Survivor Stories

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

320 Articles

long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Chris Parrish
Survivor Stories
July 16, 2019 • 6 Min

My Journey Through Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer

When Chris Parrish was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer, she searched for a program and treatment plan until she found a place that gave her hope.

pancreatic cancer patient Cliff Ramos
Survivor Stories
July 2, 2019 • 4 Min

No Warning Before My Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis

Retired wrestling coach Cliff Ramos approached his chemotherapy and Whipple surgery for pancreatic cancer like he was still coaching.

pancreatic cancer survivor Steven Lewis
Survivor Stories
June 19, 2019 • 5 Min

Twice Facing Pancreatic Cancer

Steven Lewis has faced down pancreatic cancer twice–first with a Whipple, chemo and radiation; then with liver surgery for metastasis.

Ed Duncan and his daughters in the water below the Golden Gate Bridge as part of a cross-bay swim
Survivor Stories
June 12, 2019 • 1 Min

Every Day is a Good Day

Ed Duncan is a long-term survivor of pancreatic cancer. As survivor he has a stronger appreciation for life, and a renewed bond with his wife Kathie.

Pancreatic cancer survivors Scott and Steve Nelson
Survivor Stories
June 6, 2019 • 5 Min

Younger Brother’s Pancreatic Cancer Leads to Regular Screening for his Oldest Brother

When Scott Nelson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, oldest brother Steve began regular screening, which lead to his early diagnosis.

pancreatic cancer patient Rachel Moreno
Survivor Stories
May 23, 2019 • 3 Min

Relocating For Pancreatic Cancer Treatment and a Clinical Trial

Rachel Moreno knew she would need help during treatment but moving in with her son also gave her access to a clinical trial.

pancreatic cancer patient Rick Baker and his wife Shelley
Survivor Stories
May 10, 2019 • 5 Min

Molecular Profiling Leads to Non-Standard Pancreatic Cancer Treatments

With stage IV pancreatic cancer, Rick Baker got molecular profiling which helped direct his different treatments, including clinical trials.

Chris Parrish (right) and her mother (left)
Survivor Stories
May 7, 2019 • 1 Min

Be Your Own Best Advocate

After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, long-term survivor Chris Parrish found she had to be her own advocate to get a chance at survival.

long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Lisa Beckendorf and family
Survivor Stories
April 29, 2019 • 3 Min

Surviving a Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor

Lisa Beckendorf was suprised to find out that the cause of her digestive troubles was a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET).

Dr. Malcolm Bilimoria and pancreatic cancer patient Kenneth Brown
Survivor Stories
April 16, 2019 • 4 Min

Climbing the Pancreatic Cancer Mountain

Kenneth Brown got second and third opinions before he chose a treatment plan that included neoadjuvant chemotherapy and a Whipple procedure.

pancreatic cancer survivor Rob Stuardi
Survivor Stories
April 3, 2019 • 4 Min

Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer Lead to Marathoning

Rob Stuardi had three bouts of pancreatitis before he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He shares his joy of recovery running marathons to raise money for research.

long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Steven Yedwabnick
Survivor Stories
March 21, 2019 • 5 Min

Long-Term Survival After Grueling Radiation Treatment

Long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Steven Yedwabnick endured a long protocol of radiation and chemotherapy after a Whipple surgery.

UVa head coach Debbie Ryan
Survivor Stories
March 20, 2019 • 1 Min

Stay in the Moment

Debbie Ryan is a long-term survivor of pancreatic cancer. The now-retired basketball coach applied her coaching philosophy to her treatment.

pancreatic cancer patient Justin Baker and family
Survivor Stories
March 8, 2019 • 5 Min

Facing Pancreatic Cancer and Making the Most of Borrowed Time

With a young family, Justin Baker is hoping for more time because he has a genetic mutation that favors certain treatments.

pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor patient Kristin Sine
Survivor Stories
February 25, 2019 • 3 Min

If Something Feels Wrong, Insist on Testing

Kristin Sine wanted an answer to her mysterious pain, but she had to insist on testing to find out she had a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.

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