Unforeseen Diagnosis: My Journey with Pancreatic Cancer
Cliff Ramos, a retired wrestling coach, found himself in a life-altering battle against pancreatic cancer after a shocking diagnosis shortly after his 65th birthday. What began as a seemingly ordinary day turned into a journey filled with unexpected challenges and medical interventions. As he navigated through chemotherapy, surgery, and recovery, Cliff’s determination shone brightly, not only for himself but for others facing similar trials.
Unexpected Diagnosis: A Turning Point
On April 6, 2018, Cliff enjoyed an active day filled with tennis, yard work, and gym sessions. However, the following day, he experienced alarming symptoms: dark urine and severe abdominal pain. After visiting urgent care, tests led him to the emergency room in Braselton, Georgia, where a CT scan revealed a tumor in his pancreas. A biopsy confirmed the worst—adenocarcinoma pancreatic cancer. This sudden diagnosis left him little time for preparation.
Challenging Treatment Journey
Cliff was referred to a surgeon at Emory in Atlanta, where he began his treatment plan, including three rounds of FOLFIRINOX. Initially scheduled for surgery in late August, complications arose when a blocked bile duct required a stent. A month later, a gall bladder issue caused further delays, necessitating the insertion of a cholecystostomy tube. As Cliff dealt with these setbacks, his daughter’s connections led him to MD Anderson in Houston for specialized care.
After undergoing one final round of chemotherapy and radiation, Cliff finally had his Whipple procedure on October 4, 2018. While the surgery was successful, his surgeon, Dr. Matthew Katz, faced challenges in removing all cancerous cells.
Navigating Post-Surgery Complications
The aftermath of the surgery was grueling. Cliff spent nine days in the hospital, followed by a painful recovery at home. He battled fever, nausea, and insomnia, eventually returning to the hospital due to liver abscesses. Throughout this ordeal, a nurse’s advice resonated with him: to motivate himself as he did with his wrestling students.
After a few weeks, he resumed chemotherapy, completing five cycles of gemcitabine and capecitabine. By the end of 2018, he returned to Suwanee, Georgia, but faced ongoing digestive issues and hospitalizations due to complications from his surgery.
Resilience and Hope
Despite the hurdles, Cliff remained optimistic. Over 15 months post-diagnosis, his tumor markers were promising, and CT scans revealed clear results. Inspired by Randy Pausch’s The Last Lecture, Cliff channeled his experiences into writing. His book, One More Practice, published in April 2019, shares insights from his wrestling coaching and cancer journey, with all proceeds benefiting the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN).
In a heartwarming display of community support, former wrestlers joined Cliff for “one more practice” in June 2019, raising additional funds for PanCAN.
Tragically, Cliff lost his battle with pancreatic cancer two and a half years after his diagnosis. His legacy of resilience and passion for coaching will continue to inspire his students, friends, and family. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.
For more insights on pancreatic cancer and support resources, visit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
