Joining the Project Purple Podcast from the Los Angeles area, film and television professional Matt Cassani sits down with host Dino Verrelli to share his experience being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at just 34 years old, and the long, uncertain road that followed.
Matt opens up about the subtle but persistent symptoms he initially dismissed, including stomach discomfort and abdominal pressure, which he was initially told by doctors were diet-related. But when a coworker noticed he looked jaundiced during Mother’s Day weekend last year, a visit to urgent care quickly escalated, leading to a shocking Stage 2 pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
From there, everything moved quickly. Matt discusses starting chemotherapy at UCLA, undergoing the Whipple procedure, and just recently completing treatment after months of physical and mental challenges. He reflects on what it means to face a disease often labeled as “something older people get,” and how his diagnosis reshaped his understanding of cancer among younger adults.
He speaks about carrying the BRCA-2 gene, the importance of genetic awareness, and why advocating for yourself, and knowing when something isn’t right, can be life-saving. He also shares how stepping back from constant self-research, focusing on the present, and finding small grounding practices helped protect his mental health.
Matt highlights the immense support of the people around him, the value of getting outside and celebrating small victories, and even the simple comforts that helped him cope, like building Legos and giving himself permission to enjoy treats along the way! Looking back, Matt describes pancreatic cancer as a painful, yet profound opportunity for reflection, one that ultimately pushed him to prioritize time with loved ones and approach life with deeper gratitude.
Matt welcomes connections and can be found on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mattcassani/.
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