Unwavering Determination: My Journey of Relentless Resilience
Lynne Holcomb’s inspiring journey with stage IV pancreatic cancer began on December 4, 2015, during a Clemson University tailgate in Charlotte, North Carolina. After her daughter noticed a drastic change in her skin color, they sought medical advice from nearby medical students. This crucial decision led Lynne to Novant Hospital, where a CT scan revealed tumors on both her pancreas and liver, marking the start of an arduous battle against cancer.
The Road to Diagnosis
After spending five days in the hospital undergoing tests, including a liver biopsy, Lynne was diagnosed with inoperable tumors. Initially, she received a grim prognosis of just three to six months to live. Despite this bleak outlook, her oncologist, Dr. Jimmy Hwang, took a proactive approach, recommending an aggressive chemotherapy regimen known as FOLFIRINOX. For about eight months, this treatment kept her tumors stable, but severe neuropathy forced a change to Gemzar and Abraxane.
Exploring Clinical Trials
In her quest for effective treatment, Lynne enrolled in a Phase I clinical trial that involved innovative drugs like nivolumab, ipilimumab, and cobimetinib. Conducted by Dr. Asim Amin at the Levine Cancer Institute, this trial was sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb. Remarkably, Lynne’s tumors began to shrink almost immediately after starting the trial, and she continued for a year despite experiencing side effects like severe acne and pneumonitis.
- Immediate tumor reduction
- Side effects managed with treatment
- Continued progress even after trial completion
Life Beyond Cancer
Now, over a year since her last treatment, Lynne is thriving. At 58 years old, she feels healthier than ever, engaging in weightlifting and running. Each scan has returned with positive results, showing no signs of cancer.
Lynne attributes her healing to her unwavering faith, stating, "I give all the glory to God for my recovery." She hopes her story serves as a beacon of hope for others battling similar diagnoses. Many stage IV patients face discouraging advice, but Lynne encourages them to "FIGHT!" She emphasizes the importance of resilience, sharing that her clinical trial was approved just two weeks before her tumors began to grow again.
A Message of Hope
In conclusion, Lynne Holcomb’s story exemplifies the power of faith, support, and medical innovation. Her journey underscores the critical role of perseverance and hope in overcoming life-threatening challenges. Lynne remains committed to advocating for others facing similar battles, reminding them that the fight for life is worth every effort.
Watch Lynne share her inspiring story here.
