Hello, I’m
JAY VERSLUIS
I’m a super survivor
I’ve been invited to give a talk about my case by the wonderful people of NCODA, Nova Southeastern University Chapter.
The original plan was to do this in an auditorium, but with the world being what it is, we’ve made it a Zoom meeting – and you’re all invited to watch.
Join me in chat on Saturday, October 1st, 12pm EST
Never give up
I have spent three years going through cancer treatment hell and have survived against all odds, thanks to a new treatment approach called immunotherapy.
I haven’t shared much of my journey as it was happening between 2015 and 2017, but now that it’s all over, I have an amazing story to tell.
Lynch Syndrome
My type of cancer is genetic. It’s caused by mutations that impair DNA Mismatch Repair (MMR). This condition is also known as Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer.
KRAS Mutation
My cancer also has had a KRAS mutation. This condition makes it much more aggresive than “regular” cancers, and as such renders it almost immune to conventional treatments.
Super Survivor
I’m a cancer survivor for whom conventional treatment didn’t work. But an immunoherapy drug called Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) did the trick.
Catheter Tales
I’ve had the pleasure of wearing every type of catheter there is. Check out my tips on how to live with them.
Life on TPN
I’ve used various types of Total Parenteral Nutrition instead of solid food for nearly a year. Let me tell you about my experiences with it.
Surgeries
Chemotherapy Infusions
Immunotherapy Infusions
Radiation Treatments
Read my Book
I’ve written a book about my whole cancer journey. It’s called BROKEN BOWELS – Tales of a Super Survivor.
You can get it as Paperback and Kindle Edition from Amazon.
I’ve narrated the whole book for iTunes and Audible (it’s nearly 16 hours long). Grab a sample while you’re here.
My Video Diary
As a continuation of my book, I’m doing regular updates on my wellbeing and the many inspirational events that are happening in my life after cancer. I talk about the moments I enjoy, the people I meet, and make notes of things I don’t want to forget.
Follow me on YouTube for the latest updates and premieres, or watch right here on this site.
My Audio Podcast
Don’t have time to watch my Video Diary? Fret not, I’ve turned my commentary videos into audio files for y’all. You can listen right here on this site, on Spotify and iTunes, or subscribe with your favourite Podcast Client.
Presidential Treatment
I was treated with the same immunotherapy drug that cured President Jimmy Carter. It seems to have worked wonders for the both of us!
What’s been happening recently
Abdominal Adhesions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8qaOTOpvEw&t=38s I've had a very nice meeting with Dr. Cusnir this week and told him about my weird abdominal pains. Turns out the symptoms I was describing point to a very common side effect of abdominal surgery called Abdominal...
New for 2023: Abdominal Pain
I keep forgetting to put this down, probably because I'm always glad when an episode is over, but for the last few months, I've been suffering from bouts of abdominal pains. They don't often seem related to food intake, even though my digestive system is somehow...
Bottom Right Molar Story
The week before my 50th birthday I had some weird tooth issues I thought I'd make a note about. It's great having a place to do this on actually, as it build a timeline of how things are going with my body. It started after I ate some of those small carrots as a snack...
Weird Abdominal Pains
I forgot to mention some weird abdominal pain I've had last week, I've had this before so it felt vaguely familiar. It must have been last week, perhaps Wednesday or so. I started to feel a numb pain from below my rib cage to about just under my belly button. I...
My Talk at the Oncology Symposium 2021
https://youtu.be/IOeAExWaCg4 Here's a little presentation I have at the 3rd Annual Oncology Symposium. It's been postponed a few times and finally happened on the 2nd of October at Margaritaville in Hollywood. It was fun to be back and talk about my case, and see so...
The 90 Day Supply
I've just had my 6 month check-in with my oncologist Dr. Cusnir. Like all hospital personnel, he's wearing a mask and scrubs. Last time we met it must have been 9 months ago or so, in between which I had a remote consultation with Karen, so there were no masks...
My other projects
This is more of a long-term observational diary.
I write regularly about software, technology and 3D development on these other sites: