Survivor Stories

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

297 Articles

pancreatic cancer patient Jay Buth and family
Survivor Stories
March 3, 2023 • 9 Min

Vigilance in Pursuing Symptoms Leads to Early Diagnosis

Jay Buth was very persistent in pursuing the reason for his symptoms. That led to a diagnosis of early stage pancreatic cancer.

Long-term survivor Randi Ervin and her sister
Survivor Stories
February 23, 2023 • 1 Min

Own Your Health Care Journey

Randi Ervin is a long-term survivor of PNET who stresses the importance of taking care of your mental health during ongoing treatment.

pancreatic cancer patient Martin Hynes and family
Survivor Stories
February 17, 2023 • 5 Min

Reeducating Myself About Pancreatic Cancer

Martin Hynes knew all about pancreatic cancer–as a research director he worked on the development of Gemzar. He was able to have a Whipple and is doing well.

Pancreatic cancer patient Richard Liles
Chemotherapy and Radiation
February 6, 2023 • 4 Min

Using Humor to Face Pancreatic Cancer

Richard Liles has a stage IV pancreatic cancer diagnosis but feels it is very important to keep a sense of humor throughout.

Pancreatic cancer patient Burt Rosen and family
Survivor Stories
January 24, 2023 • 7 Min

Learning All I Can About PNET

Burt Rosen received a double whammy diagnosis of PNET and kidney cancer, but he’s determined to learn as much as he can about his disease.

long-term survivor Jay Bozick and his horse
Survivor Stories
January 17, 2023 • 1 Min

You Can Do Anything

Long-term survivor Jay Bozick carries the BRCA2 mutation, which has made newer treatments an option for his pancreatic cancer.

Grace and Jay Bozick and their horse
Survivor Stories
January 10, 2023 • 4 Min

Taking Chances to Beat Pancreatic Cancer

With a family history of pancreatic cancer, Jay Bozick discovered he carries the BRCA2 mutation, which directed his treatment.

pancreatic cancer patient James Arnott
Survivor Stories
December 27, 2022 • 2 Min

It Started With Acid Reflux

James Arnott thought he had an acid stomach but a scan showed pancreatic cancer, and he soon had a Whipple procedure.

Long-term survivor Helene Avraham-Katz
Survivor Stories
December 15, 2022 • 1 Min

Let’s Win Pancreatic Cancer Survivors Series—Year Six

Join Let’s Win’s long-term survivors as they share their uplifting stories of treatment, resilience, and life after pancreatic cancer.

Heather Sanderson
Survivor Stories
December 13, 2022 • 3 Min

Forget Stages . . . Set Goals Instead!

After her pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Heather Sanderson set goals: surgery and then getting back to the gym.

Pancreatic cancer patient Rod Devlin at Purple Stride
Survivor Stories
November 30, 2022 • 6 Min

Being Persistent Led to my Cancer Diagnosis

Rod Devlin wasn’t getting an answer to his pain but he was persistent until he finally found a doctor that would give him a scan.

Martin Abrams, in purple with Survivor on his shirt, surrounded by his team at the 2019 Lustgarten Walk
Survivor Stories
November 23, 2022 • 1 Min

Early Detection Saved My Life

Martin Abrams and his daughter Tova have a family history of pancreatic cancer, so a screening program and early detection are paramount.

Hector Mendez and his daughter and son
Survivor Stories
November 15, 2022 • 3 Min

Advocating for My Husband has Made the Difference

Nora Mendez had to learn how to advocate for her husband Hector to get him the best possible treatment for stage IV pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer patient Ellen Robbins and her husband Bob
Survivor Stories
November 2, 2022 • 3 Min

Urinary Tract Scans Lead to My Diagnosis

Ellen Robbins has the BRCA2 mutation, and that allowed her to participate in a clinical trial for her pancreatic cancer.

pancreatic cancer patient Michael Bailey
Survivor Stories
October 20, 2022 • 6 Min

How Could This Happen to Me?

Michael Bailey felt his world turn sideways after a diagnosis of acinar cell pancreatic cancer. He had a pancreatectomy and chemotherapy.

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