Man's Persistent Cough and Chest Pain Lead to a Shocking Diagnosis

When Alex Timchak, a psychiatrist and loving father of four, felt a persistent pain in his left side, he feared the worst. With a family history marked by the shadow of pancreatic cancer—the disease that claimed his father—Alex was no stranger to the harsh realities of such diagnoses. Yet, what followed was not a story of defeat but one of resilience, determination, and triumph.

It all began over a Fourth of July weekend, when Alex developed a deep, lingering cough. Though the cough eventually subsided, it left behind a new and troubling symptom: pain in his left side. The discomfort persisted, becoming impossible to ignore. “That was new. I never had that before,” Alex recalled. “After about a week, I decided I needed to reach out to my primary care doctor.”

Initially, Alex’s primary care doctor observed an inflamed pancreas and an enlarged pancreatic duct. An endoscopy and biopsy revealed no definitive signs of cancer, but the uncertainty lingered. Refusing to settle for ambiguity, Alex sought a second opinion at Northwestern Medicine. This decision proved to be pivotal.

After undergoing a repeat biopsy with Dr. Sri Komanduri, the findings brought a surprising sense of relief. Alex was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor—a rare form of pancreatic cancer that grows more slowly and has a significantly higher chance of successful treatment than the aggressive adenocarcinoma he had feared.

“I’m not going to lie,” Alex shared, recalling the moment he received the news. “I jumped up and pumped my fist and screamed loudly, ‘Yes’ because I knew that this was a completely different picture than what I was most fearing.”

Despite this hopeful diagnosis, Alex’s journey was far from over. The next step involved a Whipple procedure, a complex surgery performed by Dr. David Bentrem at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The procedure was designed to remove the tumor and nearby tissues, ensuring the cancer was entirely eradicated. The surgery was a resounding success, leaving Alex cancer-free with clear margins and no need for further treatment beyond regular monitoring.

But Alex’s recovery wasn’t just about the medical milestones; it was about reclaiming his life. Reflecting on his progress, Alex said, “To be able to get back to a point where I am almost back to my pre-surgical level of functioning is just such a blessing and a gift.”

With unwavering optimism, Alex embraced each day post-surgery with gratitude and hope. His love for running—a passion that had served as his stress reliever for years—became a symbol of his recovery. “I’m feeling great today,” he shared. “I’m really looking forward to being able to run again. That’s my stress reliever. I love to be able to go for runs, and I’m not there yet. But that being said, I’m pain-free. I really don’t need any pain medication. I’m eating well. My appetite is improving every day, my energy levels improving every day.”

This journey has not only been about physical recovery but also about a renewed appreciation for life. With his four children, devoted wife, and fulfilling career, Alex continues to cherish every moment. His determination to seek clarity and his refusal to accept anything less than the best care highlight the power of self-advocacy in healthcare.

Alex’s story serves as a beacon of hope for anyone facing life’s daunting challenges. His courage to face uncertainty, seek answers, and move forward with positivity reminds us all that even in the darkest times, there’s a path to light and healing. For Alex, that path has led to a new chapter—one filled with health, happiness, and boundless possibilities.