Lewis Aronson – Pancreatic Cancer Patient Story
In late fall 2019, Lewis (Lew) Aronson of Jamestown, NY, wasn’t feeling right. He had lingering abdominal pain that just would not go away. Concerned, he went to his primary care physician, who recommended imaging at UPMC to find the cause.
When the results came back, Lew’s doctor was concerned and suggested additional diagnostic testing at Roswell Park in Buffalo, NY.
In February 2020, Lew was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and was referred to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Jamestown.
Devastating News and Determined Spirit
“Being told I had only a few months to live, that’s devastating news,” says Lew. “But I wasn’t ready to give up.”
He immediately began chemotherapy every other week at UPMC Hillman and joined a clinical trial. The results came quickly, his lab work improved, CT scans showed progress, and his tumor began to shrink.
“I kept the course,” Lew says. “The side effects were minimal compared to the tremendous results we were seeing.”
A Team That Made All the Difference
Throughout treatment, Lew says the entire team at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center made a lasting impact.
“They were all so professional, from the support staff and nurses to the doctors, radiology, and lab teams. Everyone was first class,” he recalls. “From the minute I walked in, I had a great feeling, a sense of calm.
"Nabeela Patail, MD, my medical oncologist, was able to recommend a life-changing event for me in the summer of 2024.”
It was then that Dr. Patail had referred Lew to a surgeon for further evaluation, and the outcome was better than he ever imagined.
A Life-Changing Surgery
On Nov. 6, 2024, Lew underwent surgery to remove part of his pancreas and his spleen. The procedure successfully confirmed that the cancer was gone.
“It was so unexpected,” Lew says. “To hear that the cancer was gone was unbelievable.”
Gratitude and a New Outlook
Since his diagnosis, Lew has lost friends to cancer, something that deepens his gratitude every day.
“I was very lucky,” he says. “My body responded to treatment, and I feel extraordinarily fortunate.”
He remembers how compassionate and approachable his care team was throughout the journey.
“No question was ever dumb. Every team member was there for me. They were kind, compassionate, and caring.”
Living Life Fully
Looking back, Lew remembers the shock of being told he had only months to live.
“I was going to fight. I wasn’t giving up,” he says. “I was motivated to extend my life, and I did.”
Now cancer-free, Lew focuses on maintaining his health and cherishing time with his wife, four children, and nine grandchildren.
“I have been able to watch my kids grow their families,” he says. “That is something I will never take for granted.”
Lewis’ treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.
