Against All Odds

Nov 13, 2024 | Awareness, Community, Patient Stories

This post is written by Allen Chankowsky, TCF Community Member, Patient Advocate, and Author

Against All Odds, published by OncoDaily, arose from a deep commitment to share what I’ve learned on my continuing journey with a terminal diagnosis in 2016 of salivary duct carcinoma. This malignancy is an ultra-rare, notoriously deadly, and the most aggressive sub-type of salivary gland cancer that has less than a 20 percent chance of surviving 3 years. This mini documentary serves as an account of how, with limited treatment options, I took matters into my own hands. I turned to and relied on the principals of Comprehensive Genomic Profiling as my guide that not only brought me new hope, but ultimately extended my life well beyond even the most generous of outlooks for my cancer.

As the world slowly transitions to modern cancer care, the journey through a rare cancer diagnosis requires more than just following a prescribed path – it requires self-advocacy, research, and an unyielding pursuit of the most advanced treatment options that are rooted in the unique biology of one’s cancer. I found that understanding the genetic drivers of my tumor and gaining access to this critical information revealed unexpected treatment options. In my case, this meant a hormone-based therapy typically reserved for prostate cancer patients. This unconventional but scientifically sound approach has kept me alive since 2016.

The reason TargetCancer Foundation came into existence has touched me deeply and is one of the key reasons why I continue to lend my support to the TCF community. Paul Poth had a vision to find a way to support and care for rare cancer patients, like him, who were left without reasonable treatment options due to lack of research and insight into the molecular drivers of rare cancers. Through TCF’s unparalleled dedication to the rare cancer community and their ability to amplify voices like mine, the life-extending messages in Against All Odds serve to carry Paul’s message further by reaching more rare cancer patients and their families.

I hope my story encourages others to ask for Comprehensive Genomic Profiling because of its likelihood to reveal the potential of targeted therapies that are personalized to their unique cancer biology. And most important is to believe that real hope is achievable even when conventional treatment options fall short.

Advocating for yourself can open doors you never imagined. My journey stands as proof that taking control of your care, pursuing knowledge, and connecting with TargetCancer Foundation can be life changing. Hope is out there, even for those facing the rarest and deadliest of cancer diagnoses.

View the documentary.