At a time in life when many people begin slowing down, Bob was embracing retirement with gratitude and adventure. After retiring from a research and development career with the U.S. Navy, he and his wife spent their days traveling internationally and enjoying the life they had worked so hard to build.

“I rarely had even minor illnesses,” Bob recalled. “My primary care physician always told me to keep staying well.”

That changed in June 2024.

A Life-Changing Diagnosis

After noticing pressure in his lower left back and side, he mentioned it during a routine visit with his doctor. Within days, he found himself in what he describes as a “whirlwind” of scans, biopsies, and appointments that ultimately confirmed a diagnosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma — a rare and aggressive form of pancreatic cancer.

“There is an instant fear when you are given this diagnosis,” he said. “Pancreatic cancer is one of the cancers with the deadliest prognosis. Thoughts of loved ones left behind and missed future family events abound.”

But rather than allowing fear to define him, he made a conscious decision to focus on gratitude.

“I reflected on how blessed my life had been — loving parents, education, a career, my wife, children, grandchildren, and good health. Being a person of faith, I knew these blessings came from God. I knew I would now be on a journey with Him, whatever the path and whatever the end result.”

Finding Strength Through Faith and Care

That journey has been anything but easy.

Over the last two years, he has undergone three rounds of chemotherapy, two rounds of radiation therapy, surgery, hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and immunotherapy treatments. There was even a period when he became wheelchair bound.

Yet today, he continues to move forward with resilience, determination, and hope.

“I am not a survivor, but I am surviving,” he said.

He credits much of that strength to the multidisciplinary team at South County Health’s Cancer Center and Radiation Therapy Center.

“It takes a team,” he said. “From the oncologists and surgeon to the nurses, pharmacists, nutrition specialists, technicians, and schedulers — they are realistic about where this cancer may lead, but they carry a positive outlook and help rejoice in every progressive step.”

Redefining What Hope Looks Like

For him, victories now look different than they once did.

“Scan reports showing no further growth or even shrinkage of the tumor are days of joy,” he said. “I’ve learned that one may not be optimistic about a cure, but one may remain positive about living with cancer.”

Equally important has been the support of family and friends, whose prayers, cards, phone calls, and everyday help have sustained him during the most difficult moments.

“I strongly believe my faith has played the greatest role in my current condition,” he said. “I leave the extent of my health and longevity in the hands of God.”

A Meaningful Life, One Day at a Time

Today, Bob receives ongoing treatment, and he continues to enjoy meaningful moments with loved ones and contribute to daily life at home.

“I have pancreatic cancer,” he said, “but outside of appointments and treatments, I am still able to live a normal life.”

For others newly facing a cancer diagnosis, his message is simple but powerful:

“Remain positive that treatments can lead to meaningful longevity. There can still be a meaningful existence while living with cancer.”

Learn More about the Cancer Center