My Surgery Revealed a Different Cancer Story

Douglas Cordova

• Diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma at 44
• Whipple procedure
• Post-surgery pathology report changed my diagnosis to PNET
• Surveillance

When my doctor first gave me the diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in July 2025, I nearly fainted.

I was angry, scared, frustrated, and confused. As a healthy 44 year old with no history of pancreatic cancer in my family, I couldn’t understand how this was happening.

Diagnosis, Surgery, and a New Diagnosis

I had been experiencing stomach and digestive issues, so my doctor ordered a series of tests. After an upper endoscopy, ultrasound, CT, MRI, endoscopic ultrasound with biopsy, and bloodwork, I got my diagnosis. Based on the initial findings, we agreed to have surgery first. My Whipple procedure was performed at NYU Langone Health, New York, with Dr, Brock Hewitt. Dr. Christopher Wolfgang was also very helpful.

Recovery from the Whipple was not easy. The first few months of recovery were absolutely brutal, but I kept a progress log and started seeing that every day I could do a little more. Even the small wins kept me in a positive mindset. You really do start to see significant changes at the three-month and then the six-month mark. It’s super important to work closely with your medical team, not push yourself too hard, and stay patient.

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The doctor ordered molecular testing done on my tumor during the procedure. There were no mutations detected, but the findings revealed that I had a stage I pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET), not pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This is a major change because the treatments and prognosis are different.

After the surgery, I sought oncology care and general surveillance with Dr. Eileen O’Reilly at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), New York. 

Surveillance

I am under surveillance currently so no chemotherapy as of now. I take Creon and some multivitamins and work with my therapist and nutritionist and doctors at MSK.

As for side effects, I have consistent back pain. I am gassy often and my uric acid levels have increased from my weight loss. I manage them by working out and stretching to strengthen my back, taking Gas-X for my gas, and monitoring what I eat and drink for my uric acid levels.

As of Today

The help I have received at MSK has made a huge difference for me. As of today, I am six months post-surgery. I’ve experienced weight loss and other issues, but overall, my life has returned to about 75 percent of what I consider “normal.” I work hard to appreciate every opportunity to be a husband to my wife, a father to my two boys, to lead at work, spend time with friends, play basketball, work out, and truly live my life.

I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my family, coworkers, and friends, who have stood by me every step of this journey. Their encouragement has made all the difference.

My Outlook Remains Positive

There are still challenges.  It can be difficult knowing that I can no longer eat and drink the way I once did with no gallbladder and only half of my pancreas. I also continue with regular checkups every three to four months, and while the fear of recurrence never fully goes away, it’s not something I allow to take control of my life.

Be Kind to Yourself

To anyone who has just been diagnosed, know that every emotion you are feeling is valid.  What I quickly realized is that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. You must be kind to yourself. Stay positive as often as you can but also give yourself permission to feel everything that comes with this journey.

Everyone’s experience is different, but the best advice I received was consistent: Take it hour by hour and day by day. Don’t let bad news or difficult days discourage you. Focus on the small wins, the progress, and the good wherever you can find it. Those moments matter more than you realize.