Survivor Stories

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

316 Articles

Pancreatic cancer patient David Shell and his family
Chemotherapy and Radiation
September 22, 2016 • 5 Min

Going Place-to-Place to Find the Treatments I Wanted

David Shell traveled around to a number of doctors and hospitals at different stages of his treatment to be able to get surgery to remove his tumor.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Camille Altgelt
Chemotherapy and Radiation
September 9, 2016 • 3 Min

Living with Pancreatic Cancer

Camille Altgelt searched for clinical trials for her pancreatic cancer but did not qualify. Her treatment with chemotherapy and radiation was successful.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Judith Zitiello
Survivor Stories
August 26, 2016 • 3 Min

Making a Risky Choice

Judith Zitiello’s pancreatic cancer was wrapped around the hepatic artery, but she chose the laparoscopic Whipple procedure instead of chemotherapy alone.

Pancreatic cancer patient Rona Greenberg and her daughters
Survivor Stories
August 15, 2016 • 5 Min

The Impact of BRCA Is Broader Than Breast and Ovarian Cancer

Rona Greenberg discusses the impact of BRCA2 on her family, and her search for the best clinical trial for her needs after her pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

In shades of light brown, beige, and white, stalks of grasses against a tan background
Survivor Stories
August 2, 2016 • 3 Min

Currently in the Fight, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

A woman’s treatment for non-operable pancreatic cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering includes FOLFIRINOX and stereotactic body radiation therapy.

Pancreatic cancer patient Kim Vernick and her dog
Survivor Stories
July 18, 2016 • 3 Min

The Alien Inside Me

Kim Vernick details the clinical trial and surgery used to treat her pancreatic cancer. When the cancer returns she explains the treatment she got.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Cindy Lopez
Survivor Stories
July 5, 2016 • 3 Min

Pancreatic Cancer Can Mimic Other Health Problems

Cindy Lopez thought she had back problems, but she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation shrunk the tumor for surgery.

Dr. Nicholas Nissen and pancreatic cancer patient Larry Clark
Survivor Stories
June 17, 2016 • 3 Min

When You Embrace the Enemy, It Changes Everything

Larry Clark describes how pancreatic cancer changed his retirement. He has pursued clinical trials as he faces recurring pancreatic cancer.

Close up photo of a white flower against a green background
Survivor Stories
June 10, 2016 • 2 Min

The Importance of Clinical Trials

Judith Goldring outlines her treatments for pancreatic cancer using a series of clinical trials, as her cancer progresses.

Large rolled hay bale sitting in the center of a field with green mountains in the background
Survivor Stories
May 18, 2016 • 3 Min

Understanding Family History Makes a Difference in Treatment Options

Elizabeth Pršić describes her mother Andrea’s pancreatic cancer treatment. Andrea has the BRCA2 mutation, which helps determine the plan.

Anne Glauber, pancreatic cancer patient
Survivor Stories
April 5, 2016 • 3 Min

Working with Oncologists Willing to Take Risks

Anne Glauber chooses the new science of slow dosing of chemotherapy for her pancreatic treatment. She looks to developing science for future treatments.

Rock layers in pink, white, light brown, and yellow
Survivor Stories
April 4, 2016 • 3 Min

Personalized Treatment Plans in the Fight Against PC

David Dessert explains that his aunt’s genetic testing for BRCA2 mutation directed his own treatment for pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Dr. Sharon Seibel
Survivor Stories
April 3, 2016 • 4 Min

My BRCA2 Mutation Turned Out to Be Both the Curse and the Cure

Sharon Seibel knew she had the BRCA2 mutation but was unaware of the link to pancreatic cancer. Her chemotherapy was one for BRCA carriers.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Howard Ebert and his family
Survivor Stories
April 2, 2016 • 2 Min

A 10-Year Survivor’s Story

Howard Ebert, a 10-year survivor of pancreatic cancer, describes his treatment. He underwent surgery and then chemotherapy and radiation.

Pancreatic Cancer patient Sharon Orleans Lawrence and her daughter
Survivor Stories
April 1, 2016 • 7 Min

Your Survival Depends on Taking Control of What You Can

Sharon Orleans Lawrence outlines her search for stage IV pancreatic cancer treatment. She chooses low-dose chemotherapy, which made her life comfortable.

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