Bernie S. – Neuroendocrine Cancer Patient Story

When Bernie Sylvester, 65, from Lancaster, Pa., set out for his usual early-morning walk with his dog, he felt an unusual pain in his leg — a deep, drilling sensation at the top of his thigh. As someone who routinely walked 3 miles a day, this wasn’t normal. The pain intensified and soon radiated across his abdomen, forcing him to cut his walk short and return home.

Concerned, Bernie decided to visit the nearby UPMC Lititz Emergency Department. There, an ultrasound revealed two blood clots — one behind his knee and another on top of his thigh.

Bernie was also experiencing abdominal pain. To determine the cause, Bernie underwent further imaging tests that revealed an unexpected discovery: a tumor on his pancreas. He was quickly referred to Naeem Latif, MD, a medical oncologist at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Lititz, who diagnosed him with neuroendocrine cancer. Dr. Latif then referred him to Kyo Chu, MD, a UPMC Hillman surgical oncologist, for further evaluation.

A week before Christmas 2023, Bernie met with Dr. Chu at his office in Mechanicsburg. During the appointment, he suddenly felt hot and disoriented and began vomiting. Recognizing the urgency, Dr. Chu immediately sent him to the nearby UPMC West Shore Emergency Department. There, Bernie received IV fluids and a blood transfusion.

Dr. Chu visited Bernie in the hospital and explained that he needed surgery sooner than anticipated because he was bleeding internally. Within two hours, Dr. Chu’s office scheduled a Whipple procedure — the most common surgery to remove tumors of the pancreas and adjacent organs — for December 26.

Advanced Surgical Procedures, Right Here in Central Pa.

"Dr. Chu took the time to explain the Whipple procedure thoroughly,” Bernie recalls. “He even drew a diagram to illustrate what he needed to do — remove my gallbladder, the tumor, and part of my upper intestine.”

Dr. Chu also explained that the complex operation would last between six and 10 hours.

Leading up to the surgery, Bernie was admitted to UPMC West Shore, where he received exceptional care.

"From the students and nurses to the custodians and dining staff, everyone took the time to talk with me and made me feel valued," he says. "Dr. Chu frequently visited, even introducing me to his entire team. I believe he even came by on Christmas!"

The surgery went as planned, with an uneventful recovery. Post-surgery, Dr. Chu sent tissue samples to UPMC Hillman in Pittsburgh for further analysis because there wasn’t a straightforward final diagnosis.

Seamless, Coordinated Cancer Care

After his discharge, Bernie followed up with Dr. Latif to determine his next steps. Genetic testing revealed he had a MEN1 gene mutation, a condition that increases the risk of five different types of cancer. Tests indicated precancerous activity in his parathyroid, leading to another surgery with Steven M. Pandelidis, MD. Dr. Pandelidis, a UPMC general surgeon, removed three and a half of Bernie’s parathyroid glands at UPMC Lititz.

When Bernie went back to UPMC Hillman for an iron infusion, Dr. Latif requested to see him in his office.

"Dr. Latif told me there was no sign of cancer. I was so relieved!" Bernie says. However, due to the MEN1 mutation, he requires a monthly injection for the rest of his life to prevent recurrence.

Today, Bernie continues his routine follow-ups with Dr. Chu, now at UPMC Memorial in York because it’s closer to home.

"All the facilities are outstanding — pristine, accessible, and staffed with compassionate professionals,” he says. “I couldn’t have received better care anywhere else than UPMC."

Bernie’s treatment and results may not be representative of similar cases.