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 Susan Hoopengarner and her husband.
Survivor Stories
April 19, 2023 • 4 Min

Two-Year Survivor and Going Strong

Susan Hoopengarner coordinated her care between a local hospital and a major cancer center for chemotherapy and a Whipple procedure.

pancreatic cancer patient Don Myrah and his wife Geralynn
Survivor Stories
April 11, 2023 • 4 Min

Going After a Specialized Radiation Treatment

Don Myrah wanted more than chemotherapy. He read about a specialized radiation treatment and directly contacted the company behind it.

pancreatic cancer patient Bonnie Dahl and her husband
Survivor Stories
March 29, 2023 • 4 Min

A Second Opinion Felt Right

Bonnie Dahl considered treatment for stage I pancreatic cancer near home but felt a second opinion and a bigger cancer center were important.

Long-term survivor Eric Borden
Survivor Stories
March 23, 2023 • 1 Min

Hope is Everything You Have

Long-term survivor Eric Borden believes in the importance of advocating for yourself with your doctors; if he hadn’t he might not be here.

Marisa Harris and grandkids
Survivor Stories
March 16, 2023 • 5 Min

Focus on Joy

Long-term survivor Marisa Harris shares her thoughts on surviving, thriving, and making the most of your time while in treatment.

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.

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