Unexpected Cancer Diagnosis: My Journey Without a Family History
Marianne’s Journey: Battling Pancreatic Cancer with Courage and Hope
In an unexpected twist of fate, Marianne, a seasoned nursing professional, found herself facing a shocking diagnosis that altered her life forever. While she had always been aware of her family’s health history, cancer was never a concern—until one fateful evening when a simple family gathering turned into a life-altering experience. After experiencing chest pain while celebrating her daughter’s new home, she sought medical attention, leading to a startling discovery.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
Initially suspecting a heart issue, Marianne was devastated when imaging revealed a mass in her pancreas obstructing the bile duct. The term adenocarcinoma was uttered, leaving her in disbelief. As a Senior Director of Nursing, she was familiar with the implications of such a diagnosis. "Cancer and pancreas were never two words I thought I’d hear together," she recalled, grappling with the reality of her situation.
Recognizing the complexity of her condition, Marianne realized she needed specialized care. The procedure she required was not commonly performed at her hospital, prompting her to seek a facility that specialized in the Whipple procedure, a complex surgery essential for her treatment.
The Whipple Procedure and Recovery
Gratefully, Marianne was deemed a suitable candidate for the Whipple procedure, which involves the removal of the gall bladder, parts of the intestines, stomach, and the affected portion of the pancreas. This intricate surgery was successful, and post-operation scans showed no further evidence of cancer. After two months of recovery, she hoped to breathe easier—only to discover that her journey was just beginning.
The oncologist revealed the presence of two small spots on her liver, leading to a grim diagnosis of Stage IV pancreatic cancer with metastases. The original plan for chemotherapy was adjusted, and they opted for a more aggressive treatment approach.
Chemotherapy Regimen and Challenges
Initially, Marianne began her treatment with a reduced dose of FOLFIRINOX, followed by a switch to FOLFOX after two months. Although the tumor in her liver remained stable, she began experiencing painful neuropathy in her hands, a common side effect of chemotherapy.
Exploring Innovative Testing: Liquid Biopsy
Determined to take control of her treatment, Marianne collaborated with her oncologist to undergo circulating tumor cell testing, commonly known as a liquid biopsy. This innovative test provided insights into her cancer’s behavior, enabling her doctor to tailor her chemotherapy regimen. Despite the test being experimental and not covered by insurance, Marianne chose to proceed, leading to a customized plan involving gemcitabine and infusional 5-FU every two weeks.
In a remarkable turn of events, recent scans indicated that the tumors in her liver were nearly undetectable.
A Message of Hope
Fast forward to today—more than a year since her diagnosis, Marianne feels optimistic and well. The side effects of her treatment have been manageable, allowing her to enjoy quality time with her loved ones, including a recent cruise with her family. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
In her own words, Marianne expressed her desire to share her story to inspire others battling pancreatic cancer, highlighting the importance of seeking advanced treatment options and maintaining a positive outlook throughout the journey.
Tragically, sixteen months after sharing her story, Marianne passed away. Her legacy of courage and hope continues to resonate, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, while deeply appreciating her willingness to share her experience with the world.
