Finding Strength Beyond the Struggle: Patti Jacobs’ Kidney Cancer Journey

When Patti Jacobs went to her doctor for what she thought was a bad case of tennis elbow, she had no idea how much her life was about to change. At just 46 years old, a simple X-ray revealed something far more serious — a large tumor eating through the bone in her arm.

“I was so scared,” Patti recalls. “I thought I had tennis elbow. To find out a tumor was eating through my bone was shocking. I remember calling my husband while driving home, crying in disbelief.”

Further testing confirmed what no one expected — stage 4 kidney cancer that had spread to her arm. Her medical team quickly created a plan that included radiation, immunotherapy, and multiple surgeries, but the path ahead would test her strength in every possible way.

A Warrior’s Determination

Patti’s first year of treatment went relatively smoothly. She continued working at the bank, meeting business clients and living as normally as possible. But by late 2015, things changed. The medication stopped working, and new treatments brought painful side effects — including severe radiation burns and near kidney failure.

Despite these setbacks, Patti never gave up. She faced additional surgeries, radiation, and even a hip replacement after a tumor spread to her femur. When her health declined sharply in 2016, she made one of the bravest decisions of her life: to amputate her left arm and shoulder — the site of the original tumor that refused to respond to treatment.

“I felt like that tumor was sucking the life out of me,” Patti says. “The day after surgery, I felt so much better. I told my husband that while this cancer will probably eventually win, I was the one who won that battle.”

Her recovery was remarkable. Just one day after coming home from the hospital, Patti and her daughter celebrated by shopping and going out to eat. Within 20 days, she had gained 20 pounds — a symbol of renewed health and hope.

The Power of Support and Resilience

Throughout her journey, Patti’s mother — a retired nurse — has been by her side every step of the way.

“My mom has been my rock,” Patti says. “She came to my appointments, stayed overnight in the hospital, spoke up when I couldn’t, and gave me the tough love I needed. Most importantly, she’s been my cheerleader.”

Even after a heart attack caused by a blood clot in 2017 (thankfully with no lasting damage), Patti remained optimistic and grateful.

“2016 was such a bad year health-wise, but 2017 was so much better,” she says with a smile. “You just never know. I’m hoping the next year continues to be good.”

Words of Wisdom for Others

Now, three years after her diagnosis, Patti continues to live her life with joy and intention. She fills her days with reading, lunches with friends, and cherished time with her daughter when she’s home from college.

Her advice for others newly diagnosed with kidney cancer is deeply personal:

“Do what makes you feel better. If learning everything gives you control, research and connect with groups like Smart Patients. If that overwhelms you, don’t. You can’t dwell on what you can’t control. Talk to other patients — and their families. It helps.”

An Example of Courage

Patti’s journey is one of incredible courage, self-awareness, and strength. Despite the challenges, she focuses on happiness, connection, and gratitude — choosing not to let cancer define her life.

Her story reminds us that even in the face of uncertainty, it’s possible to find peace, laughter, and purpose. Patti’s resilience continues to inspire everyone in the kidney cancer community — especially those climbing their own mountains.