Jac (72) wants to share his experience with pancreatic cancer. During the Pancreatic Cancer Support Group Day, he heard stories from others who, in his view, had or are having a much harder time. With his story, Jac wants to offer others hope during difficult times.
Since April 2023, at age 70, I’d been experiencing pain in my lower back and in my left flank near my lower ribs. My GP referred me to a physiotherapist, suspecting a strain or a pulled muscle. But that didn’t help.
Research
After a few months, I suspected RSI in the muscles I’ve used for 60 years of trombone playing. Six weeks of rest, but that didn’t help either.
Back to the physiotherapist, who eventually referred me to my GP, because the pain was worse around my spleen.
Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer
The GP ordered an abdominal ultrasound, and provisionally diagnosed pancreatic cancer. This was confirmed after further examination at the hospital in November 2023. The diagnosis of a malignant, five-centimeter-long cancer in the tail and center of the pancreas (locally advanced adenocarcinoma) with blood vessel involvement was incredibly difficult. Without treatment, my life expectancy was six months. Thanks to the tremendous support of my wife and our three children, I survived these tense weeks of research. To break the tension, we even all went to Efteling amusement park for a day.
Pancreas treatment and surgery
The treatment consisted of eight rounds of chemotherapy with FOLFIRINOX. Fortunately, the treatments could be administered at the local hospital. The first four rounds were manageable, with mild side effects such as nausea, weight loss, and diarrhea. The medication was quickly adjusted as needed. After four rounds, in February 2024, the cancer had been halved!
The next four chemo treatments were very difficult. I suffered from extreme fatigue and neuropathy in my feet and hands. Later, I developed pneumonia and was hospitalized. Due to the fatigue, the decision was made twice to postpone the biweekly treatment for a week. At the end of April, after eight rounds of treatment, I underwent further extensive testing: the tumor was smaller again and had not spread. The surgery could be scheduled!
The operation took place in June and lasted six hours with two surgeons. Two-thirds of the pancreas and spleen were removed. The tumor turned out to have grown into a blood vessel, so five centimeters of a blood vessel was also removed. Recovery after the surgery went very smoothly, and I was able to go home after five days. A huge thank you and kudos to the medical teams!
After the surgery, four more rounds of chemotherapy were administered to remove any remaining cancer cells. These treatments were much more tolerable than the first. Everything was completed by the end of September 2024. Afterward, the recovery went smoothly with the tremendous support of my wife and children. With a view to the future, we moved near our daughter. Thanks to the children’s tremendous support, we were able to manage the sale of our house, the purchase of the new one, the renovations, and the move around the time of the surgery.
During and around my surgery, I participated in several studies, including Biobank (PancreasParel), PERSEUS, PREOPANC-4, PACAP, and ASAP. By participating in research, I want to contribute to better treatment methods for future patients.
Enjoying life
I’m enjoying life right now because I’m pain-free, I’m back to my old weight, and I’m in good shape. I have even picked up my favorite hobby of singing in choirs again.
My message is: keep working on your mental and physical well-being. I have benefited greatly from my daily walks, the guidance of an oncology physiotherapist, and my positive attitude, which has been sustained by the tremendous support of my wife and children.