One year ago, Brittany M. Bohacik received a call from her husband, Rob, from the emergency room, leading to a life-changing period for their family. Brittany, 39, was watering flowers when her husband Rob, 43, advised her to come to the hospital.
During the July 4th weekend in 2025, Rob complained of stomach pain. The couple thought it might be food-related, a virus, or exhaustion. Rob continued his daily routine as a worker, husband, and father to their eight-year-old daughter, Ava. However, as symptoms worsened, Rob went to the hospital himself. Brittany recalls the ordinariness of that decision since there was no dramatic indication of impending danger.
On July 22, 2025, Rob’s diagnosis came: stage IV pancreatic adenocarcinoma with liver metastasis. This marked a sudden shift from normal life to discussing chemo, cancer spread, and survival rates.
Brittany shared that there was no glaring warning sign they ignored. Their life transformed into a cancer story overnight. For eight months, Brittany focused on saving her husband, diving into extensive research, consulting doctors, looking into clinical trials, and studying treatment strategies.
Genetic tests revealed Rob’s tumor had a BRCA2 mutation but not a KRAS mutation—known as KRAS wild-type. Most pancreatic cancers have KRAS mutations, so this rare KRAS wild-type meant further testing for other genetic alterations was necessary.
They traveled to Germany for dendritic-cell immunotherapy. Brittany states there were no promises of a cure; she simply wanted more quality time with her husband, cherishing ordinary moments.
As Rob’s condition advanced, Brittany became not only a caregiver but also an advocate and researcher. Balancing various responsibilities, Brittany had little sleep but gained insights she wished she focused on earlier: cherishing every fleeting moment.
Rob passed away in March 2026 at 44. Brittany describes the abrupt shift from caregiving to navigating life without him as a void.
Brittany now shares their journey on social media, engaging with others on symptoms, clinical trials, and personal loss. She highlights the importance of recognizing signs, seeking second opinions, and offering companionship to cancer patients and their families.
Brittany emphasizes that while cancer marked the latter part of Rob’s life, it did not define him. For her, sharing Rob’s story ensures his impact continues beyond his passing.
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