Gabe Solis was a software developer who became famous for his marriage to Trina Braxton, a singer and reality TV star. He appeared on the show Braxton Family Values, where he and his wife shared their ups and downs. They divorced in 2015, but remained friends until his death. Solis passed away on December 20, 2018, at the age of 43. His cause of death was pancreatic cancer, a disease that he kept secret from the public and even some of his close ones. In this article, we will explore how Solis battled with this deadly condition and what are the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer.
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What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the pancreas, a gland that produces digestive enzymes and hormones. According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, after lung and colorectal cancers. It is estimated that about 60,430 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and 48,220 people will die from it in 2021.
Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect and treat because it often does not cause any symptoms until it has spread to other organs. The symptoms may include:
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Abdominal pain or back pain
Weight loss or loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Diabetes or changes in blood sugar levels
Digestive problems or changes in bowel habits
The risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer include:
Smoking
Obesity
Family history of pancreatic cancer or genetic mutations
Chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Diabetes
Age (most cases occur after age 45)
The treatment options for pancreatic cancer depend on the stage, location, and type of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health and preferences. The main types of treatment are surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. However, the survival rate for pancreatic cancer is very low, especially for advanced stages. The five-year relative survival rate for all stages of pancreatic cancer is 10%, and for stage IV (metastatic) pancreatic cancer, it is 3%.
How Did Solis Get Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer?
According to Heavy.com, Solis was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer months before his death, but he kept his condition from the public. He did not want to worry his friends and family members, and he hoped to recover from his illness. However, his health deteriorated rapidly, and he died in a hospice in Texas, surrounded by his loved ones.
Trina Braxton confirmed his death on Instagram, where she posted a heartfelt message and apologized to those who did not know about his diagnosis. She also asked for privacy and respect as she and her sons grieved his unexpected departure. She wrote:
On December 20, 2018, a chapter permanently closed for my sons and I. For over 16 years, Gabe Solis was an essential part of our lives. Like all families, there are good and bad moments that are endured, but those moments, good or bad still made us who we are in the present. Unfortunately, someone leaked the story before we could make everyone aware of his passing, and I apologize to those friends and family members for finding out through social outlets. I also apologize directly to the Solis Family. I do humbly ask for your prayers for our families, but my greatest request is that when you are posting comments, remember Gabe’s passing is a loss for our family. He was a father to my boys, a son, brother, and friend to many and I would appreciate privacy and respect as we grieve his unexpected departure. @gabe_solis1234 I miss you, my dear friend.
Solis’ ex-wife also paid tribute to him on the show Braxton Family Values, where she revealed that he had an aggressive strain of pancreatic cancer that spread to his liver and lungs. She said that he was in denial about his condition and refused to seek treatment until it was too late. She also said that he was a good person who loved his family and wanted to make things right with her.
How Can We Raise Awareness and Support for Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease that affects thousands of people every year. It is important to raise awareness and support for pancreatic cancer research, prevention, and treatment. Some of the ways we can do this are:
Learn about the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer and share them with others.
Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and screening options for pancreatic cancer.
Quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.
Donate to or volunteer for organizations that fund pancreatic cancer research and advocacy, such as the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the Lustgarten Foundation, or the American Cancer Society.
Participate in or organize events that raise funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer, such as PurpleStride, World Pancreatic Cancer Day, or PanCAN’s Purple Ribbon Campaign.
Support and comfort those who are affected by pancreatic cancer, whether they are patients, survivors, caregivers, or loved ones.
Conclusion
Gabe Solis was a software developer and reality TV star who died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 43. He kept his diagnosis from the public and some of his close ones, hoping to recover from his illness. His ex-wife, Trina Braxton, confirmed his death on Instagram and asked for privacy and respect as she and her sons grieved his loss. She also paid tribute to him on the show Braxton Family Values, where she shared his struggle with the disease. Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease that is hard to detect and treat. It is important to raise awareness and support for pancreatic cancer research, prevention, and treatment. We can do this by learning about the signs and symptoms, talking to our doctors, quitting smoking, donating to or volunteering for organizations, participating in or organizing events, and supporting and comforting those who are affected by pancreatic cancer.
