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Pancreatic Cancer Did Not Stop Thomas Stachler from Enjoying Life

I was 65 and active when I began having some discomfort under my rib cage.

I went to my doctor at the Michigan Medicine at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) and after some tests he found a tumor at the head of my pancreas. My bile duct was dilated because the tumor was blocking it. I was diagnosed with Stage 2 pancreatic cancer.

Initially Unsuccessful Chemotherapy

I started treatment with FOLFIRINOX at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor Cancer Center in Ypsilanti, not far from my home in Saline. But the chemotherapy was not working after four courses, so I began looking for another doctor.

Life Enjoyment After Treatment

I promised myself that I would buy an RV and travel more if I survived the surgery. A month later I did just that.

I am 67 now. I was getting scans every four months but that was switched to every six months just recently.

I still work but I try to spend some time each month traveling in my RV. During the COVID pandemic, I got a pup (Chewie) for stress relief and as a traveling companion. I document my travels with Chewie on my Tom’s Travels on YouTube Channel.-. Chewie and I go where the weather tells us.

Don’t Wait To Enjoy Life To The Fullest