steven has emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Living in Florida, he has transitioned from cancer patient to a professor at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University. Since his liver surgery, he has remained cancer-free and continues to undergo regular checkups.
- Current Role: Professor at Florida Atlantic University
- Health Status: Cancer-free since liver surgery
Steven’s battle with cancer has solidified his belief in what he calls “the power of choice.” By choosing to maintain a positive attitude, he not only navigated his health challenges but also fostered a supportive community around him. In 2014, he authored "The Ripple Effect: How a Positive Attitude and a Caring Community Helped Save My Life," sharing his journey and insights with others facing similar battles.
For those grappling with pancreatic cancer or other serious illnesses, Steven’s story serves as a powerful reminder that a positive mindset can transform adversity into strength.
Watch Steven’s inspiring journey in the video "Bold, Aggressive, Decisive, and Rapid" on YouTube and learn more about his advocacy work in the pancreatic cancer community.
