My Cancer Story

In March of 2021, I was having back/side pain led me to ER and discovery of blood clots and a mass on tail of pancreas. That night was the start of myself and my family “Riding the Wave”.

Shortly after diagnosis, through genetic testing it was discovered that I had a BRCA 2 genetic mutation which contributed to the cause of my cancer and also has targeted treatment options. My uncle was fighting pancreatic cancer at the time and we shared the same BRCA mutation.

I had surgery in June 2021, 3 months after diagnosis. I had chemo (Folfirinox), before and after the surgery. I was able to have a break of about 14 months while just getting scans until some spots were found on my liver. I received chemo “cocktail” number 2 (Gem-Cis) for 6 months. I then had 3 SBRT radiation treatments in June of 2023. I continued on chemo after the radiation.

Progression was found in Aug 2023 and at that time I went on a PARP Inhibitor, which is a pill. I was able to do the PARP due to my BRCA mutation, but unfortunately, I was only on that for 2 months because it didn’t work as intended.

I had large elevation in my CA19 tumor marker number and more progression this past November. So now I got to start my 3rd chemo cocktail (Gem-Abraxane) which I am currently still doing.

I have gotten to ride a lot of waves. Lots of highs and lows. Over 3 years, I have had hundreds of appointments, over 50 chemo treatments and 3 different chemo “cocktails”, a distal pancreatectomy/splenectomy/cholecystectomy, SBRT, and fought COVID 2 months ago that put me in the hospital while I was getting treatment.

I’m a fairly tough guy and my wife is relentless in the most kind and compassionate way. Brooke has been such a rock for me and our family. I truly do not know what we would have done without her. She is the true definition of a caretaker.

She is an intense researcher. She/We have had to become students of this disease, and have learned that we have to do the heavy lifting when it comes to leaving no stone unturned. We don’t take “no” without having a good reason – and historically, it has served us well. We are recently still fighting and asking questions after hearing a few “no’s” lately as well.

We have seen 5 oncologists at University of Iowa, Mayo, Washington DC, Philadelphia, and New York City. We went to the east coast to see oncologists that are world renowned BRCA specialists.

I’ve modified my diet beyond recognition (no dairy, no red meat, limited added sugar), lost my hair, experienced neuropathy and most of the expected treatment side effects at one time or another, but I’m still here and overall, doing pretty darn well.

I’ve been working with an integrative oncologist which has helped me combat side effects. I believe this has been a major factor in my overall health.

We are fierce Pancreas Cancer advocates who have connected with many different people who are experiencing a similar journey such as mine.

We have fought against chemo drug shortages due to my own experience with a shortage of the chemo drug cisplatin. We worked with a great organization called Angels for Change and within about 2 days they helped myself and around 50 other patients at my hospital get the chemo drugs they needed. We have lent our name and story to many organizations including: The New York Times, Good Morning America, NewsNation and Fox News. We have worked with pancreatic organizations like PanCan and Project Purple.

Brooke and I have truly taken this terrible situation and have made the most of it. I feel like I have lived a lifetime in the span of 3 years. I know I am lucky and blessed to be able to have these 3 years and hopefully many, many more because there are so many more fighters that we have lost along the way.