A can-do outlook and fast-acting care team helped this pancreatic cancer patient heal.
Originally from Massachusetts, MJ Shutte moved to Miami with her husband on a whim after spending two decades in San Francisco. A consummate optimist, Shutte says she takes every opportunity that comes her way. Her “just say yes” attitude (as she calls it) helped her stay positive during her pancreatic and liver cancer journey.
It all began in December 2022 when she started feeling abnormal pain in her lower back, couldn’t eat or drink, and noticed she had become jaundiced. She immediately booked an appointment with her PCP, who detected a tumor on her pancreas and spots on her liver. She was advised to go straight to the ER for a biopsy, as she was likely in stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
“I had a stent put in in my biliary tract and did a biopsy to confirm it was cancer,” Shutte recalls. “I was kind of in shock. I am not a sad person, and I cry very rarely. I am a planner… I thought ‘Okay, these were the cards I was dealt, so what’s the plan?’ And I went into total planning mode.”
The plan was to act quickly, as the tumor had been growing for years and surgery was no longer an option. That’s when Shutte met oncologist Dr. Mike Cusnir, Chief of Mount Sinai’s Division of Hematology & Oncology. Upon meeting him and devising a treatment plan, a port was placed in her chest for infusions, and Shutte began chemotherapy sessions at the start of February. Every other week, she came in for infusions and was able to use a pump for at-home treatment.
“January was crazy—diagnosed, ultrasound, biopsy, stent, port, and then meeting Dr. Cusnir. But I really connected with him. I appreciate his nature; he is honest, and he doesn’t dwell on things,” Shutte explained. “I used to go with pages of questions, and he was so patient. I never felt rushed, and I always felt I was cared for.”
Dr. Cusnir eventually enrolled Shutte in a clinical trial, which added radiation to the treatment plan. The study requires patients to have less than five spots on the liver, and Shutte qualified.
“My pancreas tumor has shrunk and is now stable and hasn’t grown in two years,” Shutte explained. “After we zap my liver spots, we will decide what to do next with the tumor on my pancreas.”
Shutte credits her progress to her supportive family (including her husband, Peter, and her two sisters) and her positive outlook. She advises others to never ignore their bodies’ symptoms and to always see a doctor if something seems “off.” She also advocates for trusting the process, staying busy, and trying to be as positive as possible.
“I know this is easier said than done but try to stay positive and think of the good.” Shutte says. “I am glad they caught this, and my Mount Sinai team was so awesome. I’m glad that I am being taken care of and seeing positive results. I know not everyone is as fortunate as me to have this energy but try to have a good outlook. It’s so important.”
In the last 10 years, the five-year survival rate for patients with pancreatic cancer has more than doubled as a result of immunotherapy treatment, targeted therapy, next-generation sequencing, robotic surgery, early detection tests, and more. These achievements are truly something to celebrate this holiday season—and Shutte is embracing the festive spirit with style and joy.
“Regarding the holidays, we just keep on keeping on. We make sure we dress up, feel pretty, and go out to dinner with family and friends,” she says.
Shutte has even managed to schedule her treatment and care plan around enjoying the holidays.
“I fit in chemo around my holiday fun! I also think about what’s ahead after the holidays. Start thinking about goals for yourself for 2025. Live it up! You deserve it!”
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