Indiana Mom’s Journey Through Her Husband’s Pancreatic Cancer Battle

One year ago, Brittany M. Bohacik’s life took an unexpected turn when her husband called from the emergency room. Brittany was busy watering flowers when Rob, her 43-year-old husband, urged her to come to the hospital. Their lives changed forever.

During the Fourth of July weekend in 2025, Rob began experiencing stomach pain. Both Brittany and Rob assumed it was either food-related, a virus, or simply exhaustion. There was no indication of a looming crisis. Rob continued his daily routine, balancing his work commitments with being a husband and father to their daughter Ava, who was eight then. However, as the pain became unbearable, Rob decided to visit the hospital himself. Brittany recalls the ordinariness of that moment—no ambulance, no dramatic signs.

Eighteen days later, their world transformed as Rob received a diagnosis of stage IV pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The cancer had already metastasized to his liver, leaving the couple in shock. Initial disbelief turned into the harsh reality of discussing treatment options.

For eight months, Brittany committed to finding solutions to save her husband. She extensively researched medical options, consulted with doctors, hospitals, and cancer centers, and explored clinical trials. Brittany delved into understanding mutations, biomarkers, treatment protocols, and eligibility terms that were previously unfamiliar to her.

Rob’s tumor was found to carry a BRCA2 mutation but lacked the KRAS mutation, known as KRAS wild-type. According to the National Cancer Institute, KRAS wild-type is less common in pancreatic cancer and may suggest further molecular testing for other genetic targets.

Desperate for time, the couple traveled to Germany for dendritic-cell immunotherapy. There were no assurances of success, yet Brittany was willing to fight for more moments of normalcy with her husband. Faced with terminal cancer, she embraced ordinary details of life.

Brittany’s commitment involved juggling many roles: advocate, researcher, scheduler, medication tracker, and caregiver. Her nights were filled with late research sessions, and her days with the challenge of staying present while preparing for the future. Amid these struggles, she shares that cherishing moments with loved ones is invaluable.

Rob passed away in March 2026. Brittany was left without the purpose that sustained her through the previous months. Sharing her journey, Brittany connects with others online, answering questions about symptoms and trials, and offering support in grief.

Brittany remains dedicated to ensuring Rob’s story continues. If sharing her experience helps someone recognize symptoms earlier, seek a second opinion, or find solace amidst cancer treatment, then the efforts are worthwhile.

Rob was more than a cancer patient; he was Brittany’s husband, Ava’s father, and a beloved individual Brittanny envisioned growing old with. Brittany emphasizes that Rob’s life, characterized by love and significance, transcends his cancer diagnosis.