"Fred's Fans" @ PurpleStride Philly 2015

Fred Loomis

First post: Oct 15, 2014 Latest post: Oct 3, 2019
In September 2014, I was diagnosed with Stage IIB Pancreatic Cancer (Borderline Resectable) and began treatment at Penn's Abramson Cancer Center http://www.penncancer.org/ (http://www.penncancer.org).  I have a 3 centimeter malignant tumor on the head of the pancreas and  a thrombus within the superior mesenteric vein. .  My initial treatment plan included a 2-3 month regimen of chemotherapy (Gemcitabine and Abraxane), adding to my own trial of a daily high dose of Vitamin D (50,000 IU/day).  I also received a  5-week regimen of daily radiation in January 2015, using Penn's new proton radiation therapy.  After that treatment, I was evaluated for surgery (which is the only cure for pancreatic cancer).  However, due to the location of the tumor and thrombus  (surrounding the superior mesenteric vein) surgery was deemed too risky.  However the pancreas tumor remained stable with continued chemotherapy from March 2015 until January 2017.  At that time, a lesion in the liver was discovered and after additional consultations with Fox Chase, Sloan Kettering and Johns Hopkins,  I underwent an ablation procedure to "burn" the lesions from the liver in March 2017.  This procedure was successful and since April 2017 I have been off any form of  treatment and my pancreas tumor remains stable. There is no verifiable medical explanation for my good fortune.  One guess is that the cell biology of my cancer is  unique allowing the cancer to remain dormant.  Another theory is that the strength of my immune system has prevented cancer progression.  Regardless of the explanation, my family and I know that I am here by God's grace and the love of all who pray for me each day.  To  those who have cancer or have a friend who is struggling with a life threatening illness,  I would say: never give up, there is always hope and that hope leads to God's promise of salvation.  


My cancer was most likely caused by undiagnosed, genetic chronic pancreatitis and the inability of my immune system to prevent the development of the tumor.  My only symptom was unintended weight loss and a change in bowel habits during July-August.  Prior to my diagnosis,  I had periodic short term episodes of what my doctor and I thought was gastroenteritis (1-2 days of severe abdominal pain and fatigue).  In all probability these were acute pancreatitis attacks.  While I closely monitored my blood tests for glucose and I had regular negative colonoscopies during this period, I did not have a CT Scan which would have revealed the problems with my pancreas.  So I encourage you to be vigilant about your health, including having a good nutrition and exercise plan. And you need to be an educated advocate with your doctors about your symptoms and the need for definitive test results.

The good news is that I have no pain, lots of energy and a strong appetite.  When asked, I am quick to tell people "I feel great and I am grateful for every day."     
I have responded well to  chemotherapy and radiation, with only very minor side effects.   I continue to teach online for Neumann University.  And I have more time at home to spend with Chris and to attend weekly events with our kids and our four wonderful grandchildren.  

I am now even more appreciative of the great blessings of my life and what matters most.  I feel closer and more connected to my family.  My faith in God and my understanding of His plan for me has never been stronger.  I feel the presence of God in those who extend their prayers and well wishes.   I feel that I am not fighting cancer, I am learning to live with cancer.  I want others (especially doctors and cancer researchers) to learn as much as they can from my case and experience.  And I want to continue to serve God and be a positive influence on others.  I will use this site to share thoughts, feelings and updates about my life with cancer, including my treatments and any enduring understandings that I might have about this experience.  

Thank you for your love, your caring concern about me and for reading these updates! 

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