Survivor Stories

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

317 Articles

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.

Steve Merlin, long-term survivor of pancreatic cancer, standing in a meadow with the mountains in the background
Survivor Stories
February 22, 2019 • 1 Min

Plenty to Live For

Steven was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer in 2012. Now a long-term survivor, he asked himself “What do I have to live for?” There was plenty.

pancreatic cancer long-term survivor Roy Vinke in the snow
Survivor Stories
February 12, 2019 • 4 Min

Genomic Profiling of my Pancreatic Cancer Gave me a New Lease on Life

When standard treatment did not work for Roy Vinke, he had genomic profiling done. A mutation was found, changing his treatment plan.

pancreatic cancer patient Miriam Hermosa
Survivor Stories
January 30, 2019 • 6 Min

Choosing the Strongest Chemotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer

Miriam Hermosa decided to take advantage of her relatively good health and try pancreatic cancer treatment with FOLFIRINOX to get more time with her family.

Share Your Story.

Help others by sharing your experiences.

Share your story