John Majewski received life-changing news more than eight years ago when he was diagnosed with advanced appendix cancer.
That revelation started John and his wife, Mary, on a journey neither expected to travel. Since then, they have faced countless challenges together, drawing strength from their faith, each other, and the many caregivers who have walked beside them, especially their doctors and caregivers from St. Luke’s University Health Network.
“Every day is another gift for me,” John said of his fight against the extremely rare cancer, which affects only one or two people out of a million each year in the United States. “I’ve been in this fight for nine years. Every day is tough, but every day is a gift.”
His oncology team at St. Luke’s (surgical oncologist Darius Desai, MD; medical oncologist Yacoub Faroun, MD; nurse Kendra Makovsky and radiation oncologist David Andolino, MD) has worked collaboratively with doctors from Temple Fox Chase and Memorial Sloane Kettering to provide the best care possible. Because of this teamwork, John was able to receive highly specialized cancer care close to his Bethlehem Township home.
“St. Luke’s Anderson Campus has been my home away from home for a while now,” John said of his treatments. “Most oncologists go through their whole career and never see this kind of cancer. Fortunately for me, Dr. Desai was trained in performing ‘the Mother of All Surgeries’ for advanced abdominal cancer.”
The cancer was first diagnosed as stage IVC in 2017 when John’s appendix was removed by St. Luke’s general surgeon Richard Conron, DO. Dr. Desai then performed the extensive and high-risk collection of major surgeries vital for any chance of survival. Dr. Faroun, a board-certified hematologist/oncologist, has treated him since 2018 when lung metastasis had progressed.
“Every time I see him, he says we’re fighting this together,” Dr. Faroun said. “He has a positive attitude. He is willing to fight it. He has excellent family support with his wife and kids and grandkids ... He is a man of faith, and he believes in God and believes that they are all with him in this fight.”
Over the years, John has undergone many treatments as the cancer spread to other parts of his body. Some treatments slowed the disease, while others brought only temporary relief. Yet through every setback, he has remained determined to keep moving forward.
John also credits the Appendix Cancer PMP Research Foundation with guidance in navigating potential studies and treatments. St. Luke’s is currently administering John a promising investigational immunotherapy. St. Luke’s Clinical Nurse Manager Beige Zinkler was instrumental in working to get John started as soon as possible.
One of the most meaningful expressions of that determination stands in his backyard. As a labor of love, John built what he calls his "Gratitude Grotto," a peaceful place for reflection, prayer and thanksgiving. The grotto serves as a daily reminder of the blessings he finds despite the ongoing battle with cancer.
While John's journey has included periods of intense pain and uncertainty, he recalls finding comfort through the support of loved ones and simply holding Mary's hand during his most difficult moments. Those experiences helped shape the mindset that continues to guide him today: patience through suffering, gratitude in every circumstance, and hope no matter the odds.
John remains focused on enjoying life with his family and creating lasting memories. Though his journey continues and the future remains uncertain, his resolve has never wavered.
His team at St. Luke’s has been beside him the entire time.
"When my cancer journey began, I wasn't sure how much time I had," John reflects. "Today, years later, my heart is still full of gratitude."
Through every challenge, John has remained resilient and full of hope. His experience is a powerful reminder that while cancer can change the course of a life, it does not define it. Even in the hardest moments, there is always a reason to be grateful and find hope.
