In February 2024, Mandy Gartrell was diagnosed with stage III pancreatic cancer. The teacher, wife and mother of two was already a cancer survivor after a breast cancer diagnosis in 2010. So, Mandy and her husband, Brandon, were surprised by her latest diagnosis.
“Hearing you have cancer, it doesn’t matter how many times, is always shocking. We went through a lot of emotions,” she says.
Mandy’s pancreatic cancer symptoms included a recurring ache in her upper abdomen, yellowing skin, a flat rash and darkening urine. After abnormal bloodwork, she went to the ER for a sonogram, and eventually an MRI and CT scan, which showed a blockage in her primary bile duct. An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed a 2.5-centimeter mass on her pancreas.
Pancreatic cancer diagnosis leads to treatment at MD Anderson
Mandy had a procedure done back home in Fort Worth, Texas, to place a stent into her bile duct. Afterward, her surgeon referred her to MD Anderson to seek specialized surgical treatment for the pancreatic tumor. Her tumor was intertwined with major vessels and in a difficult location next to her hepatic artery.
MD Anderson surgical oncologist Naruhiko Ikoma, M.D., spoke with Mandy and told her, “We can take care of this.” Ikoma specializes in robotic surgery and the multidisciplinary treatment of pancreatic and gastric cancers. He felt confident that MD Anderson could provide her with the best results.
“When Dr. Ikoma walked us through Mandy’s surgical plan, I realized we were working with a top expert in the field. I knew we were in the right hands,” says Brandon. “He was kind and understanding, and he listened to us.”
Pioneering the robotic Whipple at MD Anderson
Mandy’s treatment plan involved an initial four rounds of FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy followed by a robotic Whipple procedure. She had the Whipple procedure in June 2024.
A Whipple surgery is a complex operation to remove parts of the pancreas, the bile duct, the small intestine, and all of the duodenum and gallbladder. A robotic Whipple is a minimally invasive procedure performed using robotic arms controlled by the surgeon at a console. The console contains a high-definition camera that projects a three-dimensional image that can be magnified as much as 10 times. It offers enhanced precision and control compared to traditional open surgery and uses several small incisions instead of one large incision.
“Benefits of robotic surgery extend beyond small incisions,” says Ikoma. “The accuracy and quality of operations through MD Anderson’s state-of-the-art technology, enhanced by extensive training and experience, provide patients a quicker recovery and return to normal life.”
After surgery, Mandy’s care team, which included gastrointestinal medical oncologist Shubham Pant, M.D., helped her through a white blood cell complication. When she returned for her six-week follow-up, the pathology report held good news: no active cancer.
“We were ecstatic. Everywhere we’ve gone at MD Anderson, we feel we’ve had the best care someone can get,” says Mandy. “My faith and support from my family and community have also played a huge role in getting me through this journey.”
Life after pancreatic cancer
After her robotic Whipple, Mandy completed an additional eight rounds of chemotherapy. Now, she’s grateful to be active. She enjoys going on walks, attending events with her kids and preparing flower arrangements for weddings. She plans to start back teaching when the time is right.
As a two-time cancer survivor, Mandy offers this advice for people undergoing cancer treatment: “Give yourself permission to have days you don’t feel good. When you do feel good, go out and live your life to the fullest.”
As a caregiver, Brandon has learned the importance of being an advocate for yourself and the patient, leaning on your community and celebrating small victories. He says, “As long as there is breath, there is hope.”
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