How I Learned I had Pancreatic Cancer: My First Signs - Roger | The Patient Story
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- čas přidán 26. 05. 2024
- Roger noticed he was losing weight and had an increase in blood sugar, but he never thought they were symptoms of pancreatic cancer. Doctors also told him, "it probably doesn't mean anything." But Roger was committed to finding out why and so he took the liquid biopsy test, called Galleri. It showed strong indicators in his bloodwork pointing to pancreatic cancer. He was sent for an MRI, which uncovered a mass on his pancreas and was diagnosed with stage 2 pancreatic cancer.
#pancreaticcancer #pancreas #weightloss #highbloodsugar #bloodsugar #cancer #cancerdiagnosis #cancertreatment #chemotherapy #surgery #diagnosis #cancerstories #advocacy #cancerstories #cancervaccine #galleritest
To Learn More About Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms → tinyurl.com/ycy5wfx3
Video Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:42 First symptoms and signs
03:15 Taking the Galleri Multi-Cancer Test
04:40 My Stage 2 Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
07:20 Getting multiple opinions
11:22 Talking to survivors and patients
12:50 Being assertive with my cancer diagnosis
14:25 Side effects of my aggressive chemotherapy
17:30 Traveling to Japan to get a cancer vaccine
21:45 My mindset
25:00 Best advice
Full story & transcript → thepatientstory.com/treatment...
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The interview has only been edited for clarity.
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My Blood Sugar Increased SLIGHTLY! - Roger | Pancreatic Cancer | The Patient Story
• How I Learned I had Pa...
To Learn More About Pancreatic Cancer → tinyurl.com/ycy5wfx3
ultrasound .....would of found it....super cheap test
@@yellowmoon9308 But like the video - said - you have to have the signs plus you have to have a good doctor - some doctors today - just ship over things -
Why bother. You have been diagnosed you have three months. You are over 70 they recommend against chemo and tell you it buys you two weeks anyway.
@@yellowmoon9308 Not necessarily. Trust me, I had one done today and asked that very question!
@@realemonful I wish the Roger the best. I work with doctors for 40 years....one nearly killed by daughter recently..."let's check it in 3 months"....I called her back...demanded surgery....she had ovarian cancer in her 30s....yes I'm a doc.
Thank you for this video. I'm a retired nurse. My husband had his complete yearly physical and got the A OK " you're in great health" from his primary. He took off his shirt to change into his work clothes and I immediately called his Dr and had to demand a recheck. He literally had EVERY sign of breast cancer. They acted as if I was a nut but scheduled him for another appointment. A week later the biopsy showed an aggressive form of cancer that had spread to lungs, thyroid etc. After surgeries, radiation and chemo he then had 2 heart attacks. He is doing great now but I accompany him to every appointment much to the irritation of the Dr's. If left to the Healthcare system,he'd be dead.
True words, indeed.
Scary that we all get physicals, but they never routinely look at our skin or bodies… Heart auscultation is only for 10 seconds
Your a very good wife and person. Your husband is a blessed man with you !
They want us to go to specialists for everything. Regular dr is not going to address everything..they are called general for a reason.
Oh Denise, how terrifying. Kudos to you for being such a sharp clinician. You're 100% right - we kid ourselves that we "passed the physical with flying colours," when it's merely a snapshot in time - and one that tests for a limited number of things. You sound like a loving couple who've been through a lot together!
"Your health is too important to leave to a doctor." Very wise words.
Yes, that’s my motto!
Yeah, let’s leave it to a “lawyer “.😂😂😂😂😂😂
❤
But they say the insurance companies won't pay for the tests unless there's a real symptom to check for
YES! It took me MANY years to figure out most are all just greedy business people.
My friend was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. She was told she had 9 months or less to live and ended up living another 7 years
Praise the Lord!
My husband’s niece was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, stage 3. She faithfully did all the treatments, the radiation series, the chemo 9 rounds. It’s about 9 months now, she’s in a coma and in hospice.
**edited later to add - she died this weekend. Never came out of coma.
Did she have treatment? (7 year survivor)
That’s EXTREMELY rare even with the horrific Whipple procedure.
@@barbarabrown9269condolences .
I was in real bad shape when I went to emergency five years ago. They knew it was pancreatic, but were puzzled about something. They kept me there for 45 days, doing all sorts of tests. Finally, they released me into hospice, 56 years old. After 3 months, I was still here. They asked to see me again, and decided on 3 months chemo, then surgery to remove the affected area, then 3 more months of chemo. Next week, a CT scan, and if clear, it will be five years. Feeling very strong, and very fortunate.
Praise God! Keep living! Live strong 💪
Did they actually correctly diagnose you ?
Bless you. Thank you for helping everyone and with all the important info.
@marlenegold280 Apologies for not being very clear about some of the details. The reason the oncologist originally kept me for 45 days was that they knew it was pancreatic, but they weren't sure if it had metastasized into the liver. Some tests showed that it had, but other tests like biopsies were confusing. They recommended that I not go through chemo because it would just make my last days more difficult.
They released me into hospice, and about 20 days in, I was feeling so bad that I knew I would not live to see the morning. Fortunately, I did. After another 60 days, I called the oncologist. Her team couldn't believe it. They ran tests, and there was no longer evidence of metastasizing into the liver. (Misdiagnosis?). They then were eager to treat the pancreatic cancer. I am now diabetic, but after 5 years, free of cancer. I sincerely wish the best for all of you and your loved ones.
@@cmlmaintenance2497
What a good outcome… considering the alternative.
I wish you a good quality life!
He left out what made him exceptional: he evidently has enormous financial resources that not only afforded him the ability to travel and to handle just any out of pocket expense, but apparently the control of vast stretches of
free time to endlessly explore all options, and on his own timetable, be it an MRI the very next day or whatever. Few salaried full-time working people would be at liberty to mobilize such limitless time unless they quit their jobs.
Yup,that's what I'm taking away from this. It seems as though the more affluent the better chances of survival . He even mentioned "standard of care". To me that's scarier than the disease itself.
He’s a venture capitalist lawyer, and he sounds smart. He’d be on the top of his game.
I should add that a close friend just died of what had been, pre-posthumously, undiagnosed pancreatic cancer. He coincidentally had severe heart disease that masked what was insidiously killing him. His doctor put the picture together only in his final days. I'm not sure my friend was even told he had the disease before he slipped into a coma caused by a cerebral blood clot that resulted from a deep vein thrombosis in his leg (a cardinal sign of pancreatic cancer) traveling to his brain.
Steve Jobs had all the financial resources in the world. So ?
@nickbardan3867 It wasn't a question of money, it was Jobs' own bad decision. Jobs had a form of operable pancreatic cancer that was caught early but he declined to have the surgery that was recommended to him. Whether or not such a timely operation would have saved his life cannot be known with certainty, but it would have afforded him a better chance at survival.
I survived pancreadic Cancer FIVE years ago.
Did you have the Whipple? Chemo/radiation?
I had the Whipple a year ago and did not have to have Chemo or radiation.
You certainly had a journey. Thank You for sharing this information.
There is a cure for a lot of cancers. However, Big Pharma would go out of business.
What is the Whipple??
A poor person will definitely die from this. You are fortunate to have the means and mind to do this. All the best to you.
'' Your health is too important to entrust to a doctor.'' Excellent!
AMEN ❤❤❤❤
As a 2x cancer patient at 44 this was the most informative Patient Story I’ve watched. Roger, I wish you all the very best in your health!
So informative. F those doctors yadda yadda. Still dead in three months.
Stage 2 diagnosis is really rare. It is usually an accident... but not in this case. Most people I've heard of don't know until Stage 4. Stage 3 is still quite uncommon. This man's curiosity and stubborness saved his own life.
He knows his body and lost weight and his blood sugar was slightly elevated, so he requested the Galleri test which was positive for cancer.
@@echogl correct. but recall the MD.initially said "it's normal". To which he pushed back "NFW iis this normal...why now?" To which MD.said, reluctantly "OK, let's check in 3. months". The patient insisted, it wasn't the Dr's idea to come back in 3 months.
If he hadn't gone back in 3 months, instead in a year, as was normal, he's dead. That's the WHOLE FRIGGIN POINT of this vid. You know your body, insist upon follow up tests. Well, the (implied) second point is if you're not rich, you can't afford the follow up tests, (standard of care) so again you're dead.
100%. Good for him.
He didn't gat a Colonoscopy at 50 which might have caught it.
@@shlby69m how would a colonoscopy find Pancreatic cancer prior to stage 4? I've never heard of a Pancreatic picked up at a routine colonoscopy.
This guy’s intelligence is what saved his life. I’m a pretty successful person but I can honestly tell you that If I were in his shoes I would be toast.
No I believe if you had reason to suspect a problem, you’d be diligent also.a
Hs intelligence and money saved his life. You can be smart as hell but like he pointed out he had to fly to Japan at one point for treatment. Under the US Capitalist system, you pay or die. Often they care far more about the pay than your life. That is the norm, not the exception.
I love your reply.
@@gettothepoint_already3858bingo, but even then... Plenty of big money people go through spending a ton to save their lives and still go from the illness like the rest of us. Then you got people like my grandfather and great uncle, brothers, both had colon cancer, both broke af, pretty much state benefits is how they got their medical care, both beat the cancer somehow. My grandpa, has also had a heart attack and a stroke, somehow can still walk around and talk just fine. Just depends on the person.
Thanks for the motivation. I am going to the nature trail for a run this morning.
As someone who had Whipple Surgery 16 years ago for very early stage of Pancreatic cancer, it is nice to read someone else's journey. I went through most of your thought processes and it worked for me. Like you, I took ownership and responsibility of my prognosis and all of the good and bad consequences. There have been times when my journey has been challenging, 3 bouts of bladder cancer surgery and treatment, surgery to place a stent in the resect portion of my liver duct to open, a hugely compromised immune system and recently confirmed diagnosis of Non Celiac Gluten Insensitivity. In March, I celebrated another birthday ( mid-70's) and like I tell most people, I LIVE EVERYDAY as IF IT WERE MY LAST.
I had my Whipple 3 weeks after my PC diagnosis. Terrifying at age 62 with my first grandchild on the way. Post surgery pathology showed it was any early stage, non cancerous neoplasm. My GI doctor dragged his feet until I asked to be referred to a teaching hospital. I’m 78 now with “manageable” symptoms that require very expensive medication because of everything they took from my digestive system. I can’t say I survived it because I never actually had it. But, I’m glad to be here.
@@janetmyers3729 Albeit I know it can be rough at times, it warms my heart to read of another person who has survived this intense dramatic surgery. Hope you've be able to enjoy times with your first grandchild
jimsba1951 Surgeons didn't even want to risk Whipple surgery on my late dad (age 71 at the time) because of his age & that it was already a softball size tumor) but Dad was very fit prior to, so they tried Whipple as a "last ditch" effort. I still remember the surgeon coming out to us, his "footies" covering his shoes, stained with Dad's blood, he said Dad would survive the surgery but the tumor was "non-resectable".
@@shanew.williams Thanks for sharing. That had to be gut wrenching. The Whipple is such a TOUGH surgery. I'm still amazed that is done done, how it is done and how the body is able to survive this surgery. I think most people do not understand how vital that area of the body is so crucial to our very existence.
@@jimsba1951 Absolutely. Back then i had no idea that the pancreas is almost totally inaccessible, thus, as you said, a very "tough" surgery.
I learned a lot from your video, I am a primary care doctor from Denmark, thank you so much. I am so impressed by your calm and balanced presentation. I wish all the best for you. Jakob Holm MD
I wish ALL of the Swedish primary care doctors could see and learn from this video. Most here are absolutely useless. The ONLY doctors that actually listen to their patients and understand "health care " as opposed to the standard "sick care" prevalent here are the foreign doctors, mainly from Syria, Somalia, Turkiye etc. They are coming from cultures where health care is not ONLY for profit, and the medical schools are not owned by Big Pharma. I would NEVER see a Swedish doctor if I had a choice. Sad to say....
My dad had Pancreatic Cancer and was treated in Boston, MA. He had the Whiffle Procedure at the age of 83 and lived 8 years cancer free when he passed away in 2021. I hope your future is bright and your life long!
Which hospital did he go to? I knew someone that went to Dana Farber for pancreatic cancer. They screwed around deciding whether or not to do chemo and surgery until he died at the hospital. Six months from diagnosis to death.
Beth Israel-Dr. Tara Kent
I just had my thyroid removed due to cancer. This is my 2nd rodeo with cancer. I've also been battling metastatic breast cancer. No one could believe that I reached 24 years with breast cancer. So many doctors have told me I should've been gone within 3 months. We DO know our own bodies.
I love your spirit!
God bless you 🙏🏽
Me too with a very advanced thyroid cancer. I’m watch carefully for breast cancer since my sister had premenopausal breast cancer. She just passed of PC like my Dad at age 65.
I'm so sorry 🙏 GOD bless you and your family ❤❤❤❤
Warrior. You are awesome! We do know our bodies.
A person I knew for 18 years just died of pancreatic cancer aged 57. She never complained about pains .She went for blood tests every three months she wasn't told anything from the Doctors. We had a great day on her 57 birthday . I saw her again in April 4 weeks after her 57th birthday. May came she said Doctor wanted her to get special tests. Next she was moved to the big city I didn't know why. I get a call she had Pancreatic Cancer She didn't have pain then either. They worked on her for months but told her family 6 months at most. She died 14th November 2023. Miss you my friend. ❤😂
Was your friend vaxxed?
@@nevadaoakie6551I’m starting to wonder about this too why are so many young people getting cancer
You are the ONLY person responsible for your healthcare. What a great video.
The doctors said you won't make it to the end of the year, what did you say, screw them, well okay, you will still be dead in three months. Bravado does not cure pancreatic cancer.
So what. You still have three months.
So very true. You need to pay attention to your body, learn about diseases, get different opinions and ask questions. Like he said his doctor was brushing it off and said he was wasting his time. That is when you need to get a new physician.
@@echogl You can get all the doctors you want. You can take charge, blah, blah. But, with pancreatic cancer, you are still dead in 3 months. It also cycles so you get a bit better, then much worse, then a bit better, then much worse. So you can attribute all sorts of things to the improvement cycles as your body struggles to reset and survive.
To be in the medical field, you have to actually HAVE a Calling to it, AND that you actually like 'people'. Am very close to 70. The quality of 'doctors' have gone down (with so many 'good ones' having retired). There's a doctor shortage in my State. Political party has sucked 'so much money' OUT of social programs that were designated to care for the Elderly (who live 'alone', no family, and way under the poverty line).
AT times I feel just "TOO sick" to do as you've implied-- everybody "help your OWN self" coz 'no one else is gonna care' (especially politicians, who view Elderly as "Cost Centers' when they are older. -- In my experience, 'doctors' were more educated, and intuitive. They used to be much MUCH MORE interested in the welfare of their patients than the 'Modern Contemporary' doctor NOW. The docs were MORE holistic, actually 'touched' you body and looked at your eyes when talking. It's cold rushed meat-factory lines now. Had one doc rush in, took to the computer, 'missed' looking at my human face... I just silently watched as he scrolled the machine; asked me how I was but was TOO MUCH in a hurry and asked the question *without* giving time to _answer the question_ ?! LOL
"These" hurried-persons have had NO experience with my geriatric body (that experiences more complications than the usual).
My "primary" is actually a level short of being full nurse? Hurry hurry hurry. Update on vaccinations, checks blood pressure (IF they remembered or had time to: or by logic maybe that's not a 'typical problem' seen in me?). There's just 'not' enough *time* available for ALL the patients needing to be helped in one day.
No one in this region is into geriatrics --- and I've learned they've 'changed' what a geriatrician is about now. So, at ~70 yrs old, "I'm too young" for having a geriatrician see me? (okay..) At least in modern times, children still see a pediatrician, orrrr do they? .. LOL
After USA 9-11,
Medical field changed how medical records are kept. They can become hijacked, or hacked. You can miss an appointment because they need to Pay Ransom or your life's info goes Poof, while your identity can get stolen and passed around the dark web?! 😳It's all virtual, (and when I briefly actually 'saw' mine, there were important BIG mistakes!!!!). For the "LAST" test I will ever take of its kind, the doc gave me a drug class specifically reported NOT to give me. That *wrong drug* caused my whole body to feel extremely cold, chin and body periodically observably SHIVERING out of control for HOURS. It affected my brain scan, and was misdiagnosed BY side-effects of that-drug only. It was painful, and scary. ... Doc kept "apologizing" --- dude, you didn't properly read the chart!! too late!!!
...
When I was a 4 yr old child getting operation to remove tonsils and adenoids, they botched the anesthesia!!
Thought I was unconscious. Suddenly I noticed I was looking down at 'my body' on the operating table, as I floated and peered from behind the doctor's left shoulder. I saw my mouth being held open with the steely contraption. Wound up that I hemorrhaged-- and could "feel" the horrible things they were doing to my face and nose!! (All the while, they they 'thought' I was unconscious, OR that I was too little, so it didn't matter-- I wouldn't remember anything? ~1950s).
Mark, thanks so much for reading (if you did)... I'm just 'nervous' and kind of scared being in my circumstance.
I hope YOU are faring WELL... you and your loved ones.
*ROGER* is and was very very Brave, and Brilliant in your Managing everyone-- including ignoring bad advice!!
I admire him VERY much!!!! He should be proud of HIM self, for sure.
He deserves an award 🏅for his research and for what he TAUGHT all those doctors (whom he paid? LOL 😂). Others in the future will be benefiting for what YOU learned in all this! Kudos
You are a special man, Roger. And I noticed that you have a beautiful family......
Live Long and Prosper. ❤ 🤟 ... 🙏
As a retired RN with 50 years' experience in the US, Australia, and the UK, I endorse this message: your health is too important to trust to doctors. 72 yrs, in perfect health, thanks to staying away from docs. I just go to them once a year for blood tests. They don't particularly like it, but I'm in charge of my body - and you are too!
You took the words out of my mouth; I do the same and demand a copy of my blood tests. I told my son he should do the same as bloodwork tells you the story of what is happening inside. Always be super proactive! Prevention is the key! Eat well, sleep well, breathe well, hydrate well, balance your body, mind, spirit to be well.
As a retired RN with 50 years worth of experience, you probably know that allopathic medicine is not all that. Too bad my mother didn't. She was a cancer research nurse who died at 63....of cancer.
How ironic is that!?
Yes, keep blood test copies. I let the doc prescribe, but sometimes I do not fill the prescription or take the drug prescribed, because they mis-diagnose. The older I get, the fewer times I need a doc.
Yes. And a hair mineral/heavy metal test might help too
@@sweetbeep I discovered that test in 1991 plus HemoCode food sensitivities test. There isn’t much I am not aware of in the long list of integrative and holistic alternatives
Come back when you're sick
The ARROGANCE OF DOCTORS!
You are fortunate to have the financial means for this specialized care. Going to Japan is not an option for most. We must make this process mainstream in USA . Thank you for sharing your battle !! Keep going. I learned a lot👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks for sharing your story. I share your pain. Just before xmas 2021, I started having extreme nausea. Went to the ER after the 4th day, CT found a mass on the head of my pancreas. Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital. wound up developing jaundice, etc ... the mass had actually pinched off my bile duct. The righted that endoscopically, and the oncology team immediately got involved. You always wonder how you'd react, learning you have something life-threatening like this. I was actually suprosed by my response ... very little fear, lots of anger. Took it personally. Somewhere between stage II and III, based on the number of lymph nodes involved. PET and MRI found that it had not metastasized ... was still central to the pancreas. Discussed with the oncologist and told them that if it would give me 1/2 a chance, I intended to klick its ass. Told them to go as aggressive as they wanted with the treatment ... pull out all the stops. 6 rounds of vicious chemo, which shrunk the mass by >50%. A whipple procedure followed to remove the affected area and biopsy all surrounding areas. Then 6 more rounds of the vicious chemo. Like you, some lasting effects, especially neuropathy. But, also like you, am still cancer-free now, going on a year out from the surgery. Oncologist has rolled back my surveillance interval from 3 to 6 months now. I was totally unaware of the testing protocols you describe, and am happy to know about that now. Will definitely share your story with my family and begin researching those options for ourselves. Very happy you had such a great outcome. My main takeaway from this challenge is that attitude is everything. Commit fully to the fight. Hold nothing back, look under every rock, keep beating the bushes. There are solutions out there. Wishing you continued good health in the future. 😊
My father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September 1997. He died in April 1998. They couldn’t do anything for him. It was a nightmare. I had liver cancer in 2019, had surgery in August that was followed up with Trans Arterial Chemo Embolization, over the next couple of years with no side effects. I’m still cancer free. I hope and pray something can be found to finally rid humanity of this horrible cancer that is so resistant to treatment. God bless you and keep you cancer free.
I’m so sorry. Must have been horrible watching your dad leave earth 😢 I am not looking forward to the day I have to as well
My brother is an anesthesiologist and he would wholeheartedly agree with you about not trusting docs.
I had the Galleri test, also. It cost $1250 for the 50 tests, or about $25/test. Worth it! I plan to do it about every 18 months.
Thank you for mentioning these tests. I took notes!
The VA should offer this immediately to all our veterans nationwide through the VA hospitals. They'll say "no budget," but then Biden will say "another $100 billion for Ukraine and Israel."
@@davidb2206 honestly every primary care doctor should do it annually for people over 75, and symptomatic people under that age.
@@davidb2206
EXACTLY and Free Healthcare to illegal immigrants!😠😒
@@danielanderson204 Who would do this to your country?
Not available because time, testing, and current approved cancer treatments are big $$ money makers. Roger, what a gift this video is to the world. Bless you.
Patients MUST be their own advocate. This is true. Thank you for this message.
A positive of social media, is Checking things yourself
I've heard in Social research studies, that in the USA patients who DON'T have an advocate beside them when in treatment, are more likely to be treated 'badly' or ignored, or receive bare minimum 'needed for biological life only' kind of nursing-type care (done by only 1 of the 3 shifts in 24 hrs). It makes me sooo nervous, the older I get. I have NO one to call or rely-on IF I were to get sick. Have been scared of the 'maybe' question, and the 'what IF'? ..
Over the years I've managed to tough things out, including times of 'being too sick' to go to a doctor appointment, or pharmacy.
This world has severely changed, especially after USA 9-ll.
Like people are saying, if you can't care for your own self, nobody's gonna. Every soul for its OWN self.
I've REALLY been blessed, in that I've been able to stay away from medical-type visits (except for yearly compulsories, for my yearly 'scripts).
There's a shortage in medical people in my State, (and the State I relocated from a few years ago now). MANY local doctors here have been retiring. The politicians have worked with zeal to gouge life resources that used to help people (elders) via social agencies. And some have ceased to exist-- ones that used to be able to help (ones in my particular situation and circumstance), are fewer with less-funding for 'more' people.
(I'm grateful to say that I have relied on God as my Helper, and Hope with all sincerity that I would pass suddenly without realizing it: no pain, no medical drama. ... smile).
Wishing you Wellness.
I had to keep pressing and finally found a doctor that listened. He ran a blood test and found VIPoma a very rare Pancreatic cancer. Had the Whipple Oct. 2022 and did not have to have Chemo or Radiation! So very blessed to have found it early and a doctor that listened!!!! YOU are your own advocate!!!!
Roger, you hit the nail on the head when you mentioned climbing A1C and weight loss. A friend who was a healthy eater started to have climbing A1C. She told me she was pre-diabetic and I could not believe it given her size and diet. Then, this 110 pound woman dropped about 15 pounds. A well known hospital in the DC area totally disregarded the A1C- weight loss connection. She had Stage 4 and passed a year later (my cousin is a 5 year survivor). I just hope the medical community will begin to acknowledge this combo as possible pancreatic cancer. As a side, I have always disliked the term 'cancer free'. It should not be used as we all likely have some cancer cells lurking about. Perhaps 'cancer undetectable' is more on point. Best to you and good for you to take charge with your own health.
i live in a first world country that has health care, like most and i got early testing for bowel cancer. Saved my life and many of my fellow citizens, I am self employed, blue collar, no insurance. Glad Roger made it too!
Thank you for this information. I think this gentleman should write a book because not everyone is a wise as he is and his advice could help a lot of people. So glad he is cancer free and doing well.
Also not as wealthy to undertake such self care.
Good information such as this can save a person a lot of money! @@MB-vu3ow
My cousin died of pancreatic cancer, he lived for a couple of years. A couple of people I knew also died of it and I know one of them only lived about a year. I think they both had quite late diagnosis. I'm in the UK and our health service is collapsing. We do have some brilliant oncologists but our referral system is dreadful. People think it's free but we pay for this care. Thank you for your story. Trust your instinct, it's been good for you and kept you alive.
UK too. We have great doctors, but the time from a referral from GP (PCP in US) to see a specialist to intervention procedure is utterly dreadful. You are right. Our health system is collapsing.
Honestly as an American, your guy's healthcare systems sounds like our VA system (veterans affairs) that's the medical system we have over here that only veterans can use (mostly) and it's technically considered "universal healthcare" and it's mostly terrible. So I feel you, as that's the only system I use/can use.
If you do not understand the questions to ask you are shuffled through the system and never receive the care you need. Thank you for spreading this information, however I hope you post the places and specific information that would be helpful to all of us.
This was so different from normal cancer patient stories. It was fascinating. What a guy!
Cancer feeds off sugar, specifically glucose. Certain brain cancers they have you do carnivore during treatment. Since having 2 cancers, high risk for getting pancreatic cancer and having had a brain bleed, I’ve turned to carnivore burning keytones for fuel rather than glucose that cancer can thrive on. Thanks for this video. I think you’re right that so many would not have been able to go your route due to expenses. Glad you were able to. Your a success I needed to here!!
That's real interesting as my mother didn't eat sugar and died young of brain cancer. Nice thought though.
@@catsanddogs8983it’s so much more than just not eating sugar. Was she in therapeutic ketosis?
@@catsanddogs8983 they mean absolutely no bread, no fruits, no potatoes. Nothing that breaks down to be burnt as glucose.
@@catsanddogs8983your mother at sugar. Unless she was a native Alaskan living in the woods hunting and gathering, she’s eating sugar
Amino acids also feed cancer, especially one called glutamine. In fact, cancer cells have a high demand for glutamine. So going on a keto/carnivore diet is not the miracle cure for everything including cancer people claim it is.
cancer is such a huge, booming business for the medical industrial complex. Good job of bucking the system as best you've been able.
Thanks mate, very interesting, I reversed Type 2 diabetes and like you it took research and no help from the doctors. I appreciated your comments on the doctors, very reasonable, gave me a better view/prospective. Your presentation was compelling, educated and sensible. Thank you Bob Australia
Our grandparents called it "SUGAR diabetes" and sugar is the key. We sapiens are not designed to consume 300 pounds of refined sugar per year (the U.S. average)!
Glad to hear your story, Roger. I had bladder cancer 11 years ago with four months of chemo. Like you, I also had gemzar (horrible!) with cisplatin. If I'd known what the long term effects of the chemo would be, I would have foregone the chemo and taken my chances. It left me with peripheral neuropathy in both my feet and hands, as well as shortness of breath. Yes, I'm glad the cancer is gone (for the time being!), but I'm not the man I once was. Hope you stay healthy!
I have neuropathy hands and feet and have never regained the old me again, but over the years have improved and am glad I’m cancer free for over 15 years. So glad I’m still here enjoying my life.😊
My aunt had pancreatic cancer for over 20 years. Her situation was different: she was sick for a couple years starting end of 1970s. They scanned her and did blood tests and found nothing. She lost weight and felt bad for a few years till they were finally able to diagnose her with what they called a "super slow growing" pancreatic cancer. She had a tiny tumor for a very long time. Underwent chemo several times which made her sicker. I remember visiting her and she was in bed the whole time feeling awful. She suffered so much for 20 years and how I wish that she had modern medicine back then that may have helped her in better ways. RIP my beautiful dear Auntie. Bless you, Roger. I'm praying for you and your journey.
Sounds like she had a neuroendocrine tumor. Surprised that she wasn't given hormone therapy as first line treatment.
@pdrey 100
Why does it sound neuroendocrine?
@@astromob1 Because the OP said it's a "super slow growing" pancreatic cancer.
RIP Auntie and my recent sister and father.
You mentioned sauna treatment. From the National Cancer institute I found ---" Hyperthermia is a type of treatment in which body tissue is heated to as high as 113 °F to help damage and kill cancer cells with little or no harm to normal tissue. Hyperthermia to treat cancer is also called thermal therapy, thermal ablation, or thermotherapy."
Thanks for this additional info. While I am peripherally aware of COLD treatment to benefit our bodies, I was unaware of the heat aspect!
This type of therapy used to be a treatment for infections before antibiotics existed
Wow that’s cool! Thanks for thisn
People that live up north swear by this
I would like tp wish you the best in your venture. You are exactly what we need.
An intelligent, eager, courageous.pwrson who can take the challenge and demand more than the FDA allows.
I will pray for you. I am 4 yrs.out from breast cancer. My husband died of his Leukemia. I have always wondered wht they can't take the pancreas out.
My younger brother lived 5 yrs. With stage IV kidney cancer using immunotherapy. He was their geuni pig. Would've turned 60.
We will get to the cure...I hope before too long.
God Speed!
Doctors don't know everything. I always have had to push my doctors to give me the care that I need. You have to be your own advocate. Thank you for sharing your story.
Grateful for this presentation and all the comments. My dad, who was never sick, died of pancreatic cancer at 67. The only thing that had a cloud on his health was that he took high blood medication for 25 years. Medication that was never adjusted or changed. My 2 brothers and I have outlived our dad by12, 14, 15 years. However, this type of cancer diagnosis is never far from our minds.
I hear you as I was very sick for one year during Covid! It took my doctor just shy of one year to finally listen to me. The healthcare system was overwhelmed with Covid during my cancer journey. I relented with my quest to find out what was wrong. If I hadn’t of been my own advocate; I wouldn’t be here. 💯🇨🇦
This video is a blessing, so many things you said are so true. It was very interesting. The one thing I wanted to add is that so many people die, or the cancer progresses to the point of no return
while they are waiting on insurance approval. I know you know this. You’re fortunate you had the personal resources. Yes…out of pocket expenses that probably a lot of people can’t afford.I’m an RN, worked oncology for 5 years, and have seen and know the process. One thing you said that really hit home is that you said something to the effect that the medical world is overwhelmed, that’s so true and it is a hot mess out here.Thank you for doing this video and thank God you were such a good self advocate.
"Health is too important to trust to a doctor." Truer words have rarely been spoken!!!
I'm so happy you DID! As a nurse, I always tell people "Your health is YOUR responsibility" Doctors work within the confines of the insurance companies, and what THEY will allow, OR they sometimes try to talk you out of tests that you want. I do NOT knock physicians, but like anything else, you have some really good docs and some...not so much. You and your family are your biggest advocates. I tell people take CHARGE, research, find out things...tell the DOCTOR what you want...for YOU. While getting everything to flow like you did, is a dream for most of us, it does not mean people can't make some noise. Dr's aren't taught to prevent diaease, they are taught to treat it...BUT sometime by the time treatment is needed it is TOO LATE. I have fired several physicians, and I'd do it again if I need to. My mother passed from pancreatic Cancer when I was 15. I am now 64. That was the most devastaing period of my life. They didn't know nearly as much as they know now. Kudos to you! Good stuff, and thanks for telling all of us!
Thank you 🙏 My father died a horrible death of pancreatic cancer. Because his children were scattered around the world, we didn’t realize how bad it was until the end. He downplayed it during our telephone calls.
my sister was also asking how long my father had before she was going to come see him dye. she almost missed his dying hour
A very painful cancer
Ttyttttttttt
My brother in law was in great pain but when he spoke to his children on the phone he changed his voice instantly to sound cheerful and strong and then went to his painful self as soon as he put the phone down. I had to tell them about it.
Not blaming, but the family could have researched this on the internet.
A big thank you for this video. I took care of 3 cancer patients and learned the hard way that you advocate for yourself if you don't have someone who is really informed to talk to the doctors. Doctors often will dismiss symptoms and it is often too late when something is discovered. I hope you continue your health journey.
You should give a class twice a year. This is amazing information.
It is very important to advocate for yourself!! At 68, I advocated for a right lobe thyroid removal due to aching and a suspicious biopsy, Dr. wanted to watch and wait another year. I requested lobe removal, and his office called 10 days later to schedule the left lobe and lymph node remove due to medulary thyroid cancer. It was caught early and no cancer treatment was needed after.
Best of luck to you! As you know, the 5 year statistics are not good for Stage 2 pancreatic cancer, but hopefully the additional treatments that you received will make a difference. Only time will tell. I had Stage 2 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and I'm 21 years in remission. People should understand that most non-targeted chemotherapy is really, really miserable. I've been there and will never forget that awful experience. ALWAYS get multiple opinions/consultations for serious conditions before treatment.
My son was gone so quickly in the middle of covid.he was fine but stomach issue off and on but one day it was nonstop pain he went to dr.4 weeks later gone. Your lucky you have resources and your smart enough to jump on health issues. Wishing you good health .ty for sharing your story. It's important to help people know what's available
Your Doctors are members of your team. You are the captain of your team. Stay informed. This doesn’t mean that you can be an asshole, it means that you have a responsibility to learn what is going on and what you can do about it.
I really appreciate this man’s dedication to his own understanding of his own body.
I feel like you’re on the right track to overcome this horrible situation with pancreatic cancer. I’m wishing you the very best.
Your primary doctor didn't want additional testing because he was afraid of getting dropped by insurance companies for costing them money.
Hideous that insurance changes are the boss of doctors
Imagine being this confident. How many lives would be saved, by themselves!
As an RN myself, I stay away from docs, except for a ck up.Thanks for shedding light on liquid biopsies, never heard of it.
Only the medical community know this. I was advised by a doctor on a hospital team t stay away from a general practise doctor after being prescribed steriods for a sinus problem and unable t function. I only go for blood tests and essential antibiotics. Who knew?
My
You called a colonoscopy invasive. I had my first colonoscopy a few months ago. It was as easy as pie. People should not be afraid to have this test done.
It is invasive and comes with high risk during the process . With all the technology you’d think there would be better ways to check.
@acer4237 it's still better to do it for piece of mind, preparing for the procedure is harder than the procedure itself
@@acer4237my colon has never been ok since i had a colonscopy in 2009! The procedure itself is fine -its the after effects f equipment being in there can throw your microbiome haywire!!
Thank you. Veteran here and the V A will not even entertain thoughts about liquid biopsies. I have no other medical insurance and only disability coverage. Both sister, brother and mom had pancreatic cancer. Some of us are sentenced to die by our doctors. I’m happy for you and wish you a long life.😊
Thank you for your service and look up Dr Berg.
Bottom line - cut out processed foods and carbs - eat meat and vegetables and do intermittent fasting. Food truly IS medicine. You can beat this girl, don’t give up! You can take the steps so you don’t even need our crappy healthcare. Love and prayers my friend!
Thank you for this pragmatic approach of cancer, and as you say " we " are not statictics but individuals. Cheers from Belgium, as we are blessed with top medicine. Fair winds.
Bless you for this brilliant video. People are so ignorant about the longterm chemo side effects and the fact the cancer is just dormant. The doctors don't explain things until it's too late. Everything is after the fact. Thanks for being specific on what you've learned. Please do more of these.
Thank you for sharing. I am a believer in cold therapy. For most of my life I routinely caught a cold twice a year that would last 5-7 days. I had the flu each year (at least once) that lasted 2-3 days. Back in 97 I went to Michigan for grad school. Being a So Cal native and not used to snow I relished in the winter season. I would run every day through the snow. I ran through shin splints, general leg ache and near numbness in my feet and hands. It seemed as though I couldn't get enough. After my first winter I noticed I didn't get the annual cold or flu. It's been over 25 years and I've had one weak case of the common cold that lasted two days and one case of the flu that lasted just over a day. For whatever reason running all seasons (especially in the winters) did something to my body that has changed my immune system. When I came back home after grad school I tapered off running, but my immune system remains strong (knock on wood).
The cold spikes your mitochondria,take cold showers!
I admire the fact that you pushed ahead. I have had Cancer and none of my Doctors really care. Every time I ask I get told no or gaslighting.
Some doctors tell you
To EAT ANYTHING YOU WANT
when my mom had colon cancer
And Dad had prostate cancer
They'd eat barbecue and other things😢
Both died at 79
8 years apart
Thank you for sharing your experience. My father passed from pancreatic cancer & was doing sauna’s prior. His Dr. told him NOT to go to the internet. Hopefully your sharing will save lives.
as a doctor I can tell you that the entire training model is to diagnose disease once strong symptoms arise and treat...nothing on prevention. The mindset has not changed years after I recognized this. I'm always looking at family genetics and markers of disease completely missed by primary care. I tell everyone to keep a file of their labs, radiographic or other studies bc in this rushed day and age of practice, medical personnel forget or duplicate tests and you have to be on top of it. best of luck!!
Very sobering view of the importance of 'personal responsibility'. To be effective, that quality seems to involve incredible determination and a sense of self-worth bordering on arrogance. I have never had a cancer diagnosis, but I am glad I watched this in the event I ever do.
Well said. If everyone talked to a dozen oncologists, the system would break. I live in Canada where the distribution of health care is more equitable than in the US. My sister is a burnt out oncology nurse. There is a limited amount of help to go around. Also, "do your own research" is fine if you're a discerning self- educator. That phrase is also bandied about by ignorant conspiracy theorists, so it's loaded.
I discovered my lump, I had it biopsies the same day. 3 days later I knew I had cancer Stage 1 breast cancer. Turned to internet and started to take action. Had three doctor’s opinions. Chose my plan (not what the doctors advised but they worked with me). Opted to not have the advised mastectomy. Did chemo, Herceptin, radiotherapy. Cancer free 10 years. By not removing my lump I knew immediately the treatments were working (9 weeks into treatment tests showed the tumour was gone.) I did not have to hope the treatment was right. If the tumour had been removed I would not have had any clear evidence to know the chemo was right and the Herceptin was working. I avoided the waiting game hoping the treatment was right.
Like you I do realise I will never know what triggered the growth and if it could happen again.
If I had the means that this gentleman has, I would definitely pay for private scans and travel to Japan. This would be what I would do to find answers for my husband. It’s actually very liberating to know that someone does not have to beg for testing the doctors won’t order. Thank you for your story. I’m honestly inspired.
My sister kept telling her doctor something was wrong but the Dr told her she needed to take care of her blood sugar as she was a type 1 diabetic…..and she was questioning the Dr as she was being very careful…..after several months she goes back in and again the Dr told her she wasn’t taking care of herself….she had been so frustrated not feeling up to par….finally she fines out she had stage 4 pancreatitis cancer….sadly she didn’t last more then several months….she was 62…
You are SO my hero!!! I too am very proactive about my health and I don't care that I am annoying to my doctors! This is an excellent message to everyone everywhere.
Such a great video. Over the last dozen years, I’ve changed my diet, exercise a lot, sauna, looking now for infra red lights, supplements. Last year I had a dexa scan showed some bone loss. Refused medications just did my research. I watch Dr Attia and many others daily. Yes Drs are there for tests that you request but they don’t know much…it’s only the beginning.
I’m so glad you kept going because you wanted to prevent an awful outcome. I agree having chronic illness that my health is too important to leave to a doctor. I make sure I’m right on top of it and make sure I get the referrals. Thing is you’re lucky. You have wealth. Most of us die because we can’t afford the top notch treatments. It’s a very unfair world.
Hi Roger. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your journey and valuable information and new potential preventative measures. I'm a 2-time cancer patient with a predisposed genetic condition that makes me susceptible to a variety of cancers. Although I may not have the financial means to replicate what you do, being well informed and be the CEO of my own health is one big lesson I learned from you today. I wish you all the best in your health!
CONGRATULATIONS. Very very few people would be as determined and as aggressive as you and why you are alive today. I am a Doctor with very similar experience as you. I went through hell for six months before I was diagnosed with Stage 4 lymphoma and told only expect a few more months to live. this was 43 years ago. Patients need to advocate for themselves. Even today I have problems with getting all the blood test I want despite very good reasons. I am in Canada where the socialized health care is failing and wait times for appointments are exessive. Worse you are rostered to one primary care doctor and cannot change or you will have no doctor. AI may save the day but adoption is very slow, Many simple tests could be done based on symtons, disease, age etc to reduce wait time and redflag patients without waiting for a doctors appointment. I have heard and know of far to many deaths that may have had different outcomes. People must educate themselves, pay attention to exercise, eat non processed foods , etc.
Thank you for sharing your story and your insights on advocating for one's health. It's important for patients to be proactive in their care.
Roger, all the best to you!! Other liquid biopsies are the RGCC and Datar. I got cancer from hernia mesh. I am now in remission by doing therapies, etc., holistically; no chemo or radiation. The cancer affected my endocrine system, gastro and repiratory systems. The adrenal tumor, liver lesions, thyroid cysts, nodules, and lung nodules are benign. I did the William D. Kelley protocol through an excellent naturopathic doctor, as well as becoming a patient of Center for New Medicine, in Irvine, CA, under Dr. Leigh Coneally.
Roger, your cancer story was unbelievable. May you have a special life with your family and keep exercising..stay happy always!
This guy being a Type-C personality is truly inspirational because it means he's come a long way to find his voice in being assertive with his doctors. He's not the type of guy that wants to be stubborn and do things his own way. Props to him! ❤️
Type C?
@@jonr6680 Type Cs are very sensitive towards others, etc.
@@semicedevine6918 oh, ok, thanks.
He’s seems incredible doesn’t he! So happy for him!
Fantastic material! With a group of doctors, who are so frustrated about the healthcare system I have just started a new startup company Agenox to fill the gap described in this great material. What I hear here is just confirming our worries about the system failing us all. Thank you!
Prayer sent for your complete healing and health!!
Thank you for sharing your story. My sister died of pancreatic cancer. So glad you are well.
A friend of mine was stage 4. She has treatment every 2 weeks now for 3 years but she is here! Sloan Kettering hospital
My mum died from Pancreatic cancer back in 1985. She was going back and fore to the doctors and accepting what he said. by the time she was sent to the hospital for tests was at least 7 months after she first went to see the doctor. Her Pancreatic cancer was not found until she was being operated on for something else. Too late, it had already spread to her liver and throughout her bowel and she died 4 months later. The consultant said my mum had a tumour on her pancreas that he reckoned had lay dormant for a round a decade before turning cancerous. I agree with Roger, it is our health and we should be telling the doctor what tests we want. Good Luck Roger
Does anyone know who the "Preventative Medical Provider" he was talking about?
This is probably the BEST video I have seen on this channel - and this is a great channel doing very important work. I'd sure I'd appreciate it if anyone knows who we was talking about, and the Blood test name? Thank you!!
"Stop bugging me about this?" WTF? Best wishes to you and your family and thank you so much for sharing your story. You have undoubtedly saved lives. Assuming they have the out of money to try to save their own life.
What a man! It resonates 100% with what I think and feel! We must be our own advocate! Absolutely ! Congratulations ! 🙌👌🤗💕
I read an actress or star caught it early and is expected to live a normal life!!
A friend had a different kind of cancer and had high risk surgery after the first high risk surgeon said it had spread to her lymph nodes and refused to do the surgery. He gave her life expectancy of around four months.
She had chemo I don't know the specifics but she said i want to live to see my sons and daughter graduate from college and high school, then she said i want to see them get married and she did. She is doing great and i believe its been more than 15 years!!!
Wow what a fascinating story..may God keep you cancer free and healthy!
My late Son told me "I tried to tell them that there was something wrong with my stomach, but they wouldn't listen". His words haunt me to this day. He died in 2018 from stomach cancer. Way too young.
I went to two specialist who said nothing was wrong with me. I knew I had cancer and told the 3rd specialist that I needed further testing. I am a primary can provider in family medicine-midlevel. I would have been dead in a year if I hadn't persisted. BTW sent a patient to Stanford for pancreatic cancer and she has done well so far. weight loss warrants cea, ca125 and ca9-19- 5 pounds is difficult to justify though but they would have found it. blood sugar elevation is difficult to see as pancreatic cancer since so many people are out of control, even with weight loss it could mean out of control diabetes. thank you for your video I am sorry this wasn't quicker for you.
Congratulations on your success in saving your own life! You’re amazing & I pray you enjoy a happy, healthy & long life!
Cancer is a big money maker and our country values money over health.
Absolutely!
100% you have to be your strongest advocate for your health. If you feel that something is off, keep digging and turning over every stone until you, not your doctor, is satisfied.
My husband was the fittest person I knew. He didn’t smoke, liked a glass of wine occasionally, worked really hard. Only went to the doctor once a year for a general check up. His blood sugars were up slightly so the doctor said he had the beginnings of diabetes which was silly because he wasn’t overweight, ate really well. Then his eyes turned jaundiced so the doctor sent him for scans and he had stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Lived 10 weeks from the date of diagnosis. He definitely didn’t have any signs of not feeling well. Very scary. Only good thing for him he didn’t have any pain which apparently can happen with pancreatic cancer. Still miss him today.
makes sense why my mom suddenly had high blood sugar just 2 3 months before passing away. it was ovarian cancer that had metastasized basically absolutely everywhere
My sister, who just passed from PC, started having difficulty with digestion, her first symptom recognized. Her husband died at home under her care from PC a few years before. My neighbor, I was just told, has PC. He had a reprieve after treatment, then it came back and he is fighting it currently. Best wishes.
Oh no. Sorry for your losses. I wonder if there is a cancer cluster in that area? In other words I wonder if something in the immediate environment might be causing it.
@@qwertylife my sister lived in Florida, many miles from myself and neighbor. She and her husband had a business and building, built on land once owned by dow chemical and near the dow plant. She had suspicions that the chemical factory may have been a catalyst. Well, my whole family lived within walking distance of their company location for many years and I might add, downwind of Dow's smoke stacks. My mother is currently 101, my father lived to 98, my oldest sister is 80, I'm 73 and none of us has had any type of cancer. We can speculate but who really knows?✌️ It's a dreaded disease and difficult to come to terms with. Ultimately it's death and suffering we hate the most and cancer is just one of the many roads we take to those destinations.
Very kind of you to share your wisdom in order to help people with cancer. Wishing you all the best.
Been there, done that 21 years ago, as a misdiagnosed breast cancer patient. I appreciate your words of wisdom on self health advocacy. Wish you continued health and wellness 🎉
My mom died of pancreatic cancer. I was just in ER for diverticulitis flare (2nd in 2 years) my CT showed this: Acute diverticulitis, gallstones and Mild dilation of the extrahepatic bile duct and the pancreatic duct. The ER doc, my PCP, GI doc are all playing this down. This is EXACTLY how things started with my mom. Roger is 100% correct. Do not leave your healthcare in the hands of your doctors. I work in healthcare (admin) and my daughter is a nurse. His assessment is correct and sadly, the standard. I can’t afford all the tests Roger mentions here but it is incredibly helpful for those who can. I will continue to advocate for myself and be as vocal as I can but I’m scared. I’m only 57. Oh, and as for why the FDA works so slow and the way they do Roger, $$ the healthcare industry is a cash cow. The pharmaceutical companies fund our politicians who appoint the Fauci’s in our government. All of us are worker bees and lab rats. Yes, it really is that simple.
Thank you for this video and I wish you to stay healthy. I am a nurse and so many people don't ask questions or stay with a physician that they don't even like. Being informed, knowing your body, getting information so you can make the best decisions is so important.
Roger, THANK YOU for taking the time to make this video! It opened my eyes!
Thank You for this video. My dad told me people have died because they wouldn't think. I wish more people could/would think like you.