Elise Roth Tedeschi survived Pancreatic Cancer | Whipple Procedure | Nano Knife | Needle Biopsy

Video Description

In this inspiring episode of the Cancer Interviews podcast, we sit down with Elise Roth Tedeschi, a working mother from Smyrna, Georgia, who was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer in 2011—and has been cancer-free since October 2012. Before her diagnosis, Elise led an active, healthy life. But that changed when she began experiencing severe back pain and described a sensation like her stomach was on fire. Doctors first believed she had a bulging disc, but when her condition worsened, a CT scan revealed a 7cm tumor in her pancreas. After a needle biopsy and an endoscopic biopsy, a PET scan confirmed what no one ever wants to hear: Elise had Stage IV pancreatic cancer, and the prognosis was grim. A celiac plexus block was performed to help with the pain, which had become so intense that she could no longer eat. With a 1% survival rate, Elise faced daunting odds. Treatment & Breakthroughs: Elise began treatment immediately. A port was inserted, and she underwent 12 rounds of FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy, a powerful and aggressive combination of drugs often used for locally advanced pancreatic cancer. The side effects were intense—neuropathy, weight loss (she dropped to just 89 pounds), and extreme fatigue. But there was hope: midway through treatment, her scans showed the tumor had shrunk by 50%. After the 12th round, the tumor had shrunk even further, and remarkably, it was found to be no longer active. Because of this progress, doctors decided not to perform a Whipple procedure, a complex surgery often associated with pancreatic cancer. Instead, Elise became a candidate for a groundbreaking Nano-Knife procedure (irreversible electroporation), used to destroy the remaining cancer cells and remove her gall bladder. To prevent recurrence, she also continued with oral chemotherapy pills, completing her treatment journey with state-of-the-art precision medicine. Genetic Insight: BRCA2+ Diagnosis Elise later learned she carried the BRCA2+ genetic mutation, which may have influenced her cancer development. This insight has implications not just for her treatment, but also for her family's future health decisions. Life After Stage IV Cancer: Since October 2012, Elise Roth Tedeschi has remained in full remission—a miraculous outcome given her original diagnosis. She continues to receive scans every six months and has made manageable lifestyle adjustments, including a few dietary restrictions. Yet, her day-to-day life now mirrors the one she had before cancer. Today, Elise is living proof that hope, medical innovation, and determination can lead to extraordinary outcomes. She continues to thrive in her career and enjoys life with her loving husband and two sons. In This Episode You’ll Learn: How early symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be mistaken for minor issues The emotional weight of a Stage IV diagnosis and preparing a family for the worst The effectiveness and side effects of FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy What it’s like to undergo a Nano-Knife procedure How the BRCA2+ gene impacts cancer risk and treatment decisions Why neuropathy and weight loss are major concerns during chemo How Elise beat the odds and reclaimed her life Resources Mentioned: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) https//:www.pancan.org Watch more survivor stories & expert interviews: Subscribe to Cancer Interviews Leave a comment if you or someone you know has been affected by pancreatic cancer. Share your thoughts, stories, and questions—you're not alone. Like, Subscribe, and Share this video to spread hope and awareness. #CancerSurvivor #PancreaticCancer #NanoKnife #CancerRemission #BRCA2 #ChemoWarrior Attach Search Reason Voice ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.