John Majewski

Our cancer journey started over 7 1⁄2 years ago, at least that’s when I received my diagnosis of stage 4C mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix. We continue to fight relentless metastases, most particularly in my lungs. “Our” means my wife, Mary, and I. Caretakers deserve so much recognition for the vital role they play. They absorb a great deal of emotional pain and suffering yet tirelessly show strength in our moments of need. Mary has been a great blessing to me. Our story is one of many blessings, hope and gratitude rooted in deep faith and encouraged by continuous advances in medical research.

Laparoscopy to excise my perforated appendix in 2017 turned into an open surgery to remove a large mass of tumors that was once my appendix. The general surgeon described it as “a mess in there”. I was fortunate to have an amazing complex surgical oncologist with MOAS experience in my health network, Dr. Darius Desai at SLUHN. My CEA level was <0.5 so there was hope for minimal metastasis.

Far from it, as it turned out CEA wasn’t a valid tumor marker for me. The right hemicolectomy and cytoreduction were extensive including an omentectomy, bowel resection, cholecystectomy and tedious resection of numerous mucinous tumors inside my abdominal cavity, including on my right kidney and liver prior to HIPEC. Of the 30 lymph nodes that were removed, only ONE was positive for cancer, nonetheless, it was a portal that advanced metastasis to my lungs.

It was during my time in ICU that I began learning to have patience with suffering. On multiple occasions when my pain was extraordinarily intense, or my body felt like it was on fire, I would experience moments of amazing peace and tranquility. I believe in the power of prayer and know many were praying for me – especially during those moments. Mary simply holding my hand also brought me peace during difficult times. My intense pain and discomfort eventually would subside to a manageable level with the meds. Perhaps not as fast as I wanted, but it always did.

That realization formed the basis of my mindset for the rest of my journey, however long that may be. Patience with suffering became fuel for hope and optimism, strength for perseverance and a catalyst for gratitude. What a tremendous blessing I was granted to truly experience joy in suffering! I certainly needed that in the years to come.

Numerous small bi-lateral lung nodules were observed before I started my first course of chemo, the standard FOLFOX+(Avastin) at the time. Only four continued to grow through chemo, two in each lung, making SBRT a treatment option. Dr. Joshua Meyer at Temple Fox Chase successfully performed SBRT on these four. Six months later a new wave of metastases signaled the start of a prolonged “Whack-A-Mole” phase where treatment options and timing were carefully managed by my local SLUHN hematology oncologist, Dr. Yacoub Faroun, and Dr. Meyer. I had SBRT on four more lung tumors and a paraoesophageal tumor, microwave ablation of a capsular liver tumor, an abdominal excision and three more courses of chemo with FOLFIRI+. Oh, throw in dealing with two bowel obstructions along the way for some extra adventure.

During my fourth course of chemotherapy in 2024, it became evident the lung metastases were becoming resilient. Radiation was no longer an option due to the number of lung mets. We had resigned to stop all treatments and enjoy life. Then I discovered ACPMP.

I called Deb Shelton for information and some direction. Chalk up another blessing – a huge one! What a wealth of knowledge and resources – precisely when I needed it the most. I received some great advice, joined several symposiums online to learn about advances from many bright and motivated professionals, and ultimately reached out to Dr. Michael Foote at MSKCC regarding possible clinical trials. Boom, another blessing! There was a promising trial anticipated to start this spring that I may be a good candidate to join. I started a 5th course of chemo, this time just irinotecan and bevacizumab, with a goal to slow growth. After the 5th cycle (this week) we decided to stop infusions as numerous lung mets continue to grow, thankfully slowly.

Will my story end here? I am optimistic that, God willing, I will soon start a new chapter in my journey as part of a clinical trial. There are no guarantees as it has yet to open for screening, but I remain optimistic and focused on rebuilding my strength.

As I await updates, I reflect on my heart being so full of gratitude for the many dedicated professionals and prayer warriors that have enabled me to sustain hope over the past 71⁄2 years. My spirit, body and mind have remained strong every step of the way. I know there is always hope! I’ll share more with this community as the new chapter in my journey unfolds.

“Gratitude Grotto” – This speaks to many facets of my character, beliefs and journey. I decided early on that when I was cancer free, I would build a grotto to express my gratitude via a labor of love. After six years of fighting with amazing recoveries, and only 4 days after finishing my 3rd course of chemo, I sat on my porch looking into my yard and thought ‘what I am waiting for’. I grabbed a shovel and began digging a hole. After an hour I was completely exhausted. I did this day after day, all by hand, gradually working up to a full day of work. Waking up each morning to do more energized me. After six months, just before starting my 4th course of chemo, this picture shows the finished product. (Note that during my entire journey I resisted resting, choosing to continue “normal” activities the best I could. I feel that approach helped me mentally to cope with persistent challenges.)

“End of 1st Course of Chemo” – After MOAS and a course of Folfox+ I had lost 35 pounds. My infusion team at SLUHN Anderson was phenomenal. It may sound strange, but we had a lot of fun over the years. “Team Margaritas”

“End of 2nd Course of Chemo” – We celebrated with good friends at the Jersey Shore. This evening watching Southside Johnny and the Jukes, Bruce Springsteen made a guest appearance and joined them.

“July 2020” – We welcomed our grandson, James, in January 2020 shortly after a surgical excision. What a joy! I was blessed to celebrate many wonderful family events, including weddings of a son and daughter. This picture was taken at my son’s place in Maryland shortly after SBRT on a lung tumor.