06/02/2011

I am a recent pancreatic cancer victim, but I want to share my story for everyone out there in the battle with this terrible disease... First, let me cover my medical history. I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on November, 19, 2010. I had a Whipple procedure the day before Thanksgiving. The surgery went well and I was home in 10 days. On January 4, 2011 a CT scan showed five lesions on my liver. I started the Folfirinox chemotherapy regime immediately. I have had 9 treatments and the side effects have been challenging. However, a CT scan after the eighth treatment showed that the lesions were gone from my liver. The treatment is working and I am optimistic about the future. Getting a diagnosis of metastatic pancreatic cancer can certainly change your life. I have found it takes four things to get me through this battle. They are faith in God, support from my wife, Jean, our family and friends, a sense of humor, and a positive attitude. My grandson, Sean, recently ran in a 5K event and raised over $600. His t-shirt that he wore in the event read “My Grandpa’s Battle is My Battle Supporting Him Until he Wins”. I urge everyone to get involved with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. My company has formed a team (Comfort Keepers for a Cure) and we will be walking in the PurpleStride walk in Washington DC on June 18th. We also plan to hold a gospel concert in September with the proceeds going to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. I am forming a Pancreatic Cancer Support Group in our area. We need money for research and those of us who are closest to the disease need to take a leadership role in raising that money. Finally, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of a positive attitude. I have a friend who has MS. She says she has MS, but MS does not have her. I feel the same way. I have pancreatic cancer, but it doesn’t have me. I’m in this fight to win.