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

pancreatic cancer patient Allison Lippman Kuban and her husband
Survivor Stories
January 17, 2019 • 7 Min

A Clinical Trial for a Rare Pancreatic Cancer

Allison Lippman Kuban was trying to tolerate a difficult chemotherapy regimen when a mutation was found that qualified her for a clinical trial.

Pancreatic cancer researcher Dannielle Engle
Survivor Stories
January 16, 2019 • 1 Min

Hope on the Horizon

In this Survivors Series—Year Two video, meet the doctors and researchers working to find new treatments and early screening tests for pancreatic cancer.

long-term survivor Lee Ringuette and his wife, fishing
Survivor Stories
January 4, 2019 • 3 Min

Finding Qualified Doctors Made All the Difference

Lee Ringuette switched doctors to get ones willing to try new treatment protocols so he could have to a Whipple procedure.

Long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Bob Harris eating ice cream outdoors
Survivor Stories
December 20, 2018 • 4 Min

My Whipple Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer

In 1968 Bob Harris had a then-rare operation for pancreatic cancer: the Whipple surgery. Despite the side effects Bob has thrived.

Long-term survivor of pancreatic cancer Steve Merlin on a boardwalk taking photos.
Survivor Stories
December 13, 2018 • 1 Min

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

Meet more long-term survivors of pancreatic cancer, as well as the doctors and researchers who are working tirelessly to create new and better treatment options.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Richard Blish and his wife Marian at their wedding
Survivor Stories
December 7, 2018 • 3 Min

The Positive Impact of a Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trial

Richard Blish was a healthy, athletic 67-year-old when he developed symptoms of pancreatic cancer. His daughter steered him to a clinical trial for treatment.

Long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Roberta Luna, with her husband and sons
Survivor Stories
November 29, 2018 • 4 Min

Living with Pancreatic Cancer as a Long-Term Survivor

Roberta Luna has been fighting pancreatic cancer since 2002, but the disease has been part of her life for much longer. Read about her battle.

Pancreatic cancer patient Rob Babcock, holding his granddaughter, and surrounded by his family
Survivor Stories
November 9, 2018 • 7 Min

Life With Pancreatic Cancer and on Clinical Trials

After a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, former basketball coach and GM Rob Babcock realized his best chance was with clinical trials.

Roberta and Vic Luna in shades of purple, with other people behind them.
Survivor Stories
October 25, 2018 • 1 Min

Just Continue to Fight

Roberta Luna has been fighting pancreatic cancer for 15 years. She lost both her parents, her uncle, and her grandmother to the disease but she keeps on fighting.

Doron Broman, center left, surrounded by others includ Dr. Kimmie Ng on the far right.
Survivor Stories
October 23, 2018 • 3 Min

Molecular Sequencing Leads to Customized Treatment

When Florida resident Doron Broman was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer, his decision to get treated in Boston gave him access a PARP inhibitor for maintenance.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Ed Duncan on the water of San Francisco bay, with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background
Survivor Stories
October 11, 2018 • 4 Min

Don’t Ignore Your Symptoms

It took Ed Duncan a long time to recognize that the symptoms he had added up to a very serious disease: pancreatic cancer.

Lee Ringuette and his wife in a boat fishing on a lake
Survivor Stories
October 2, 2018 • 1 Min

There Is Hope for Everyone

Lee Ringuette is a 17-year pancreatic cancer survivor who changed doctors, underwent two surgeries, and grueling chemotherapy.

Pancreatic cancer patient Mark Head and his wife and children
Survivor Stories
September 28, 2018 • 6 Min

A Charley Horse Led to Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Discovery

Mark Head thought he had a Charley horse, but it turned out to be a more serious deep vein thrombosis. A scan for the source found a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.

Christine Shaffer pancreatic cancer patient, outside in the sunlight
Survivor Stories
September 17, 2018 • 4 Min

Failure is Not an Option

Christine Shaffer underwent chemotherapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy to shrink her tumor for surgery. She says failure is not an option.

Brigitte Regnier and her husband read a book together while seated on a sofa.
Survivor Stories
September 4, 2018 • 5 Min

Picking the Right Team

Brigitte Régnier found a treatment team that was using an unusual approach of giving chemoradiation before surgery for pancreatic cancer.

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