Former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, who was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer in December, credits both prayer and a groundbreaking experimental drug for his remarkable survival. Initially given only months to live, the 54-year-old father and husband has witnessed a drastic 76% reduction in his tumors since starting a clinical trial for a drug called daraxonrasib, providing him with a new lease on life.
Diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, which had already spread to his liver and lungs, Sasse was told that he had little time left. Yet, his journey has taken a surprising turn. Despite the fact that pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, often leaving patients with only months to live, Sasse’s tumors are shrinking – a hopeful sign for those battling this aggressive disease.
“I’ve been told it’s a death sentence,” Sasse shared in an interview with CBS News’ “60 Minutes” on April 26. However, he also expressed profound gratitude, acknowledging that the cancer diagnosis, while devastating, has caused him to reflect deeply on his life.
“It’s strange to be in your 50s and have people start treating you like you’re 93 or 94,” Sasse explained. “But I’m also grateful for it. Cancer’s taught me to be more truthful with myself. It’s forced me to face the things I thought I knew.” 
Sasse, who previously served as Nebraska’s U.S. Senator for eight years, described the diagnosis as “a touch of grace,” revealing that the new perspective has brought him closer to his family, though he’s aware that his time with them may be limited. His three children are still in their young adulthood, and he hopes to see them reach milestones, but he’s candid about the uncertainty of his future.
In his fight, the “miracle drug” Sasse is taking, daraxonrasib, is designed to target the RAS gene mutations found in more than 90% of pancreatic cancer cases. The oral therapy is still in clinical trials and is not yet approved by the FDA, though it has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the agency. 
In early trials, patients treated with daraxonrasib survived for a median of 13 months – nearly twice as long as those who received traditional chemotherapy. But the drug is not without its side effects, which Sasse personally experienced in the form of a severe rash. “It’s a nasty drug. My skin can’t grow, so I bleed from places I shouldn’t,” Sasse shared, explaining the intense toll the treatment has on his body.
Despite its effectiveness, daraxonrasib does come with risks, including nausea and other gastrointestinal issues, and the rash can be severe for some patients. However, it’s a lifesaving breakthrough that offers hope to those with few options left. 
Sasse, who was initially given just months to live, has exceeded doctors’ expectations, but he’s not deluding himself about his prognosis. Pancreatic cancer’s five-year survival rate is only 3% for patients whose cancer has spread to other organs. This grim statistic weighs heavily on Sasse as he contemplates his legacy and his family’s future without him.
Reflecting on his journey, Sasse expressed a deep desire to be there for his children as they grow into adults. He acknowledges that, while he may not get to witness all the pivotal moments in their lives, he is determined to remain strong and present for as long as possible.
“I won’t be there for my son at 16, 18, or 20, but I hope others will be,” Sasse said emotionally. He added that he is at peace with the time he has left, and though he knows his diagnosis is terminal, his faith and the miracle drug have provided him with unexpected hope and gratitude.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
