Too Busy Living Large!

Jane Eshbaugh

• Swelling in my groin and discolored urine led to stage IV diagnosis
• Chemo with FOLFIRINOX
• Genetic testing on my tumor revealed mutations
• Next step, immunotherapy

It’s taken me a long time to write my story because I’ve been too busy living large!

I am very fortunate to say that I rang the “victory bell” at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (Buffalo, New York) a few weeks ago and my doctor sees no evidence of any cancer in my scans. While he didn’t say I’m cured forever, it’s wonderful news.

But let me start from the beginning . . . .

In the Beginning

I have lived my entire life on the ski slopes. Not only have I enjoyed skiing as a hobby, but I also worked first as a ski instructor but then as Marketing Director for more than 40 years for Holiday Valley Ski Resort in Ellicottville, New York. I even married the president and general manager of Holiday Valley. I love adventure—especially when it’s outdoors. My appreciation and love of nature (especially all things related to snow) run deep!

I was planning to retire from my job in May of 2022, and to ride my bicycle across the country with my friend that summer. I had been training all winter for this, but I started losing a lot of weight. Then I had some swelling in my groin and my pee turned brown. I called my doctor, had a bunch of tests, and got the diagnosis of stage IV pancreatic cancer on April 1, 2022. I wanted to think it was a cruel April Fools’ joke, but it wasn’t.

I had participated in Roswell Comprehensive Cancer Center’s biking events for about 20 years. For at least 20 years we rode the century distance (100 miles) in the one-day Ride for Roswell and for the past six years we rode the Empire State Ride across New York State—that’s about 550 miles over seven days. I thought my contributions to their efforts would entitle me to “insurance” for never needing their services. But not so! My husband Dennis and I called Roswell and they took me right away.

Unfortunately I was not a candidate for surgery. My doctor, Dr. Christos Fountzilas, ordered more tests and installed a bile duct stent and port. Before I knew it, I started an aggressive run of chemotherapy. I had FOLFIRINOX treatments every two weeks for six months. It was not fun, but it got the job done.

Keeping Calm and Carrying On

During the chemo treatments I felt yucky and nauseous. About three days later I would start to feel better. I had my treatments every other Monday and by the next Sunday I could ride my bike again with my friends. I was even able to participate in the Empire State Ride across New York State at the end of July. I made up my mind that I was going to get better. I never looked on the internet to read about how terrible pancreatic cancer was. I was determined to make the best of every day and not worry about what the future may bring. Why waste your time worrying about what might never happen?

I was lucky that Dennis and our two daughters were able and willing to help so much. They researched all things pancreatic cancer, nourished my body and soul, and took care of everything that needed doing.

Genetic Testing Made a Difference

I am also lucky to have been treated at such a welcoming, comfortable, and progressive facility like Roswell. My medical team encouraged me to check out relevant clinical trials. While I didn’t end up participating, it was reassuring to know that these trials exist and that they help so many people. My doctor also encouraged me to have genetic testing on my tumor, which I did through PanCAN. The results revealed actionable mutations: ERBB2 (HER2), MSI-H, and TMB-H high. This meant that I was a candidate for immunotherapy. Wow—that was good news!

My doctor and I agreed to complete chemo as planned and then switch to the immunotherapy drug Keytruda. My experience with Keytruda was amazing! There were no side effects and I felt great. I was able to do all the things I could do before—like eat ice cream and ski in cold weather—and I was not nauseous anymore. In fact, I felt so good on Keytruda that I was nervous to stop taking it after my two years were up!  But when Dr. Fountzilas no longer saw evidence of cancer in my CT scans, I was happy to quit!

Going forward, I will have scans every three months. If anything comes back, I can start the treatments again . . . which I hope never happens!

Other Things That Helped

In addition to my excellent care at Roswell, there are some other things that helped me get better. First, I can’t say enough how much my family and friends (and even people I didn’t know) made a difference by supporting me, praying for me, and helping me believe I could recover. I’ve taken really good care of myself throughout my life. I eat (mostly) good food, get plenty of exercise and fresh air, and hardly drink alcohol.

I’m even more mindful now of the beauty in my life—nature, the wind, my family. Adventure still leads me to new things. I’m trying to practice yoga and meditation (but I haven’t nailed those just yet!).