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← Return to 💜 Surviving Pancreatic Cancer for 3 years and beyond 💜
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💜 Surviving Pancreatic Cancer for 3 years and beyond 💜
Pancreatic Cancer | Last Active: Apr 9 10:00am | Replies (67)Comment receiving replies
Hi! I was a healthy, active 39yo mother of 2 elementary aged children at diagnosis in August 2022. Symptoms of mild upper abdominal discomfort began January 2022. Classified stage III locally advanced non resectable at diagnosis. Completed 2 rounds FOLFIRINOX, 5 rounds Gemzar/Abraxane, 28 days radiation, then had total pancreatectomy with major vascular reconstruction with Dr Truty in July 2023. Pathology showed complete pathological response, all 27 lymph nodes clear. NED until April 2025. Had 1 metastatic lung nodule surgically removed and 5 radiation sessions to another lung nodule. Declared NED again following those procedures. I had no genetic mutations, risk factors, or family history. Testing on the lung nodule showed KRAS G12D.
Replies to "Hi! I was a healthy, active 39yo mother of 2 elementary aged children at diagnosis in..."
Wow, you’re so young, yet you have such an incredible pancreatic cancer story! It’s truly inspiring to hear everything you’ve been through. Thank you for sharing such a detailed explanation—it really gives a glimpse into your journey.
I’m glad you’re with your children right now. It’s heartwarming to hear you’re together.
Did you also exercise while on your medical regimen?
Thank you for the message “Don’t give up hope”!
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To add... I was able to work throughout chemo, and after surgery recovery, have regained 30ish pounds and returned to running, working out, doing all the things. I travel, swim, ski, volunteer at my kids school, effectively manage my diabetes (most days). All this to say, yes this is a terrifying diagnosis, but there are options and many people survive MUCH longer than originally told. Advocate for yourself, seek 2nd/3rd/4th opinions, dont give up hope! 💜