Atlanta man in second battle with 3rd deadliest cancer

By: WSB Community

ATLANTA – Mark Gelinas is fighting pancreatic cancer again after doctors confirmed that his tumor returned last spring.

“I know enough about pancreatic cancer that this event was more than likely going to occur,” Gelinas said. “(I) will admit, it’s surprised me as to how quick it recurred.”

Mark was initially diagnosed with the disease in 2015. Since his tumor is located on an artery, doctors could not remove it with surgery. Instead, doctors at Winship Cancer Institute treated the tumor with targeted high-dose dose radiation.

"This is different from regular radiation in that the goal of the treatment is different. It’s actually to destroy or oblate tumors," Dr. Mark McDonald said.

According to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PANCAN), the disease has surpassed breast cancer, making it the third highest cause of cancer-related deaths.

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Gelinas said he wants to be strong for his wife, his family and his support system, who have all stuck with him throughout the process.

“I’ve gotten this far, I feel this good and I’ve got all of these people over here that are supporting me,” Gelinas said. “What’s going through my head is to be able to get through this for them. That’s really my goal.”

Gelinas' community of support, Team GelStrong, is raising money to help fund research at the Purple Stride Atlanta 5K walk and family-friendly run. The event will be held Nov. 12 at Centennial Olympic Park.

According to PANCAN, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is just 8 percent. The nonprofit's goal is to get that number into the double digits by 2020.

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