Bob E.'s Story

Bob’s journey with Pancreatic Cancer began ironically enough on vacation. After experiencing discomfort during trips to Arizona and Hawaii, Bob went to the doctor to try to find the cause. It wasn’t until a 45 lb drop in weight and a trip to Jefferson Hospital when he was told he has a mass. Initially believed to be benign, he later found out the opposite.
Bob was told he was inoperable because of the way his tumor had grown, and the best advice they could give him was “pray, pray, pray”.
His only option was chemotherapy and radiation. Even with the both he only had a 5% chance of surviving.
Then, a miracle happened. Dr. Mitchell, chief oncologist at Jefferson told him, “We’re gonna do this”’ Bob was a candidate!
Initially going in for a mini-Whipple with Dr. Yeo, and ending up having the full procedure, Bob made it through.
“I think that Jefferson is the place to be for Pancreatic Cancer”, noted Terri Edwards, Bob’s wife.
Bob continued to work as a mailman throughout his endeavor. Sometimes the people on his route would let him come in and take a nap if they could tell he wasn’t feeling too great. “I found out that there’s a lot of good people out there”.
His own positivity and support from his family proved to keep him going.
From being diagnosed as inoperable to standing alongside his wife after this interview, Bob is a glaring reason as to why Pancreatic Cancer needs more funding and awareness, because people can survive it.

*****UPDATE*****
We are sad to share the news that Bob has lost his fight with Pancreatic Cancer. He passed away July 16th, 2010. He will be missed. Taryn and myself offer our deepest condolences and gratitude to Bob and wife Terri for their openness, positivity and support. We'd be honored to offer the same.