Latest update as of Jan 23, 2026

  • Update on Arne’s Treatment Plan

    Hello everyone,

    We wanted to share some updates regarding Arne’s treatment and the steps we are taking to address recent changes in his health.

    SHIFTING THE TREATMENT STRATEGY

    Following recent scans and a virtual consultation this morning with Dr. Santi in Barcelona, we have confirmed that Arne’s disease has progressed. Two masses in the liver have increased in size (one from 2.0 cm to 2.7 cm, and another from 2.1 cm to 2.6 cm). Because of this, it has been determined that the mFOLFIRINOX regimen is no longer effective.

    TRANSITIONING TO NEW CHEMOTHERAPY

    Starting February 3rd, Arne will begin a second-line chemotherapy: Gemcitabine and Nab-Paclitaxel (Abraxane). This is a common and usually effective next step.

    Unlike his previous plan, which required a 48-hour take-home pump, this new combination is typically an outpatient infusion. We expect a shift in side effects. While the previous chemo caused intense cold sensitivity and GI issues, this regimen is more likely to impact blood counts and may cause hair thinning, but it generally lacks the specific "cold-burn" sensation.

    RADIATION FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT

    To help manage pain and keep Arne comfortable, he has been referred to a radiation oncology for targeted radiation on the pancreas.

    -- January 30: Planning scans (CT/MRI simulation).
    -- February 3: A single-fraction radiation treatment, which will take place the same day he begins his new chemo.

    PROCEDURE UPDATE: EXTERNAL DRAIN REMOVED

    On the practical side, Arne had a successful visit with Interventional Radiology on January 22nd. They were able to remove his external biliary drainage catheter.

    Imaging confirmed that bile is now flowing correctly into the intestine through the internal stent. This is a significant improvement for his daily comfort, and it is a huge relief for me to no longer have to manage the external tube and bag.

    LOOKING FORWARD: KRAS CLINICAL TRIALS

    Dr. Santi confirmed today that Arne is now cleared for all future treatments, including clinical trials, as it has been over 30 days since his histotripsy procedure.

    We are currently focusing on trials that target his specific mutations: KRAS p.G12D and TP53 p.R175H. We have reached out to the University of Michigan to discuss a KRAS clinical trial with the oncology team there and are currently waiting for their response to schedule a meeting.

    Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we navigate these changes and focus on the next steps in Arne's care. You are all always in our prayers.

    Update on Arne’s Treatment Plan

About this fundraiser

Our beloved Arne, a U.S. Navy Veteran, devoted husband to Joanne, and proud father of Bryan (23) and Zackary (13), is in the fight of his life.

He has been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer, which has spread to his liver and lymph nodes. His tumor is currently unresectable due to severe encasement around major arteries and veins, making surgery impossible at this stage.

Despite the grim statistics — with an average 5-year survival rate of less than 3% for Stage IV pancreatic cancer — we have found a glimmer of hope through a groundbreaking opportunity: the GANNON Clinical Trial in Barcelona, Spain.

This trial is testing histotripsy, a revolutionary, non-invasive therapy that uses focused ultrasound waves to destroy cancer cells — without radiation or chemotherapy. Histotripsy has already been FDA-approved for liver tumors, showing promising results in early studies, with some patients experiencing significant tumor reduction or elimination while preserving healthy tissue.

The GANNON trial is the first-ever clinical study applying histotripsy to pancreatic cancer, offering hope where conventional treatments have failed.

While the trial itself is free, the associated medical expenses are not. Arne will need to be hospitalized in Spain, and the estimated costs for hospitalization, ICU care, and other related medical needs is expected to be up to €50,000, not including airfare, lodging, or food.

Arne has spent his life serving others — first as a U.S. Navy Veteran, and now as a board member of Hosanna Ministry, helping to support religious sisters and nuns from persecuted countries. His faith, compassion, and strength have touched so many lives. Now, we are asking for help to give him the chance to continue his fight — and his mission.

We are humbly reaching out to our friends, family, and community to help make this life-saving journey possible. Every bit truly counts — whether through a donation, sharing this campaign, or lifting us up in prayer. Your support brings us one step closer to giving Arne more time with his family and the possibility of healing. Any unused funds will be donated to pancreatic cancer research. 

We are deeply grateful for your kindness, generosity, and continued prayers. During this most difficult time, we have felt surrounded by incredible love and support — and for that, we are profoundly blessed.

Thank you for standing with Arne and our family.

🙏 From the bottom of our hearts,
Joanne, Bryan, Zackary & the entire Gorney family

 

For Wise, PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo transfers, please use [email protected]

Fundraising team

Joanne Gorney

Shelby Township, MI, USA

Organizer

Diane Hatch

Team member