Survivor Stories
February 26, 2026 • 2 Min
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An Immunotherapy Oddball

Aurora A. Saulo

Three women, one in a green dress, the center one in a red top, and the right one in an orange and red printed dress.
  • Surgery became exploratory
  • First chemotherapy lost its effectiveness
  • From chemo to immunotherapy

I was diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma in September 2023.

We started with surgery to remove the huge tumor, which was roughly the size of a SPAM container. Even though there was no metastasis and my nearby organs seemed fine, they could not remove the tumor. So, it ended up being an exploratory procedure.

I then started FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy. After 20 cycles, it lost its effectiveness and was discontinued. I was given options for other treatments and chose KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) immunotherapy, which we began on September 11, 2024. I had treatments every three weeks at the The Dr. James T. Kakuda Cancer Center at Pali Momi Medical Center in Hawai’i under Dr. Elizabeth Nakasone. By January 2025, I’ve had seven infusions and 5 weeks of daily radiation.

From Hawai’i to the Philippines

By December 2024 I had lost 30 pounds and could not take care of myself any longer.  I accepted my sister’s offer to move to the Philippines and have a full-time caregiver. Fortunately, I was able to continue the same treatment every three weeks at The Medical City Ortigas in Pasig Metro Manila, under the care of Dr. Marina A. Chua-Tan.

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I had my 18th KEYTRUDA infusion on February 11, 2026. I learned recently that pancreatic cancer patients have had little success with Keytruda immunotherapy. However, that hasn’t been the case for me. I consider myself an oddball because my body is responding well to the treatments! And I have many friends and family who faithfully pray for me. Prayers do work!

Slowly But Surely

I now weigh around 100 pounds and can manage walking without a wheelchair, although I occasionally take my wheelchair just in case. Starting in October 2025, I began socializing and even attended for the first time in January 2026 my high school homecoming. I retain a full-time caregiver, and my goal is to return to ballroom dancing that was sadly halted when I received my medical diagnosis.

An oddball—yes, but a blessed one.

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