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@gsterle

Hello -

I am a 69-year-old male residing in Northeast Ohio and I am currently being treated for Acinar Pancreatic cancer at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Center.

My cancer journey begins in 2020 as I was treated for a leiomyosarcoma cancer on my left testicle. I had surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in January of 2021 to successfully remove the cancer / testicle with clean edges and I continued with follow up CT scans every 6 months. The follow-up scans detected Acinar pancreatic cancer in August of ’23 with tumors on the tail of my pancreas.

I had surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in September 2023, a tail distal pan to remove 1/2 my pancreas (tail) and spleen with clean edges. The cancer had metastasized to my liver (3 tumors detected).

Genetic testing revealed that I have the BRCA2 gene mutation. Note that my father and brother both passed from Pancreatic Cancer.

I started chemotherapy at the Cleveland Clinic in November 2023 - gemcitabine and cisplatin (platinum based) After 12 rounds of chemo completing in March of 2024, I responded well and the liver tumors shrinking to 1/2 their size.

I started 250MG x2 daily of the oral PARP inhibitor “Lynparza” which targets the BRCA2 mutation in May 2024 and the CT scans revealed tumor reduction with no spread or new tumors.

I met with my surgeon in October 2024 and discussed ablation for the remaining liver tumors (2). I had a pre-surgical MRI and unfortunately additional tumors have been detected on my liver. These tumors did not appear on the August 2023 MRI (prior to surgery) nor had they appeared on my regular 3-month CT scans. Based on the number of tumors present the ablation is no longer an available option.

It appears that the current Lynparza 250mg twice a day is no longer having a positive impact thus I will begin chemo (gem/cis) the week of December 7th 2024.

I am eating well, exercising daily, maintaining my weight (5”11” 185lbs) and sleeping well. My side effects are minimal, cold, fatigue, dry mouth and some joint/lower back pain.

My wife of 42 years has been my care-taker and soul-mate.

I am interested in any clinical trials available to address my Acinar Pancreatic Cancer (BRCA2) with liver mets.

Stay strong and fight 💪❤️🫶

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Replies to "Hello - I am a 69-year-old male residing in Northeast Ohio and I am currently being..."

If you have children, you should get them tested for the BRCA mutation. My husband had pancreatic cancer and is still undergoing treatment. He does not have the BRCA mutation in his blood but it was found in the tumour cells. We were told by our oncologist that the BRCA mutation tumour is best treated with Gem-Abraxane. We were told there are Plan B, Plan C and clinical trials if Gem-Abraxane stops working but onco has not told us what they are because the Gem-Abraxane is still working for my husband.
Like your wife, I am my husband's caregiver. It is a tough journey for her I am sure. I wish you both all the best.

Hello, I am scheduled for an MRI on Jan 20th after CT scan showed a new lesion on the tail of the pancreas. I live in North East Ohio. I am not looking forward to the chemo. I have been there once before. I hope you have good results in the future .