Gathering Information for the Right Treatment

Staci Grodin

• Stomach issues and back pain led to stage IV diagnosis
• Chemotherapy with FOLFIRINOX
• Experimenting with diet, exercise, and supplements
• PARP inhibitor rucaparib

My husband Rich was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer at age 48.

He hadn’t been feeling well for about six months, with persistent stomach issues. Following a family ski trip, he developed horrible back pain. It was at that point that he decided to visit a gastroenterologist.

Initially, the doctor believed it was nothing serious and sent him home with antacids. But when that didn’t help, he got an ultrasound that revealed some lesions on his liver. But what caused the lesions? A subsequent MRI revealed that Rich had a tumor on the head of his pancreas, which had metastasized to his liver. In other words, stage IV pancreatic cancer.

We Couldn’t Believe It

Rich is a lifelong athlete. He’s always been in great shape. We couldn’t believe this was happening to us. The news was shocking and devastating to our entire family.

Due to my own experience with Lyme disease, Rich and I founded a foundation in 2001 dedicated to research, education, and awareness for Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses, now known as the Global Lyme Alliance. Through our work at the foundation, when Rich was diagnosed, we reached out to as many doctors and researchers as possible to gather any information that might guide us in the right direction. We compiled research articles and found a major source of relief and hope in the Let’s Win Survivors Series online.

We decided to work with Dr. Allyson Ocean at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City.  She immediately reassured us that we could face the illness despite its severity. Rich began an aggressive treatment regimen of FOLFIRINOX, a standard chemotherapy cocktail. He also experimented with a keto diet, practiced yoga, and explored relaxation techniques like reading, long walks, and exercise when he felt up to it.

Rich was willing to try supplements and natural remedies to complement his treatment plan. He found that medical-grade CBD/THC, for instance, helped reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.

As a caregiver and a mom of three young children at the time—ages 16, 11, and 7—I felt the immense weight of responsibility on my shoulders. I leaned heavily on family and friends for support. Caregiving is an exhausting and often overlooked role in the conversation about serious illnesses.

Transitioning to a PARP Inhibitor

Within six months we saw a huge improvement in his scans and blood work, which allowed him to transition to an oral PARP inhibitor called Rubraca. After almost seven years from his diagnosis, Rich’s scans show no evidence of disease. He continues to take Rubraca, along with supplements, and maintains a routine of yoga, acupuncture, and exercise.

Paying it Forward

In 2018, Rich and I became active with Let’s Win Pancreatic Cancer. We have fundraised for the group, attended events, and even helped establish a strong partnership with fashion brand Veronica Beard. Raising money for Let’s Win, and raising awareness about pancreatic cancer, is something we are both passionate about.

Watch Rich and Staci tell their story in “Do What Makes You Happy.”