It’s been a little over a week since I received my diagnosis; Stage IV Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. It’s about the worst cancer card you can pull out of the deck. Subsequent to getting this bombshell news, I’ve been back to the hospital 2 times (4 more days) to have various related issues addressed. Meanwhile, we’re trying to learn as much as we can about the disease and treatment options, securing records, and scheduling consults. On top of this, I’ve been physically exhausted and dealing with a lot of pain.
As distressing as this has been on my family and me, what’s more overwhelming has been the outpouring of love and support. We are so grateful for those have contributed advice, made connections, and donated to the fund that was set up. The donations will help us significantly in the short term, as neither Michelle nor I are currently working while we address my immediate health issues and sort out the treatment plan moving forward. In addition to clinical trials, we will also explore experimental treatments, many of which come with significant out of pocket expense. Thank you for helping to make this possible!
Since diagnosis, I’ve had a couple of oncological consults and we’re very excited that Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center will review my case on Monday, June 30. My hope is to get admitted into their program and get started on a chemotherapy regimen immediately (likely the Folfirinox regimen), as the cancer is spreading as I write this. Once I get stabilized with chemo, I will have more energy and time to explore additional options like clinical trials and experimental drugs (under “compassionate care” use) that offer more hope than the standard chemo / palliative care plan.
My definition for success in this fight is to live as many quality days as I can for as long as I can. As dim as the prognosis is, I am hopeful that there is a treatment out there that will help me enhance the quality and the extent of my life.
We could use your help with some research on these fronts. Michelle or I will post again soon with some specific requests that we’re hoping our precious support network (that’s you) can help us with.
With gratitude and love,
Todd
#zestforlife