Close to Home, Focused on Hope: Arnett Neace’s Pancreatic Cancer Journey

When Arnett Neace noticed a lump near his collarbone, he had no idea it would lead to a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. After testing and medical appointments, he received the news in October 2024.

The months that followed brought treatment, uncertainty and a new appreciation for the people and moments that matter most. Arnett began chemotherapy in January 2025 and completed it in July 2025. He later received Keytruda and is now receiving daraxonrasib as another treatment option.

Key Takeaways

• Trusted care matters. Clear, honest communication helped Arnett feel informed and supported throughout treatment.
• Access creates possibilities. Daraxonrasib offered Arnett another treatment option without requiring him to leave the area.
• Support makes a difference. Family, friends and a familiar care team helped Arnett through both difficult and hopeful days.
• Patients have a voice. Asking questions and speaking up can help patients take an active role in their cancer care.

Finding a Care Team He Could Trust

After his diagnosis, Arnett had many questions about pancreatic cancer and what treatment would involve. He wanted to receive care in a place where he felt comfortable and trusted the people supporting him.

At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, he found a comprehensive cancer care team who guided him through each stage of treatment. He especially valued their willingness to explain what was ahead and answer his questions honestly.

“They explain what I’m going to be going through and what I can expect from the treatment,” he said. “If I have questions, I can ask them.”

That open communication became especially important during moments when Arnett did not know what to ask. His care team took time to talk with him and help him understand the next step. His experience taught him that patients can play an active role in their care by speaking up when something does not feel right or when they need more information.

Access to Another Treatment Option

When Arnett learned that daraxonrasib, a newer pancreatic cancer therapy, might be available to him, his response was direct: “Let’s give it a shot.”

For Arnett, access to daraxonrasib represented another possibility in his treatment journey. St. Elizabeth could also provide the therapy close to home, allowing him to remain connected to the people and care team supporting him.

“Being able to have access to a newer treatment gives me another option without having to leave the area,” Arnett said. “I’m thankful that it was something that was available to me.”

Receiving innovative cancer care close to home has also helped Arnett avoid spending hours traveling during an already demanding time. Instead, he can focus more of his energy on treatment, family and the day in front of him.

Strength Through Family and Support

Arnett’s family and friends have played an important role throughout his journey. Their support has helped him through both good and difficult days while reminding him to value his time and not take life’s smaller moments for granted.

Being near home means he can continue leaning on that support system while receiving care from people he has come to know and trust. For Arnett, those relationships have made an uncertain journey feel less isolating.

Asking Questions and Taking One Day at a Time

Arnett encourages other patients and families to ask about appropriate treatment options, including research opportunities, clinical trials and newer therapies. Learning what is available can help patients and families have informed conversations with their care teams.

For someone facing a new cancer diagnosis, his advice is simple: “Take it one day at a time.”

He also recommends bringing a trusted family member or friend to appointments. A second person can listen, absorb information and provide support when the experience feels overwhelming. Most of all, he encourages patients to ask questions when they do not understand something and to let others help.

Although the future remains uncertain, Arnett continues to move forward with determination.

“I can’t say I know what the future holds, but I know I’m not done fighting yet.”

Take the Next Step

If you have questions about pancreatic cancer care or treatment options for yourself or a loved one, St. Elizabeth Healthcare is here to help. Learn more about pancreatic cancer care at St. Elizabeth or call (859) 301-4000 to request an appointment with our cancer care team today.

Medically reviewed by Minsig Choi, MD, on 11/2/2026.