How I Found Out I had Pancreatic Cancer - Matthew | The Patient Story
The Patient Story・19 minutes read
Matthew Rosenblum's battle with pancreatic cancer, initially misdiagnosed, led to successful treatment with a combination of chemotherapy and surgery, emphasizing the importance of individual experiences in fighting the disease despite low survival rates.
Insights
- Matthew Rosenblum's journey showcases the complexity of diagnosing and treating pancreatic cancer, emphasizing the importance of recognizing nuanced symptoms and pursuing thorough medical evaluation.
- The individual's experience underscores the resilience and hope that can emerge even in the face of a dire diagnosis, highlighting the significance of personalized treatment approaches and the value of maintaining a positive outlook despite challenging circumstances.
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Recent questions
What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
Weight loss, dark urine, pale stool, severe itching.
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Summary
00:00
"Matthew Rosenblum: Battling Pancreatic Cancer Journey"
- Matthew Rosenblum resides in Hazel Park, Michigan, with his girlfriend, Natalie, and their pug, Monique.
- Due to his illness, Matthew has been unemployed for three years, despite pursuing a Ph.D. and an academic career.
- Pancreatic cancer is challenging to diagnose due to its deep location in the body and nuanced symptoms.
- Matthew's history of Crohn's disease masked early signs of pancreatic cancer, such as gastrointestinal distress.
- In January 2021, Matthew experienced noticeable symptoms like weight loss, dark urine, and pale stool.
- Severe itching on his hands and feet, worse at night, prompted Matthew to seek medical attention.
- A high bilirubin level indicated liver issues, leading to further tests and eventual hospitalization.
- A stricture in Matthew's bile duct caused jaundice and elevated liver enzymes, initially misdiagnosed as gallbladder issues.
- Despite initial reassurances, a cytology report revealed adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer, leading to a Whipple surgery.
- The surgery revealed metastatic pancreatic cancer, deemed inoperable, but potential targeted therapies were considered due to a suspected genetic abnormality.
18:35
Pancreatic Cancer: Surgery, Chemotherapy, and Hope
- Surgery is the primary long-term solution for pancreatic cancer, with chemotherapy and radiation serving to extend life rather than cure the disease.
- The individual began chemotherapy in May 2021, initially with a cocktail called full Fiora Knox, which was harsh and led to minimal tumor shrinkage.
- After the cancer metastasized to the liver, a different chemotherapy cocktail of gemcitabine, ABRAXANE, and Cisplatin significantly improved the individual's quality of life and reduced liver spots.
- Following three more months of this new chemotherapy, the individual underwent a successful Whipple surgery, with all cancerous tissue removed and negative lymph nodes.
- Despite the low survival rates associated with pancreatic cancer, the individual's experience highlights the importance of not being defined by statistics, the non-linear nature of treatment, and the significance of living life to the fullest.
