How a VA care team raced to save a Veteran’s life from pancreatic cancer
For retired Army Veteran Robert Brown, a simple request for medication turned into a fight for his life, one he didn’t have to face alone. What began as persistent symptoms became a powerful example of how a dedicated VA care team comes together and refuses to let anything stand in the way of a Veteran’s well-being.
Brown, who served 20 years in the Army, had spent the past four years under the care of Dr. David Traynor, receiving his primary care at the Palatka VA Clinic. At first, Brown was cautious and slow to trust. But over time, a shared military background led them to a stronger bond.
“I reached out and told them something wasn’t right, and we need to do something about it,” Brown shared.
Traynor didn’t hesitate.
Although Brown’s symptoms resembled previous issues, Traynor ordered a full workup and prescribed temporary medication while tests were pending. As the pain intensified and early tests didn’t offer answers, additional imaging uncovered a pancreatic mass. It was a finding that demanded immediate action.
Pancreatic cancer diagnosis
“It happened quickly. As soon as they realized I had a mass, they said we can’t play around with this. We gotta move,” Brown recalled.
And move they did.
Traynor reached across service lines for support. A colleague stepped in to expedite the biopsy, and another made sure the MRI, initially scheduled weeks out, was moved to the top of the list. Within days, imaging was complete, the biopsy followed and the diagnosis was confirmed: pancreatic cancer.
It was a heavy moment, but Brown realized he wasn’t alone.
Working with oncologist Dr. Jennifer Duff, treatment began immediately. Chemotherapy started shrinking the tumor within weeks.
“Everybody got together for me. VA was great,” Brown said.
After additional rounds of chemotherapy and successful surgery to remove the mass, Brown received the news everyone hoped for: He was cancer-free.
He still remembers Traynor’s words that gave him strength: “You’re in the best situation for the worst cancer, and we’re going to get you through it. You will survive.”
Today, Brown said life feels different in every way. When asked how it feels to be cancer free, his voice carries relief and hope. “Well, there’s a lot less stress and worry. I can plan things now that I wasn’t planning on before because life wasn’t turning out the way I hoped it would. There was no sense in making plans before, but now, all the stress and worry is totally gone.”
Learn about the VA National Oncology Program.
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