Surviving Will Someday Be the Expectation

Susan Ganis

• Acute pancreatitis led to diagnosis
• Survived breast cancer 10 years before diagnosis
• Whipple surgery and chemo during COVID-19
• Other survivors gave me hope
• Serving as a patient advocate

In the fall of 2020, during the height of COVID-19, I realized I was overdue for a physical exam.

I had casually mentioned to friends that my stomach felt “off,” but I had acid reflux and attributed my symptoms to just that. It was nothing dramatic.

Nothing Dramatic, Until . . .

The results of my blood work showed extremely elevated liver enzymes, and my doctor was determined to get to the bottom of it. I was convinced I had a kidney stone or a gallstone. She ordered an abdominal CT scan, which came back normal, but she didn’t stop there. She insisted I have an MRI.

While waiting for insurance approval, I awoke one night with excruciating abdominal pain. I called my doctor right away, and even though I protested, she insisted I go to the ER. It was November 15, 2020, in the middle of COVID-19, and I was frightened to walk into a hospital alone.

Alone at the ER

The ER doctor immediately started morphine and ran tests. He told me my blood work showed acute pancreatitis. I was shocked—how did I develop pancreatitis?

Then he grew quiet and began asking about my family. Was I married? Did I have children? I thought he was just being friendly. When he suggested we call my family, my heart skipped a beat. Why would we need to do that?

The tests had revealed a growth on my pancreas that was blocking my bile duct and causing the infection. I was terrified to ask what that meant. Was he saying he thought I had pancreatic cancer? I asked the question. He quietly said yes—that was quite likely.

I was alone in an ER bay. I went into shock. I cried. At 59 years old, I was certain my life was over.

Springing into Action

I was admitted to the hospital and had to wait several days for the pancreatitis to resolve before having a biopsy. The biopsy confirmed the diagnosis: pancreatic cancer. I had never known anyone with pancreatic cancer who survived. Telling my family and friends was one of the hardest things I have ever done.

But my family and I sprang into immediate action. Within days, we had appointments with three of the top pancreatic cancer specialists in New York City. I chose my team at Columbia/NewYork-Presbyterian Pancreas Center and was fortunate to have Whipple surgery just two weeks later with Dr. John Chabot.

Dr. Chabot was brilliant and hopeful, and his confidence carried me through my darkest days. Recovery was not easy, but I pushed through. The support of my friends and family meant everything. I also connected with other pancreatic cancer patients who were further along in their journeys and doing well. Seeing survivors gave me hope when I needed it most.

Chemo During COVID-19

After a ten-week recovery—and waiting to receive my first COVID-19 vaccine—I began a grueling six-month regimen of FOLFIRINOX under the care of my brilliant oncologist, Dr. Gulam Manji, also at Columbia. Dr. Manji and his team treated me with hope and compassion. I remember sitting in the chemo chair just before my first treatment, alone during COVID-19, not knowing what to expect and feeling so scared . . . I had survived breast cancer and chemo back in 2009, but this felt completely different; this was much more uncertain and unknown.

My first treatment caused severe colitis, landing me back in the hospital for five days. I was forced to take a month-long pause in chemotherapy. I later learned I had a rare sensitivity to one of the drugs, and my regimen was adjusted.

Staying Positive

The next six months were hard—very hard—but I stayed positive. I remained as active as I could on the days that I felt strong enough, even during the height of COVID-19. I counted down every treatment. I kept my eyes on the prize—getting back to my life as COVID-19 restrictions also began to ease.

Ringing the bell at the end of chemotherapy in July of 2021 was a moment of pure celebration. I threw a party to celebrate life and even took a trip to Italy. I was reclaiming my future.

Flash Forward to 2025

This past November, I reached my five-year mark, and my body continues to show no evidence of disease. Five years is truly a milestone in the pancreatic cancer world, and I do not take it for granted. Acute pancreatitis and a persistent primary care doctor truly saved my life.

A few years ago, I was introduced to Let’s Win. Their mission to help every patient navigate this journey resonated deeply with me. I knew I needed to pay it forward. Today, I am proud to serve as a patient advocate and part of the Let’s Win community. This year, I was honored to be recognized at the Let’s Win Benefit—a moment that felt both humbling and deeply meaningful.

There is real progress happening in pancreatic cancer—in research, treatment, and early detection. Survivorship is possible. I am living proof. We must continue pushing forward so that surviving pancreatic cancer becomes not the exception, but the expectation in our lifetime.

Watch Susan tell her story in “The Small Moments Bring Us Joy.”