Survivor Stories

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

295 Articles

Podcast host and primary care physician Dr. Jon Hallberg
Disease Management
November 27, 2023 • 3 Min

Reaching Primary Care Providers Through Podcasts

Dr. Jon Hallberg leads a series on early detection of pancreatic cancer as part of his mission to reach providers through podcasts.

Pancreatic cancer patient Joseph Mele
Survivor Stories
November 15, 2023 • 2 Min

A Long Slog to Diagnosis, A Quick Sprint to Surgery

Joseph Mele suffered through a year of mysterious GI symptoms until he was finally diagnosed with stage II pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Kay Zedd Kesser
Survivor Stories
November 2, 2023 • 8 Min

A Family Tree Bent but Not Broken by Pancreatic Cancer

When Kay Zedd Kesser looks around her family tree, she sees pancreatic cancer everywhere. But screening saved Kay’s life.

Long term pancreatic cancer survivor Julie Lopp and her family
Survivor Stories
October 26, 2023 • 1 Min

Leave No Stone Unturned

Long-term survivor Julie Lopp was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, she told her friends that all she wanted was more of every single day.

pancreatic cancer patient Connie Harrington and her husband
Survivor Stories
October 20, 2023 • 4 Min

A New Radiation Therapy Helped Me Beat Cancer

Connie Harrington’s tumor was wrapped around an artery, eliminating surgery. After chemo, her oncologist steered her to MRI-guided radiation, which has made all the difference.

pancreatic cancer patient Barbara Green in a hot pink wig
Survivor Stories
October 9, 2023 • 3 Min

Changing Course Midstream

Barbara Green wasn’t happy with her doctors, so she took the advice of her support group, was an advocate for herself, and changed doctors.

Long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Anthony Del Russo
Survivor Stories
September 28, 2023 • 1 Min

Embrace All the Good Things

After two bouts with pancreatic cancer, long-term survivor Anthony Del Russo embraces all the good in life with his family and friends.

Pancreatic patient and comedian John Ziegler
Survivor Stories
September 26, 2023 • 3 Min

Finding Humor During Cancer Treatment

Comedian John Ziegler has managed to find the humor in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Andy Lyons
Survivor Stories
September 13, 2023 • 6 Min

A Cancer-Free Life 25 Years in the Making

Andy Lyons lost many family members to pancreatic cancer. With such a family history he knew to be proactive and get screened regularly.

pancreatic cancer patient Dan Grunfeld
Survivor Stories
August 30, 2023 • 4 Min

Lots and Lots of Research Leads to a Better Outcome

Dan Grunfeld put his experience as a chemist to good use as he researched pancreatic cancer treatments to find a clinical trial.

Survivor Stories
August 25, 2023 • 1 Min

Listen to the Patient

Long-term survivor Michael Whalen is here because he pushed his doctors to follow up on his concern about possibly having pancreatic cancer.

Donna Robinson and family
Survivor Stories
August 17, 2023 • 4 Min

One of the Biggest Tumors They Had Ever Seen

Pancreatectomy surgery to remove her cancer was Donna Robinson’s goal, despite having one of the largest tumors her doctors had ever seen.

Candace Langford and her husband
Survivor Stories
August 1, 2023 • 4 Min

Advances in Treatment Give Me Hope

Candace Langford’s honeymoon was hardly over when she found out she had pancreatic cancer. Fortunately she was able to have stereotactic body radiation therapy, which has knocked out her tumor.

Pablo Rodriguez y su familia
Survivor Stories
July 24, 2023 • 6 Min

A Two-Part Journey, So Far

Three years after surgery to remove a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor from the tail of his pancreas, Pablo Rodriguez was shocked to discover the cancer had returned.

Long-term survivor Alan Nathanson and family
Survivor Stories
July 20, 2023 • 1 Min

Gratitude is the Divine Attitude

Long-term survivor Alan Nathanson credits humor, determination, and the support of his wife for his pancreatic cancer survival.

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