Unexpected Diagnosis Leads to Life-Changing Journey for Bookstore Owner

Vicky Titcomb’s Unplanned Discovery

Vicky Titcomb, a 72-year-old bookstore owner from Cape Cod, had no reason to expect any health issues when she went for a routine heart scan at Mass General Brigham in March 2025. Feeling healthy, she was preparing to travel to New York City to visit her son. It wasn’t until the last day of her trip that a call from her internist changed everything. An abnormality was found on her pancreas, potentially indicating pancreatic cancer, which is one of the deadliest cancers.

Recalling this moment, Titcomb shared, “I felt like my life just switched in that moment. It was a very weird feeling.” Having previously overcome breast cancer in 2012, she approached this new challenge with positivity and refrained from researching the grim statistics often associated with pancreatic cancer.

Treatment Strategy and Challenges

Pancreatic cancer is notorious for being diagnosed at advanced stages. With a 5-year survival rate of only 13%, it remains one of the most lethal forms of cancer. According to the 2026 Cancer Progress Report by the American Association for Cancer Research, little improvement in survival rates has been seen, despite medical advancements. In addition to pancreatic cancer, Titcomb had a stage 1 breast cancer diagnosis and a mass on her ovary.

The ovarian mass was removed first and found to be benign. Her treatment plan, developed by specialists at Mass General Brigham, involved chemotherapy and radiation to reduce the size of the tumors. “The goal, to me, was trying to make this cancer a raisin,” Titcomb explained, referring to her visualization method.

If successful, Titcomb would undergo a Whipple procedure. This complex surgery involves removing parts of the pancreas, small intestine, gallbladder, and bile duct. Fortunately, an early diagnosis allowed her to become one of the few patients eligible for this surgery.

Enduring Multiple Treatments

Beginning in June, Titcomb endured eight doses of chemotherapy over four months, followed by radiation and more chemotherapy. Dr. Thomas Clancy, her surgical oncologist, noted that she responded well to the treatment, making her a candidate for the Whipple procedure.

On November 4, Titcomb underwent breast cancer surgery. Shortly after, she had the robotic Whipple surgery scheduled on World Pancreatic Cancer Day. Although the date was a coincidence, the operation was a success. Titcomb began walking the same evening and returned home after several days of hospital recovery.

Due to the aggressive nature of pancreatic cancer, Clancy suggested she continue with two more months of chemotherapy. “There was a lot going on,” Titcomb recalled. “I just tried to cope with the day-to-day.”

A New Chapter and Advocacy

In March 2026, Titcomb was relieved to learn from Dr. Clancy that there was no evidence of cancer. She will have regular scans every three months, but the focus is on living her life without constant worry. Clancy advised, “The goal is to not be thinking about it all the time.”

Returning to her bookstore, Titcomb finds joy in everyday activities and values time spent with her family. She receives a steady stream of photos, videos, and calls from her children and grandchildren, staying connected even with those far away.

Titcomb is also dedicated to raising awareness for pancreatic cancer treatment advancements. Working with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the American Cancer Society, she shares her story and encourages others. Reflecting on her journey, Titcomb said, “I feel so lucky. The luck trumps all.”