How I Learned I had Pancreatic Cancer: My First Signs - Roger | The Patient Story

The Patient Story2 minutes read

Roger, a lawyer in Silicon Valley, discovered he had stage two pancreatic cancer after seeking a liquid biopsy and advocating for his health, emphasizing the importance of self-education and assertiveness in navigating the healthcare system. His journey involved aggressive chemotherapy, lifestyle changes, and a neoantigen peptide vaccine, ultimately achieving a cancer-free status and highlighting the need for quick action and individualized care in pancreatic cancer treatment.

Insights

  • Roger's proactive approach to his health led him to seek out specialized tests and treatments, ultimately resulting in the diagnosis and treatment of his stage two pancreatic cancer.
  • Roger's journey emphasized the importance of self-education, assertiveness in healthcare decision-making, and the necessity for patients to take an active role in navigating their treatment options and advocating for individualized care.

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Recent questions

  • What led Roger to seek out liquid biopsies?

    Roger, a lawyer in Silicon Valley, pursued liquid biopsies for ten years due to their less invasive nature compared to other tests. Despite having no symptoms, he noticed a slight increase in his blood sugar, prompting further investigation.

  • How did Roger's proactive approach impact his health journey?

    Roger's proactive approach in advocating for his health led him to opt for a liquid biopsy by Grail, which detected potential signals for pancreatic cancer. This proactive stance ultimately led to his diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the importance of self-education and assertiveness in navigating the healthcare system.

  • What challenges did Roger face during his cancer treatment?

    Roger experienced severe side effects from chemotherapy, including aging appearance and lingering symptoms. Despite these challenges, he underwent aggressive chemotherapy treatment and made decisions to protect his liver and kidneys, emphasizing the need for patients to take an active role in their treatment choices.

  • How did Roger achieve cancer-free status?

    Roger underwent a combination of treatments, including three months of chemotherapy, surgery, and another three months of chemo, ultimately achieving cancer-free status. He also received a neoantigen peptide vaccine in Japan, highlighting the importance of quick action in treating pancreatic cancer.

  • What lifestyle changes did Roger implement to reduce cancer recurrence risk?

    Roger implemented significant lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, supplements, sauna therapy, and cold therapy, to strengthen his immune system and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. These changes, coupled with his proactive approach to treatment, played a crucial role in his journey to achieving cancer-free status.

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Summary

00:00

"Roger's Proactive Journey: Navigating Pancreatic Cancer"

  • Roger, a lawyer in Silicon Valley, sought liquid biopsies for ten years due to their less invasive nature compared to other tests.
  • Despite having no symptoms, Roger noticed a slight increase in his blood sugar, a clue he initially overlooked.
  • After researching, Roger opted for a liquid biopsy by Grail, which detected potential signals for pancreatic cancer.
  • Following further tests, Roger was diagnosed with stage two pancreatic cancer, despite being considered low-risk due to his age and health.
  • Roger emphasized the importance of advocating for one's health, as doctors may not prioritize preventative measures.
  • Roger's proactive approach led him to seek out specialized tests and treatments, ultimately leading to his diagnosis and treatment.
  • Roger's experience highlighted the necessity of self-education and assertiveness in navigating the healthcare system.
  • Roger challenged conventional statistics on pancreatic cancer, emphasizing the uniqueness of each case and the importance of individualized care.
  • Roger's journey involved consultations with multiple oncologists to make informed decisions about his treatment plan.
  • The process of managing his pancreatic cancer underscored the need for patients to take an active role in decision-making and treatment choices.

14:26

"Overcoming Cancer: Treatment, Lifestyle Changes, Success"

  • Experienced severe side effects from chemotherapy, including aging appearance and lingering symptoms.
  • Underwent aggressive chemotherapy treatment due to perceived strength to tolerate maximum dose.
  • Opted out of additional drugs to combat chemo side effects to protect liver and kidneys.
  • Switched chemotherapy types based on pathology report, undergoing three months of chemo, surgery, and another three months of chemo.
  • Achieved cancer-free status through a combination of treatments, lifestyle changes, and forward-looking technologies.
  • Received a neoantigen peptide vaccine in Japan, emphasizing the importance of quick action for pancreatic cancer.
  • Advocated for FDA approval of cancer vaccines and highlighted the cost difference between countries for the same treatment.
  • Implemented significant lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, supplements, sauna therapy, and cold therapy, to strengthen the immune system and reduce cancer recurrence risk.
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