Survivor Stories

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

355 Articles

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.

pancreatic cancer patient Gina Harrison and her grandsons
Survivor Stories
August 18, 2020 • 4 Min

The Value of Molecular Profiling and Genetic Testing

Gina Harrison underwent molecular profiling of her pancreatic tumor, which led her to a clinical trial. Genetic testing showed her BRCA1 mutation was random.

pancreatic cancer patient Harry Sparks and family
Survivor Stories
August 5, 2020 • 3 Min

Why ME?

Harry Sparks went for a second opinion after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and was able to have Whipple surgery.

Pancreatic cancer patient Tammy Richardson and family at a fundraising walk
Survivor Stories
July 23, 2020 • 5 Min

Planning Every Day to Live

Tammy Richardson has focused her pancreatic cancer treatment choices on maintaining her quality of life, so she can travel and see family.

long-term survivor Diane Borrison
Survivor Stories
July 22, 2020 • 1 Min

Individuals Can Make a Difference

As a long-term survivor of pancreatic cancer Diane Borrison realized that it was important for her to become a committed advocate for this disease.

illustration of a green round table with orange chairs
Patient Voices
July 20, 2020 • 9 Min

At the Table: Taking Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Pancreatic cancer survivors discuss the different ways they are being careful to avoid catching COVID-19 during the pandemic.

Black sneakers painted with purple sayings to encourage Sandy Robis
Survivor Stories
July 10, 2020 • 11 Min

Working Hard to Beat Pancreatic Cancer

Sandy Robis underwent a full pancreatectomy and chemotherapy to help her beat pancreatic cancer. Now she helps support other patients.

Pancreatic cancer patient Amy Zaterman and her husband Sean Seltzer
Survivor Stories
June 29, 2020 • 14 Min

Planning for My Future

When diagnosed with Stage IV PNET at the age of 30, Amy Zaterman found a doctor who believed in her and didn’t give up. Learn more about her inspiring story.

illustration of a green round table with orange chairs
Patient Voices
June 24, 2020 • 8 Min

At the Table: How to Talk to your Family and Friends about Pancreatic Cancer

David Dessert, Miggie Olsson, and John Moisan share what they learned about how to talk to family and friends about pancreatic cancer.

RIchard Blish and Marian Muir Woods
Survivor Stories
June 18, 2020 • 1 Min

You Can Beat the Odds

Richard Blish, a long-term survivor of pancreatic cancer, was directed to a clinical trial by his immunologist daughter. The trial saved his life.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Gary Carmichael and his wife Floy on their trip to Alaska after
Survivor Stories
June 16, 2020 • 9 Min

Facing My Biggest Danger: Pancreatic Cancer

After Gary Carmichael finally found the source of his digestive troubles, he had a Whipple procedure to remove his pancreatic cancer.

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