Unlocking Tumor Removal: How Chemotherapy Paves the Way for Successful Surgery

A Journey of Hope: Anne Seagren’s Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer

In December 2006, Anne Seagren felt an unusual pressure in her side. At 56, she knew it was crucial to take action. After consulting her doctor, she reluctantly agreed to a CT scan, which revealed a shocking truth: a tumor on her pancreas. This marked the beginning of her intense battle against pancreatic cancer, a journey that would test her resilience and spirit.

The Diagnosis and Initial Steps

On January 31, 2007, a biopsy conducted at Hoag Hospital confirmed Anne’s worst fears—she had pancreatic cancer. Just a day later, she was referred to Dr. Howard Reber at UCLA for potential surgery. However, the news was discouraging; the tumor had infiltrated an artery, making surgery impossible at that stage.

Shortly after, she met with Dr. William Isacoff, an oncologist at UCLA, who initiated her treatment with Xeloda, a pill-based chemotherapy. Although the initial treatment was brief, it set the stage for what would follow.

Chemotherapy Journey

Anne’s chemotherapy regimen kicked off soon after. She received gemcitabine and 5-FU through intravenous infusion twice weekly. The treatments, lasting about two hours each, left her fatigued but surprisingly resilient.

• Fatigue: While the treatments drained her energy, she managed to adapt her life around them.
• Blood Transfusions: As her red blood cell count dwindled, Anne found herself needing blood transfusions, which became a source of relief and rejuvenation.

Despite the emotional rollercoaster, Anne leaned on her close-knit support system of family and friends, drawing strength from their encouragement. She consciously chose to focus on what truly mattered, stepping away from worries that once consumed her.

Facing the Reality of Cancer

Avoiding deep dives into cancer statistics, Anne aimed to maintain a positive mindset. She believed that a hopeful outlook was essential for healing. As the months progressed, she experienced a tough battle with chemotherapy, especially during the hot summer months when she felt physically drained and unwell.

Nevertheless, each visit to her oncologist brought promising news; her tumor was shrinking, and her health was improving. The positive updates bolstered her spirits and fueled her determination.

The Path to Surgery

By August 2007, after seven months of chemotherapy, Anne underwent another CT scan and an endoscopic ultrasound to evaluate her eligibility for Whipple surgery. The results were favorable, and she was scheduled for surgery on September 17, a date that held personal significance as it was her late father’s birthday.

Despite some initial recovery challenges, the surgery was a success, and the pathology report indicated she was cancer-free. With each passing day, Anne regained her strength and vitality.

A Decade of Survival

Fast forward ten years, and Anne continues to thrive. She visits her oncologist for check-ups every six months, free from complications related to her past illness. Grateful for the expertise of Dr. Isacoff and Dr. Reber, she remains connected with fellow cancer patients, sharing her journey and insights.

For those interested in Anne’s inspiring story, you can watch her video titled “Don’t Believe the Odds” where she discusses her experience and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Anne’s journey exemplifies the strength of the human spirit and the importance of hope in battling cancer.