Unlocking New Possibilities: How a Second Opinion Can Inspire Hope for a Brighter Future
In a heart-wrenching journey that began just before her 45th birthday, Leanne Pierce faced the daunting diagnosis of stage IV pancreatic adenocarcinoma in 2018. As a dedicated mother of two young sons, aged 7 and 9, Leanne’s life took a sudden turn when vague symptoms evolved into a critical health crisis. After a series of frustrating visits to doctors, she finally pushed for a CT scan, leading to the devastating news: a 2.5-cm cystic lesion on her pancreas, alongside lesions on her liver.
The Importance of a Second Opinion
Initially, Leanne received treatment options from her local hospital in Rhode Island, which included standard chemotherapy and a clinical trial with a less intense regimen. However, she decided to seek a second opinion at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, where she was quickly seen by a knowledgeable team. Under the guidance of Dr. Nadine McCleary, Leanne began FOLFIRINOX, an aggressive chemotherapy regimen tailored to address her specific cancer type.
Before starting treatment, she underwent a biopsy and necessary genetic testing to ensure any future options would be personalized. This proactive approach gave her hope and clarity in a challenging time.
Navigating Life on Chemotherapy
Leanne’s chemotherapy sessions were rigorous, lasting between four to six hours every other week, culminating in 50 treatments. To combat the side effects, she received supportive therapies, including hydration and boosters for her white blood cells. Alongside her treatments, Leanne embraced significant lifestyle changes, focusing on a nutritious diet devoid of sugar, flour, and acidic foods. Collaborating with Hannah Dalpiaz, a nutritionist at Dana-Farber, she also explored holistic approaches like biweekly acupuncture and acupressure.
The results from her first follow-up scan were promising: the tumor had shrunk by 75%. Though subsequent scans showed stability—an outcome that was comforting yet not entirely satisfying—Leanne continued to persevere, leading to further tumor reduction over time.
A Turning Point: Chemo Break
After a thorough evaluation, scans in December 2019 revealed no active cancer on her pancreas, although a large spot on her liver persisted. Despite initial resistance from the tumor board, Leanne’s oncologist advocated for the removal of that spot through cryoablation in March 2020. The biopsy later confirmed that the spot was a benign cyst, not cancerous, prompting her doctor to recommend a break from chemotherapy.
Since June 9, 2020, Leanne has enjoyed a reprieve from active treatment, with follow-up scans every three to four months at Dana-Farber consistently showing no signs of cancer. This ongoing vigilance fills her with optimism for the future.
The Value of Seeking Expert Care
Leanne emphasizes the critical importance of seeking a second opinion at specialized cancer centers. By doing so, patients not only gain tailored treatment options but also access teams that are well-versed in managing the complexities of pancreatic cancer and its side effects. The expertise and familiarity of the medical staff at Dana-Farber played a vital role in her treatment journey, enabling her to endure and thrive despite the challenges.
For more inspiring stories and insights into cancer survivorship, check out "You Can Be the Outlier," where Leanne shares her remarkable journey.
