Introduction

Mary Jo Burkhard, a 71-year-old Navy veteran, faced the unthinkable when she started to experience distressing symptoms at home that she feared could signal a heart attack. Knowing that men and women can exhibit different symptoms during cardiac episodes, Burkhard did not hesitate to act on her discomfort, which included troubling pain in her back and chest.

Seeking Help

Initially seeking help at an urgent care facility, Burkhard was prescribed a painkiller, but when she vomited it shortly after, she felt compelled to go directly to the hospital for further evaluation. There, doctors conducted a series of tests, including a CAT scan, that revealed she was not having a heart attack. Instead, the scan uncovered a shocking three-inch cancerous tumor on her pancreas. In just two days, she was given the devastating diagnosis of Stage II pancreatic cancer, which is known for its high mortality rates.

A Life-Changing Diagnosis

Overcome with fear for her life, Burkhard's immediate thoughts were for her beloved children and grandchildren. However, her oncologist, Dr. Alexander Itskovich, reassured her that, while serious, her condition was treatable. Treatment would involve surgery to remove the tumor and a rigorous regimen of chemotherapy and radiation to combat cancerous cells.

Resilience and Determination

Drawing on the resilience and determination fostered during her military career, Burkhard embraced her treatment. "If you can get through boot camp, you can get through anything," she declared with conviction, channeling her inner fighter.

The Challenge of Early Detection

Pancreatic cancer is particularly insidious, often going undiagnosed until it reaches advanced stages. According to Dr. Suneel Kamath, a gastroenterologist not directly involved in Burkhard's care, symptoms such as stomach upset and abdominal pain can easily be overlooked, making early detection extremely challenging. Sadly, many patients are diagnosed at Stage IV, when treatment options are severely limited.

Proactive Approach and Treatment

In Burkhard’s case, her proactive approach led to an early diagnosis, which greatly increased her chances for successful treatment. Just days after receiving her diagnosis, she started chemotherapy every three days for more than four months. The chemotherapy took a serious toll on her physical health; she experienced extreme fatigue and sometimes needed help moving around her home. However, her determination bore fruit as subsequent scans showed that the tumor had shrunk to half its original size, allowing Dr. Itskovich to proceed with the surgical removal of the mass.

Surgery and Recovery

The surgery was far from routine. Lasting nearly nine hours due to complications where the tumor was intertwined with other organs, Burkhard emerged from the operating room with the entire tumor successfully excised. Post-surgery, she faced further chemotherapy and radiation, and she spent weeks recovering, finding the puree diet she was restricted to particularly challenging. "It was worse than a military diet," she remarked, highlighting the trials she endured throughout her recovery process.

Positive Milestones

After completing her grueling treatment regimen, Burkhard underwent follow-up testing to determine the effectiveness of the procedures. Despite her anxiety while awaiting the results, the scans revealed no signs of disease. While this is a significant milestone, Burkhard remains vigilant, with regular CAT scans scheduled every three months for the next three years, and semi-annual scans following that.

New Lease on Life

With a five-year survival rate of approximately 44% for early-stage pancreatic cancer, Burkhard’s journey is far from over, but she finds joy in her new lease on life. Engaging in community service and Veterans Affairs activities, she recently spoke at a Veterans Day flag-raising ceremony to honor those who served. Soon, she plans to visit Indiana to spend quality time with her grandchildren.

Spreading Positivity

Burkhard continues to spread positivity during her hospital visits, frequently expressing her gratitude to the team that supported her throughout her health crisis. “I hug the doctors, I hug the nurses. I hug everybody in the hospital,” she shares, highlighting the bonds formed during her treatment journey. Her story serves not just as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking medical attention but as an inspiration for others facing their battles with courage and hope.