Survivor Stories

Read about the treatment experiences of pancreatic cancer survivors, including what worked, the doctors or facilities they worked with, and more.

346 Articles

long-term survivor John O'Grady at Purple Stride 2024
Survivor Videos
March 19, 2025 • 1 Min

A New Bright Future

Long-term survivor John O’Grady gives back in many ways, whether through his quilts to patients or chairing his local Purple Stride.

pancreatic cancer patient Linda Chambless and her husband
Survivor Stories
March 14, 2025 • 8 Min

Determined to Win

After a metastatic pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Linda Chambless sought a second opinion, which led her to a clinical trial.

Jack Taylor and family
Survivor Stories
February 26, 2025 • 3 Min

Be Your Own Advocate

Jack Taylor knew he had no time to lose for a Whipple when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, so he found the best surgeon.

Long term survivor Jennifer Lambert and her husband Doug
Survivor Stories
February 19, 2025 • 1 Min

Who Am I Now?

As a long-term survivor of pancreatic cancer, Jennifer Lambert had to redefine herself. She learned to focus on the day and the moment.

Pancreatic cancer patient Dwayne Montgomery
Chemotherapy and Radiation
February 7, 2025 • 4 Min

More Info = Less Fear

Dwayne Montgomery traveled to MD Anderson for a second opinion but the doctors there told him about an expert Whipple surgeon in his hometown.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Martin Hynes and his wife in Rockefeller Center
Survivor Stories
January 30, 2025 • 1 Min

The Fight of My Life

Martin Hynes worked for a pharmaceutical company and led a clinical trial for Gemzar. Now he’s a long-term survivor of the same disease he researched.

Pancreatic cancer patient Jane Eshbaugh and her family
Molecular Profiling
January 22, 2025 • 5 Min

Too Busy Living Large!

Jane Eshbaugh regularly participated in Roswell Park Cancer Center’s annual fundraising bike ride, not knowing that one day she would be a patient.

pancreatic cancer patient Jami Curry
Survivor Stories
January 3, 2025 • 2 Min

Early Diagnosis Is Important

Jami Curry knew her family history included breast and pancreatic cancer, so she was alert to any health changes.

long-term survivor Linda Burchett and her husband
Survivor Stories
December 23, 2024 • 1 Min

Let’s Win Pancreatic Cancer Survivors—Year Eight

Let’s Win introduces Year Eight of its long-term survivors video series, featuring women and men who were in all stages of the disease.

Rich and Staci Grodin and family
Survivor Stories
December 12, 2024 • 3 Min

Gathering Information for the Right Treatment

Staci and Rich Grodin applied their medical information research skills when Rich was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Laurie Buffett McGuane, pancreatic cancer patient
Survivor Stories
December 2, 2024 • 3 Min

Fighting Cancer With My Brother

Laurie McGuane underwent a distal pancreatectomy shortly after her brother entered treatment for a different cancer, so they fought together.

long-term survivor John Sanders and family and friends
Survivor Stories
November 25, 2024 • 1 Min

How Am I Going to Eat This Elephant?

When long-term survivor John Sanders felt overwhelmed by his pancreatic cancer treatment, he took it one step at at time.

Survivor Stories
November 15, 2024 • 3 Min

Extensive Family History and Genetic Testing Leads to Early Detection

Sidney Levinson and his doctor were aware of his BRCA1/2 mutations so when an MRI was recommended for screening, Sidney did it.

Jenna Thiel and her children
Survivor Stories
November 4, 2024 • 4 Min

I Almost Gave Up

But for the love and support of her family, Jenna Thiel wouldn’t have made it after significant complications from her surgery for PNET.

Long-term survivor Jenna Thiel and her family
Survivor Stories
October 22, 2024 • 1 Min

You’re Not Alone

Long-term survivor Jenna Thiel counted on support from her family to get her through a difficult recovery from pancreatic cancer surgery.

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