New Chemo & Update

**Picture above of one of Peter’s support groups including several 10+ year survivors

My friend

I recently lost a good friend from church, someone I’ve known for nearly four decades. He and his family have been supportive of me as I faced my diagnosis. Sadly, he was diagnosed with the same cancer just a few months ago and passed away far too soon. One of the hardest parts of living with this disease is meeting new friends who are facing the same disease only to lose them so quickly, but it’s even tougher when it’s a long-time friend.

Off the trial

A few weeks ago, we officially transitioned off the clinical trial that I had been part of since last May and started a new line of chemotherapy. 

It’s still a bit early to tell how well the new treatment is working.  I’ve had two infusions so far, and the initial cancer markers are a bit of a mixed bag. Some of my pain seemed to ease up at first, but later returned, so for now, we’re staying hopeful and will wait a few more rounds to assess how well this treatment is working.

Radiation and EUS

One advantage of no longer being on a trial is that we can explore other treatment options. My doctor asked if I’m open to radiation therapy. Unlike chemotherapy, where I’m given intravenous medications to attack the cancer, this radiation therapy focuses radiation at the tumor, in hopes of damaging it via ablation, or burning it.

When I was a kid, my mom told me to stay back from the TV because of her radiation fears. Today, I thank God for radiation as one more advanced tool against my cancer!

Thankfully, I was able to quickly get an appointment with the radiation oncologist. Our meeting went well and she said that I’m a good candidate for this procedure. She’s highly credentialed, and I even came across her name in several pancreatic cancer resources. I feel confident that I’m in good hands.

I’m also scheduled for an EUS procedure with a different surgeon at the end of the month. I had one done as part of my initial diagnosis, but we need some additional tumor tissue samples so we can run some further genetic testing.

Additionally, we’re considering a celiac block to help manage some abdominal pains.

Scheduling issues –  I could use your prayers

1. I would like my radiation therapy to begin as soon as possible.
2. Ideally, my EUS would take place sooner than later so that I can start radiation therapy without delay.  I’ve been calling the doctor’s office almost daily to check for cancellations, hoping to move my appointment up. Right now, it’s scheduled for 4/29, but I’m really hoping for something on or before 4/22, God willing.

Two organizations I believe in

I truly believe I’m still here today thanks in large part to the support of these two incredible organizations: 

The Hirshberg Foundation

On the first weekend of April, I attended the Hirshberg Foundation’s annual symposium. The event gave encouraging updates on advances in pancreatic cancer research. It was at last year’s symposium that I first learned of UCLA’s interdisciplinary “big picture” approach to patient care – combining chemo, radiation, and surgery, as well as physical therapy, nutrition, and psycho-social support, etc. The symposium was a nice blend of medical and clinical information, as well as some patient/survivor focused teachings. I think they handled that mix well with much care and sensitively.

This event also offers a chance for fellow patients and survivors to connect and share their stories which is an experience that’s both humbling and inspiring. Just like at last year’s symposium, I didn’t feel alone in this fight, and I left with a renewed sense of hope, thanks to the foundation’s goals and impact. 

PanCAN and this year’s PanCAN walk

I plan to participate in the PanCAN walk again this year and some friends even made a team! 

I’m not sure if or how far I’ll personally be able to walk this year, but more importantly, I want to support the awareness and research efforts of this event. Last year, the event was instrumental in connecting me with the right people at a time when I needed to find the next step in my treatment.  Through this event, I met Robbie, an oncology navigator, who helped guide me towards meeting my current doctor and getting me onto a clinical trial at UCLA. I’m so grateful for that connection and for the supportive environment that PanCAN provides.

Prayer requests

1. Scheduling of all my procedures (see above “Scheduling issues – I could use your prayers”).
2. That my new chemotherapy treatment becomes more effective in fighting my cancer, leading to the tumor hopefully shrinking or at least not growing and preventing any spread. 
3. That the addition of radiation treatment will help shrink the tumor more quickly and bring it under control.
4. That the celiac block will be effective in alleviating pain. 
5. That my side effects continue to be manageable.
6. For more research to be performed in pancreatic cancer so that others don’t have to suffer or lose their lives to this aggressive disease. 
7. For greater awareness and successful fundraising at the PanCAN walk.

Reflections

In all these things, I try to balance trusting God with accepting my personal role in this.

I show up to chemo, do my best to apply what I learn from PT and other therapies, and work to build connections between patients, their families, and their faith.

But at the end of the day, whether it’s difficulties or blessings I trust God, or at least try to trust God. 

Sometimes it takes me exhausting all my efforts to finally and fully give control to God. And then He reveals to me that He has always been my greatest resource.

Recently, I’ve been dealing with some work challenges that have been taking up a lot of my mental and emotional energy.  However, the other day, while sitting in the infusion chair, I looked around at all of the people doing their best to fight their cancer, and I realized, “This is what matters. The work stuff will figure itself out. What I, and all of us here, need to focus on is our healing, our treatment, and living.” 

We can easily get caught up and forget our true priorities.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. -Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV