The Beginning
I know many of you have reached out knowing that something was going on in our otherwise normal life. However, things have been upended in our family for two weeks now. Now it’s a bit like an avalanche of news and we are trying to digest all the info coming our way. Thanks for the privacy, love and support. We've been mostly "information gathering" so Matt and I could get some answers before sharing with everyone. We are at least in some position to share what we know now.
Bottom line is Matt has been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. There are two kinds - both kinds are bad but the good news (if there is any) is he has been diagnosed with the best of the worst kind. It is called Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor or P-NET for short. The good news is that kind of cancer is slow growing, the bad news is it has already metastasized to his sacrum (triangular lower backbone) and liver.
Matt has been having trouble with his leg for months. At first he thought he must have pulled a muscle at the gym. With no further improvement he went to the Dr. and was told it was a sciatica issue and was treated accordingly. With no improvement and problems getting worse, he was sent for a MRI which showed the tumor growth in the various places mentioned above.
From there Matt had a CT scan and liver biopsy which further confirmed the cancer. We were sent to MUSC to possibly have surgery on the sacrum to remove the tumor. Both specialists felt it was too complicated a surgery with risks outweighing the benefits.
So where does that bring us? We met with Radiology Oncologist, Dr. McNab Friday morning right here in Beaufort at a Duke University affiliate Cancer Center and Matt will start radiation therapy hopefully by end of next week. That will treat the sacrum which has been causing pressure on the nerves affecting his left leg. At the same time we will be working with local oncologist, Dr. Newberry to look at possible chemo treatments for the other tumors. Good news is they say this kind of cancer might only use oral chemo and may (may) have less side effects.
So lots of new life changes to accept and learn about. Info is unfolding hour by hour and we started this post hope site get all the news out to our friends and family. We will let you know more details as things unfold.
We think (from all we have been told) that Matt can continue back at work.
So many people who we did share the news with have already asked how they can help, but other than your prayers and love, we really have no needs at this time. Oh I did think of one...please say an extra prayer for our boys!! It's a lot to swallow.
We know we are in good hands. For that we are profoundly grateful!
Comments (41)
We love your family more than we can express. So many tender mercies have already been put in your path and will continue to. We have faith that Matt and the family will be blesse with through this awful trial. Know that we will continue to pray and fast for you all. Love you Sis! ❤️
Please know you are all in my prayers! I know God has a plan and will help you through this bump in the road. We are here for you all and please don't hesitate to ask for anything. We love you guys so much! Matt, you can beat this!
There aren't words to express the sadness we feel for this trial your family is facing. We love you both and your family. The service and love you have freely given to others will certainly bring an abundance of prayers and mercy to each of you as you endure the challenges ahead. We will keep your family close in our hearts, praying and fasting for peace and health. ❤️
We love all of you so much. Our hearts go out to you. Thank you for being who you are and for such great examples to us through the years. Know that it is ok to be sad, and scared, and mad. It is ok to cry and yell and hurt, but NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, loose faith. Know that Heavenly Father in mindful of you and knows what each of you are going through and is ready and willing to lift you and comfort you. You are ALL so strong and can get through this, with Him. I love you. You will be in my prayers. May you feel the strength that prayers of many can bring. You can do this. Love you
We love you guys. If you need ANYTHING, just say the word. Matt is one of the strongest men we know. You can do this Matt!
Your entire family are in our prayers as well as the rest of the Class of 86! May your faith and love sustain you during this journey. The entire Citadel Family is behind you!
Hey Matt. I do not know anyone tougher than you! You molded and scared the sh*t of many knobs, so you can do the same with this health issue. Along the way, you are in my deepest thoughts and prayers.
Matt and Lisa, I can't begin to tell you how much we love and admire the two of you. We are praying ceaselessly. We are here for whatever you may need. Nothing is too much to ask.
Much love, many hugs, and lots of prayers for Matt, his doctors, you, Tyler, and Connor, my friend. 'Team Clancy' and God are on this!!
To the Clancy family: Please know that you are not alone in this battle with pNET. God draws straight with crooked lines. Peter Murphy
Matt, Lisa, Tyler and Connor, We love you and are praying daily for Matt and all of you. Whatever it is you need beyond our prayers, we're here for you. The Dadsons
Dear Lisa and Matt, My heart goes out to you all as you deal with Matt's illness and with getting him better. It will be challenging for you all, but you are strong and you can do this! Keep your faith and trust in God as I know you will, and reach out to family and friends for whatever help you will need to get through Matt's treatments. None of us ever know what is in store for us, but you have such a solid strong family and network of people who love you all, so please know that you are all - and especially Matt- being lifted up in prayer for comfort and healing - God does truly make miracles! Much love - Celeste
Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. Extra prayers for the boys at this difficult time. The Kersey/ Logan clan
Matt, I was shocked to hear this. Please know that you are in my prayers and I know you are in God's hands. Prayers of healing and comfort for you and the family. Please let me know what else I cand do. Shawn Faherty '86
Dear Clancy Family During this challenging time know you are not alone. Your entire family has such a positive spark over these years that I have known you. Continue to have that. Steve and I , plus the boys are here for you all. Keep the faith and will as well.
Prayers lifted for you all! Praying for peace in your heart as God unfolds his blessing in this circumstance. Love to you and your family. Julia and Carolina
Matt, LIsa, Tyler, and Connor, we are keeping you close in thought and prayer, and will help in any other way. You are a strong family.
Your entire family is in my prayers. Your family has always embodied strength to me, and I know this journey will be no different. Blessings to you all.
Oh my goodness. Much love and many prayers for Matt, you, and the kids. Anything we can do for you at all, let us know!!!! Missy Buskirk
As a former marine who once lived in Port Royal from 84-85 my heart goes out to you and your entire family. My family battled so hard together when my brother Richard was diagnosed in 2010 with colon cancer. Stay strong in prayer and keep that support system and put it all in the hands of God. Stay Clancy strong and Semper Fi. G.Garner
My mother just finished radiation treatments with Dr. McNabb and chemo treatments with Dr. Newberry. They are both excellent doctors and are very happy with the care my mom received. Mr. Clancy is in good hands with them! Our family will be sending many thoughts and prayers to yours!
Hi Lisa, Matt & the boys. I was shocked to hear the news about Matt. I love you all so much. You are the best family EVER. You will all be in our prayers. Thank you for starting the blog so we can keep up with his progress towards a cure. May God bless you all. Love, Janet & John, Jennifer & Johnny
You all are in my thought and prayers! So sorry to hear of this but know that God is much bigger! --from your neighbor down the street
Mr and Mrs Clancy prayers to you and your family for strength love and hope in this time. May God wrap his arms around your family and keep you all strong. If you all need anything just let me know. Many prayers, Chrissy Massey
Mike and I are thinking of you and Matt and your boys. This is the first time I've seen this posthope.org site. What a wonderful way to keep friends and family informed because knowing how hard it is to go through something like this makes it a little easier when you can see the multitude of thoughts and prayers that are going out to you. Take care. Love to you all, Mike and Nan
Lisa, my prayers for strength and hope for you and your family during this difficult time. Your faith will see you through! Saying prayers for all of you.
Chief and family- you are all in my thoughts. My pastor read a quote Sunday that stuck with me: I have never heard anyone say, “The really deep lessons of my life have come through times of ease and comfort.” But I have heard strong saints say, “Every significant advance I have ever made in grasping the depths of God’s love and growing deep with him, has come through suffering.”- John Piper I'm sorry you're bearing this pain and hope there's a bright spot soon. Holly Bounds, Lakeland, FL (former WSAV reporter)
Matt and Lisa, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Please continue to put BIG FAITH in a BIG GOD, because he can produce BIG RESULTS. Be strong and courageous. George Graves
Prayers to Matt and your sweet family for the days ahead 🌻
My thoughts and prayers are with Matt and all the family. May God's healing hands and comforting love be with him. Many hugs and love to you and your family. Kathy Gecy-Hortman
You are all in my prayers. May the Lord keep and protect you.
Matt, Lisa, Tyler and Connor, Our prayers and love are with you. You are such a strong family, loved and admired by so many. We are only down the road, please call on us, if we can help in any way. Katie and Ron Grindle
Courage Matt. Please allow yourself and your family to lean heavily on your community of brothers knowing full well that we have your back and will continue to do so.
Lisa and Matt, my prayers are with you all. As one who has been there with pan can last year, I will be glad to share anything I can with you. Just call me. I'll call back when I get home. Hugs to you all! Jane Fender
Precious, precious Lisa, Matt, Tyler and Connor! My days are filled with thoughts of and prayers for you. May ALL our prayers overflow Heaven 's bowls and our most merciful God hear and answer them quickly, in Jesus name. Amen! 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 God of All Comfort Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. Jeremiah 17:14 Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise. Love you!!!!
We are praying for Matt and your family Lisa, and we will continue to do so each day!
I am praying for your healing Matt and also for your family.
Matt, I don't know if you remember me, but I will always remember you. I was married to John Webber 8 years ago. I have been gone for quite a while, but I will always remember what an amazing, loving man you are. I now live in Idaho and have put your name onto the prayer roll of 2 temples that are close to me. I will continue to keep your name in the temples. I know that there is power in the Temple and in the prayers that offered there. There are so many people loving you and praying for you, I know that God will watch over you. Shelley (Webber) Miles
❤️ To you and yours Lisa.... Know we love your family, and care.... Lauren, bob and children
Lisa and Matt I will continue to keep in my daily prayers. My faith tells me that prayers are very powerful. Miracles are real. Your faith is strong enough to handle everything. God is in your corner. Please let me know if there is anything Imcan do. I send my love and ever so many prayers to your wonderful family. Pat
Matt Clancy has been My Friend since we met at The Citadel in 1982. We endured Knob Year, Graduated from the school, and then served together in the Marine Corps. Matt then Honored me when he was The Best Man at my wedding. The Best Man. That term barely does him justice. Matt is The Best Man I know. He is strong yet compassionate, fiercely loyal and a fighter with the heart of a lion. Matt, we are praying for your swift and complete recovery. Lisa & the boys are also in our prayers as well. We stand with you all. If there is anything you need, anything at all, just say the word. Anytime, Anywhere & for Any Reason. SEMPER FI! - Trey & Siobhan Murphy