More than eight years after being diagnosed with advanced appendix cancer, John Majewski continues to undergo treatment with the help of a team of specialists at St. Luke’s University Health Network and other cancer centers.
Majewski was diagnosed with stage 4C appendix cancer in 2017 after his appendix was removed by St. Luke’s general surgeon Dr. Richard Conron. Appendix cancer is extremely rare, affecting only one or two people per million annually in the United States, according to St. Luke’s.
“Every day is another gift for me,” John said of his fight against the extremely rare cancer, which affects only one or two people out of a million each year in the United States. “I’ve been in this fight for nine years. Every day is tough, but every day is a gift.”
Following his diagnosis, St. Luke’s surgical oncologist Dr. Darius Desai performed an extensive series of high-risk surgeries for Majewski’s advanced abdominal cancer. Dr. Yacoub Faroun, a board-certified hematologist and oncologist, has treated Majewski since 2018, when the cancer had spread to his lungs.
Majewski’s St. Luke’s oncology team, which also includes nurse Kendra Makovsky and radiation oncologist Dr. David Andolino, has collaborated with physicians at Temple Fox Chase and Memorial Sloan Kettering, allowing him to receive much of his specialized cancer care close to his Bethlehem Township home.
“St. Luke’s Anderson Campus has been my home away from home for a while now,” John said of his treatments. “Most medical oncologists go through their whole career and never see this kind of cancer. Fortunately for me, Dr. Desai was trained in performing ‘the Mother of All Surgeries’ for advanced abdominal cancer.”
Over the years, Majewski has undergone multiple treatments as the cancer spread to other parts of his body. Some treatments slowed the disease, while others provided only temporary relief, according to St. Luke’s.
“Every time I see him, he says we’re fighting this together,” Dr. Faroun said. “He has a positive attitude. He is willing to fight it. He has excellent family support with his wife and kids and grandkids … He is a man of faith, and he believes in God and believes that they are all with him in this fight.”
Majewski has also received guidance from the Appendix Cancer PMP Research Foundation while exploring potential studies and treatments. St. Luke’s is currently administering an investigational immunotherapy, with nurse navigator Beige Zinkler helping coordinate the start of the treatment.
Throughout his cancer journey, Majewski said he has relied on his faith and the support of his wife, Mary, and their family.
At his home, Majewski built what he calls his “Gratitude Grotto,” a place for reflection, prayer and thanksgiving that serves as a reminder of the blessings he continues to find while undergoing treatment.
Despite periods of pain and uncertainty, Majewski remains focused on spending time with his family and creating memories as his treatment continues.
His St. Luke’s care team has remained alongside him throughout the process.
“When my cancer journey began, I wasn’t sure how much time I had,” John reflects. “Today, years later, my heart is still full of gratitude.”
