Survivor Stories

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

319 Articles

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.

Clinical Trials
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
Pancreatectomy
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.

Ryan Dwars and family
Survivor Stories
October 9, 2024 • 6 Min

Genetic Testing Guided My Treatment Plan

Ryan Dwars already knew there was pancreatic cancer in his family so when he was diagnosed he asked for genetic testing right away.

Ann Jaffe walking along a beach at sunset
Survivor Stories
September 26, 2024 • 2 Min

I Feel Very Lucky!

Because of her early career experience as an oncology nurse, Ann Jaffe wanted to participate in a clinical trial.

Long-term survivor Malcolm Robertson and his family at a zipline.
Survivor Stories
September 18, 2024 • 1 Min

My Life is Good Now

When Malcolm Robertson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he already knew he carried the BRCA2 mutation.

David Smith and family
Survivor Stories
September 13, 2024 • 5 Min

No Time for Self-Pity

When David Smith started losing weight after a diabetes diagnosis, his daughter-in-law was concerned because she had seen this before.

Pancreatic cancer patient Brandon Stone
Chemotherapy and Radiation
August 30, 2024 • 6 Min

Don’t Let Doctors Tell You Nothing’s Wrong

After a long road to diagnosis Brandon Stone learned he has a BRCA2 genetic mutation that impacts his treatment.

Long-term survivor Leanne Pierce and her family
Survivor Stories
August 21, 2024 • 1 Min

You Can Be the Outlier

When long-term survivor Leanne Pierce was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer, she knew she wanted to be around for her young sons.

Pancreatic cancer patient John Sanders and Dr. Shah (left) and Dr. Palta (right)
Chemotherapy and Radiation
August 19, 2024 • 3 Min

Endurance, Resilience, and Tenacity

After his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, John Sanders went for a second opinion, which led to a more aggressive treatment plan.

Jeneen Genna "whipple Woman" and Dr. Elliot Newman
Survivor Stories
August 6, 2024 • 4 Min

Lucky to Find It Early

When Jeneen Genna did not feel well her doctor searched until they found pancreatic cancer. The BRCA2 mutation has her in a clinical trial.

Shelly Wyman and friends
Survivor Stories
July 19, 2024 • 1 Min

Wonder Wyman

As a long-term survivor Shelly Wyman is determined to educate nurses about the latest information for helping pancreatic cancer patients.

Pancreatic cancer patient Margo Chilcott and her family
Survivor Stories
July 11, 2024 • 4 Min

Making My Own Choices for Quality Time

After her pancreatectomy Margo Chilcott decided to forgo chemotherapy and radiation to spend more quality time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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