Matthew Rosenblum survived Stage IV pancreatic cancer | pancreatoduodenectomy | folfiinox | abraxane

In this powerful episode of the Cancer Interviews podcast, we sit down with Matthew Rosenblum, a resilient and inspiring survivor of Stage IV pancreatic cancer. His journey is nothing short of extraordinary—a story marked by pain, perseverance, and ultimately, survival.

Diagnosed at just 32 years old, Matthew’s ordeal began with alarming symptoms: bile duct obstructed jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, and severe itching, especially on his hands and feet. Initially misdiagnosed with a serrated liver, Matthew knew something wasn’t right. After visits to urgent care and the ER, a battery of tests including a CT scan, MRI, and endoscopic ultrasound finally revealed a bile duct stricture, setting the stage for what would become a life-altering diagnosis: pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

In May 2021, surgeons attempted a pancreatoduodenectomy (also known as the Whipple procedure), a complex surgery often used in treating pancreatic cancer. But during the operation, they discovered that the cancer had already spread to his gut and liver, making the procedure unviable. A massive incision from his pelvis to his navel was performed instead, and doctors revealed that Matthew’s early diagnosis stemmed from a genetic mutation that predisposed him to cancer decades earlier than most.

The battle began with intense chemotherapy. His first treatment plan involved FOLFIRINOX, a powerful combination often referred to as the “kitchen sink” of chemo cocktails. Despite its brutal side effects, it initially shrank the tumor. However, by September 2021, the cancer had advanced to his liver. That’s when Matthew was switched to a different chemo regimen—gemcitabine and Abraxane—which proved more tolerable and allowed his quality of life to steadily improve.

In March 2022, with new hope, Matthew underwent a second surgery. This time, the outcome was miraculous: the tumor was non-viable, liver lesions had disappeared, all lymph nodes were clear, and to this day, there has been no sign of metastatic recurrence.

Although he now lives with a redesigned digestive system and had to relearn how to eat, Matthew is embracing life. He is deeply thankful for the second chance and is now dedicated to supporting others facing the same terrifying diagnosis. From his roots in Hazel Park, Michigan, to fighting for his life alone in Durham, North Carolina, his story is one of resilience, hope, and strength.

KEY TERMS & TOPICS COVERED:

Pancreatic Cancer

Bile Duct Obstructed Jaundice

Serrated Liver

Endoscopic Ultrasound

FOLFIRINOX

Pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple Procedure)

Chemotherapy

Gemcitabine

Abraxane

Liver Metastasis

Matthew Rosenblum

Bruce Morton (Host of Cancer Interviews)

📢 If you or a loved one is facing pancreatic cancer, know that you're not alone. Matthew’s story is proof that there is hope, even after a Stage IV diagnosis. This episode offers valuable insights for patients, caregivers, and medical professionals alike.

📘 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
🟣 Support Group – Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

👍 Don’t forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more cancer survivor stories, expert interviews, and medical insights.

🔔 Turn on notifications to never miss an update from @CancerInterviews.

#PancreaticCancer #CancerSurvivor #FOLFIRINOX #Pancreatoduodenectomy #Gemcitabine #Abraxane #EndoscopicUltrasound #BileDuctObstruction #StageIVCancer #MatthewRosenblum #BruceMorton #SerratedLiver #Chemotherapy #WhippleProcedure #CancerAwareness #CancerSupport

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