Survivor Stories

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

350 Articles

Pancreatic cancer patient Chad Handley, his family and dogs, outdoors with fallend leaves
Survivor Stories
December 11, 2020 • 8 Min

Marching On Against Pancreatic Cancer

Chad Handley is facing pancreatic cancer one step at a time–literally. After every chemotherapy he walks to help ease the side effects.

pancreatic cancer patient Irma Infante
Survivor Stories
November 30, 2020 • 4 Min

A Second Opinion Makes the Difference

Irma Infante refused to give up after a stage IV pancreatic cancer diagnosis. She went for a second opinion and better treatment options.

survivor Margie Goldsmith
Survivor Stories
November 25, 2020 • 1 Min

Let’s Win! Pancreatic Cancer Survivors Series—Year Four

Our inspiring Survivors video series is entering Year Four. Meet more long-term survivors as well as researchers working for new treatments.

Pancreatic cancer patient Chris Joseph
Survivor Stories
November 16, 2020 • 4 Min

Practicing Gratitude Every Day

The best thing Chris Joseph ever did was change oncologists. His new doctor did genetic testing on Chris’s tumor, for better treatment.

pancreatic cancer patient Michael Florio and his family
Survivor Stories
November 3, 2020 • 6 Min

The Importance of Family and Friends

Michael Florio has been able to count on his family and friends to get him to pancreatic cancer treatment and support him through a Whipple procedure.

World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition logo
Advocacy
October 29, 2020 • 3 Min

Meet the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition

The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition shows there is power when advocacy groups join together for the cause: World Pancreatic Cancer Day.

Ken vickers family2019
Survivor Stories
October 23, 2020 • 1 Min

Every Day is a Gift

Kenny Vickers traveled a long road to recovery after what he thought was an ulcer turned out to be pancreatic cancer. Now he is a long-term survivor.

Pancreatic cancer patient Barbara Washburn
Survivor Stories
October 21, 2020 • 2 Min

A Heart Scan Finds Pancreatic Cancer

Barbara Washburn went for a heart scan because of a family history of heart disease. She never expected the scan to find neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer!

pancreatic cancer patient Anthony Rafaniello and his grandsons
Survivor Stories
October 8, 2020 • 3 Min

Diagnosed Early

Because Anthony Rafaniello had recurring pancreatitis, he paid close attention when he started to feel sick. The result: pancreatic cancer diagnosed early.

pancreatic cancer patient William Ramshaw
Patient Voices
October 5, 2020 • 5 Min

Sometimes Life Hits You in the Head

Pancreatic cancer survivor William Ramshaw shares his advice about managing life after diagnosis and during treatment for other patients.

pancreatic cancer patient Kelly Pankratz and her family
Survivor Stories
September 25, 2020 • 10 Min

Unexpected Blessings From My Pancreatic Cancer

Kelly Pankratz says she has been graced with unexpected blessings in her pancreatic cancer journey, which includes pancreatectomy surgery.

pancreatic cancer patient Catalina Lulley
Survivor Stories
September 14, 2020 • 4 Min

Choosing Chemo Because I Want to Live

After doing poorly on her first chemotherapy treatments, Catalina Lulley switched doctors because she is determined to survive pancreatic cancer.

pancreatic cancer survivor Enrico Crisafi and his wife
Survivor Stories
September 11, 2020 • 1 Min

Don’t Be Silent

Long-term survivor Enrico Crisafi knew something was wrong for months before he got a PET scan and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

pancreatic cancer survivor Enrico Crisafi and his wife
Survivor Stories
August 31, 2020 • 4 Min

Confidence in My Treatment

After he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, retired 9/11 first responder Enrico Crisafi found a doctor he believed in, and who believed in him.

pancreatic cancer survivor Miggie Olsson and her husband Tom
Survivor Stories
August 27, 2020 • 1 Min

Watch Me

Miggie Olsson was not willing to accept that nothing could be done for her stage IV pancreatic cancer. She was determined to be a long-term survivor.

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