Survivor Stories

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

406 Articles

Woman in a science research lab in a white coat, with brown hair and glasses.
Survivor Videos
September 25, 2026 • 1 Min

A New Era

For the physician-scientists at Johns Hopkins, research is leading to a new era in pancreatic cancer treatment.

A family--Husband in a ball cap and tank top, two brown haired sons in swim trunks, and a wife with brown hair in a beach coverup--standing on a boardwalk with the sunset in the background
Patient Voices
September 22, 2026 • 10 Min

One Year Later

For Douglas Cordova, recovering from a Whipple for his PNET was one step, one goal at a time. He is very glad to be back being Dad.

A group of people in various shades of purple
Survivor Stories
September 11, 2026 • 2 Min

Back to Normal

It took six months for Dr. Richard Dotson to get diagnosed, but after a Whipple procedure and chemo he feels back to normal.

Man in shorts, a t shirt and a ball cap next to purple balloons with the number 10
Survivor Stories
August 31, 2026 • 1 Min

I’m Not Dead Yet

Long-term survivor Dr. Stephen Bigelsen knew how bad pancreatic cancer was and almost gave up, until his wife pushed him to learn more.

A bald man with glasses and a blonde woman stand on an overlook with the sun setting behind them
Survivor Stories
August 31, 2026 • 1 Min

You’re Not Alone

Caregiver for her stage IV husband Stephen, Nancy Bigelsen credits the support of family and friends for helping them through his treatment.

Smiling woman with long gray hair with her head next to a balding man with a trimmed beard
Survivor Stories
August 19, 2026 • 4 Min

A Master Class in Self-Love

Wendy Hammers turned her pancreatic cancer diagnosis into life lessons for mental health, wellness, and focusing on joy.

abstract illustration of a roundtable discussion in Let's Win colors of dark purple, medium purple, blue, teal, pink and orange table, plus the Let's Win 10th Anniversary logo at the top.
Survivor Stories
August 13, 2026 • 10 Min

At the Table: Looking Forward 10 Years

Members of the Patient Advisory Board discuss the changes they would like to see in 10 years in treatment, early detection, and managing care.

a black and white photo of a family of five, three men in the center and two women--one on either side of the men
Survivor Stories
August 3, 2026 • 5 Min

Surviving Will Someday Be the Expectation

Susan Ganis did not expect to be a survivor of pancreatic cancer, but she stayed positived and focused on the future.

woman with long brown hair in a white blazer presenting to a group of doctors
Survivor Videos
July 30, 2026 • 1 Min

The Future is Bright

The doctors and researchers at Duke Cancer Institute see a brighter future ahead for pancreatic cancer patients.

Photos of survivor Yariela Martinez during and after pancreatic cancer treatment
Survivor Stories
July 16, 2026 • 2 Min

No Symptoms Whatsoever

In a follow-up visit after her gallbladder was removed, Yariela Martínez’s doctors found stage I pancreatic cancer.

abstract illustration of a roundtable discussion in Let's Win colors of dark purple, medium purple, blue, teal, pink and orange table, plus the Let's Win 10th Anniversary logo at the top.
Survivor Stories
July 6, 2026 • 8 Min

At the Table: Looking Back at the Last 10 Years

The Let’s Win Patient Advisory Board looks back at changes in the last 10 years for pancreatic cancer treatment, screening, and patient care.

pancreatic cancer survivor Mark Olsen surrounded by his family--a young man in a brown shirt and jeans, a young woman in a white shirt and jeans, an older man in a dark zip pullover and dark jeans, an older woman in a tan sweater and jeans, a young man in an open button down shirt with a t shirt under and tan pants, and a young woman in a white sweater and jeans
Survivor Stories
June 23, 2026 • 4 Min

Diet, Exercise, and a Clean Lifestyle

After years of stomach troubles, Mark Olsen found out he had pancreatic cancer. But a genetic mutation made him eligible for immunotherapy.

long-term survivor Matthew Rosenblum in a gray t shirt and glasses surrounded by a leafy green tree.
Survivor Videos
June 17, 2026 • 1 Min

Learning to Live Again

With a stage IV diagnosis at 33, Matthew Rosenblum thought his life was over. But he’s a long-term survivor and has everything he never thought possible.

Pancreatic cancer long term survivor Roberta Luna, with long blond hair and a red shirt
Survivor Stories
June 16, 2026 • 4 Min

Looking Back and Looking Forward

For Let’s Win’s 10th anniversary, long-term survivor Roberta Luna looks back at the changes and forward to future gains.

pancreatic cancer patient Marla Schreffler, an older woman with short brown hair wearing a collared shirt under a brown sweater, with glasses and a hand on her face.
Survivor Stories
May 29, 2026 • 4 Min

Trusting My Gut

Marla Schreffler had a feeling something was wrong, even after she got her diabetes diagnosis. Further tests confirmed that she had pancreatic cancer.

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