In August 2022, a routine checkup with a new doctor, Gregory Prokopowicz, revealed a large mass in my abdomen. After a whirlwind of scans and an endoscopy, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer – a rare form called pancreatoblastoma, more commonly found in children than adults. The tumor, nicknamed Moby Dick, was large and had to be removed immediately. A brilliant surgeon, Fabian Johnston, performed a nine-hour operation, removing the tumor, my spleen, and gallbladder. I was declared cancer-free, but the relief was short-lived.
One month later, a post-operative scan revealed metastases on my liver. My world crumbled again. Doctors informed me that without treatment, I had approximately eight months to live. The devastating news sent me on a desperate search for any hope of survival.
Initial consultations painted a bleak picture. Chemotherapy was the only recommended treatment, with a dismal survival rate. But, I was determined to live life to the fullest until the end. I embarked on a last hurrah, traveling to Las Vegas for a poker tournament and Amsterdam to see the Vermeer exhibit.
Back home, facing the reality of my limited time, I began to search for alternative options. A friend connected me with Dr. Tomoaki Kato, a renowned oncologist at Columbia Presbyterian, known for his groundbreaking work, including liver transplants and separating conjoined twins. Despite my skepticism and his packed schedule, Dr. Kato spent over an hour discussing my case.
He presented a new hope: Y-90, a radioactive isotope that could be injected into the blood supply of the metastases, potentially killing them. While Y-90 had been used successfully for other tumors, it was never applied to my rare type of cancer.
Dr. Kato referred me to David Sperling, an interventional radiologist who specializes in this treatment. After a detailed explanation and two mapping sessions, I received the first Y-90 injection in May 2023. The procedure, involving a catheter inserted into my liver artery, felt surprisingly comfortable.
Two weeks later, I returned for a second session, where the radioactive isotope was injected directly into the tumors. Again, the procedure was surprisingly painless.
To my immense relief, the Y-90 treatment was working. My liver metastases were shrinking. I returned to my life, playing in the World Series of Poker, a passion that helped me cope with the diagnosis.
Then, another scan revealed a new metastasis on my liver. Thankfully, Dr. Sperling was ready with his “map and zap” solution. This time, I received a third Y-90 treatment.
Today, I am still alive. I have defied the odds, living almost two years beyond the eight-month prognosis. This journey has been a testament to the power of hope, research, and fighting for alternative treatments. While chemo is often the first line of defense for metastatic cancer, Y-90 offers a promising alternative, particularly for those with rare cancers.
My story is a call to action for anyone facing a cancer diagnosis: Don’t settle for the first treatment offered. Research, advocate for yourself, and never give up hope. You might just find a miracle cure, like I did.
