Rob Caruano survived pancreatic cancer | folfirinox | patient equity | atavan | chemotherapy

Video Description

In this compelling interview, Rob Caruano shares his remarkable story of surviving pancreatic cancer—a diagnosis that came after weeks of delays, misdiagnoses, and persistence through a strained healthcare system during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a mysterious and excruciating stomach pain evolved into a diagnosis of one of the deadliest cancers, followed by major surgery and an intensive chemotherapy regimen. Rob’s experience highlights not just personal resilience, but also crucial issues of patient equity, advocacy, and systemic medical challenges. Rob was living in New York City in December 2021 when he was suddenly awakened by severe abdominal pain. Seeking help, he faced overcrowded urgent care centers and emergency rooms unable to provide timely attention due to COVID. Initial tests pointed to pancreatitis, and doctors believed he had a gallstone. But Rob pushed for further testing after an ultrasound revealed duct dilation that shouldn’t have persisted weeks after a gallstone incident. When a gastroenterologist dismissed Rob’s request for an MRI and instead suggested unnecessary surgery to remove his gallbladder, Rob insisted—his determination ultimately saved his life. The MRI revealed a mass on his pancreas. A biopsy confirmed the worst: pancreatic cancer. Due to imaging that showed possible lesions on his liver, doctors initially staged it as Stage IV metastatic cancer. If confirmed, he would be ineligible for surgery. Fortunately, further testing showed the liver spots were not cancerous, paving the way for the Whipple procedure. The Whipple procedure is one of the most complex surgeries in modern medicine. Rob underwent a modified version that removed half of his pancreas and his spleen while sparing his stomach and intestines. But surgery was only the beginning. To reduce the chance of recurrence, Rob began a rigorous six-month chemotherapy plan with FOLFIRINOX, a powerful combination of drugs often used to treat pancreatic cancer. The side effects were intense: Rob experienced ongoing nausea but was fortunate never to vomit. Partway through the treatment, a change to a regimen that included Ativan (lorazepam) helped manage the nausea more effectively, enabling him to complete his full course of chemotherapy. Throughout his treatment, the pandemic's impact loomed large. COVID protocols meant he was allowed only one hospital visitor—his husband, who also served as his primary caregiver. The emotional toll was heavy, but Rob emphasizes how essential that support was to his recovery. Now, Rob says his health has returned to near pre-diagnosis levels. He lives with some lingering neuropathy, a common side effect of chemotherapy, but it doesn't significantly impact his quality of life. His story is not only a message of survivorship and resilience but also a cautionary tale about the importance of patient self-advocacy in a system strained by external pressures. This powerful episode is part of our ongoing Cancer Interviews series, where we highlight real stories of courage, healing, and hope. Rob Caruano’s journey from mysterious symptoms to survival is an inspiring reminder that knowledge, persistence, and the right support can make all the difference. Subscribe to our channel for more survivor stories and interviews with cancer fighters, caregivers, and experts. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:45 - First signs of stomach pain 4:20 - COVID’s impact on seeking care 6:30 - Misdiagnosis: pancreatitis and gallstones 9:15 - Rob advocates for his own MRI 11:50 - Pancreatic cancer diagnosis 13:40 - Whipple surgery explained 15:25 - Chemotherapy with FOLFIRINOX 18:00 - Managing side effects with Ativan 20:45 - Coping with COVID isolation during treatment 23:10 - Life after cancer Keywords & Tags: #whippleprocedure #pancreaticcancer #cancerinterviews #chemotherapy #robcaruano #patientequity #pancreatitis #ativan #folfirinox #pancreaticcancersurvivor #cancerjourney #cancersurvivor #covidhealthcare Support & Resources: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Join their support groups and access educational tools for patients and caregivers. Thank you for watching and supporting our mission to amplify real voices in the fight against cancer. If Rob’s story resonated with you, please like, comment, and share to spread awareness and hope.