Survivor Stories

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

320 Articles

pancreatic cancer patient Roger Peterson
Chemotherapy and Radiation
March 29, 2022 • 7 Min

My Unexpected Journey

With a stage IV pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Roger Peterson faces ongoing chemotherapy with FOLFIRINOX as his treatment.

pancreatic cancer patient Wayne and his family
Survivor Stories
March 16, 2022 • 4 Min

Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer

When Wayne was diagnosed with pancreatitis, the tests showed a very high likelihood of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer patient Robert Hessler
Survivor Stories
March 3, 2022 • 3 Min

Using the Lessons of Recovery in my Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Robert Hessler used the lessons he learned as a recovering alcoholic to help him through the challenges of a Whipple procedure.

pancreatic cancer survivor Sheila Sky Kasselman and Sky Foundation members
Survivor Stories
February 24, 2022 • 1 Min

I Didn’t Expect to Be Doing This

Sheila Sky Kasselman, a long-term survivor of pancreatic cancer, started a foundation to help others after recovering from Whipple surgery.

pancreatic cancer patient Kevin Moore on his bicycle
Survivor Stories
February 17, 2022 • 5 Min

Endurance Athlete Enduring Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

After a stage IV pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Dr. Kevin Moore had cytoreductive surgery to remove the metastases in his abdomen.

Pancreatic cancer patient Dennis Rues and family
Clinical Trials
February 4, 2022 • 4 Min

A Clinical Trial Gives Me Hope

When Dennis Rues’s pancreatic cancer recurred, his doctors recommended that he join a clinical trial. Now he’s doing well.

long-term survivor Barry Hendrickson
Survivor Stories
January 27, 2022 • 1 Min

If You Believe You Can Do This . . .

Barry Hendrickson spent much of his career helping cancer patients with hair loss, but he never expected to be in their shoes.

Susan Wells and friend
Survivor Stories
January 24, 2022 • 11 Min

Family, Friends, Hope, Strength, and Prayer

Susan Wells had chemotherapy but her treatment took a detour into more chemo and a clinical trial before she had a Whipple procedure.

Abby Pezzulo and family
Survivor Stories
January 7, 2022 • 4 Min

Tomorrow Is a New Day

Abby Pezzulo was an active young working mother when she was diagnosed with a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.

pancreatic cancer patient Laura Metzger and family
Survivor Stories
December 23, 2021 • 6 Min

Learning to Recognize the Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

Recognizing the symptoms of pancreatic cancer is key to early detection. Laura Metzgar’s story illustrates the importance of detecting pancreatic cancer early.

pancreatic cancer long-term survivor Kim Vernick
Survivor Stories
December 16, 2021 • 1 Min

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

Every year, long-term survivors share their inspiring stories about surviving pancreatic cancer and thriving after.

Michael Whalen and his family
Survivor Stories
December 10, 2021 • 4 Min

Vigilance Leads to Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis

After his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Michael Whalen searched for someone willing to treat him with chemotherapy.

pancreatic cancer patient Leanne Pierce and family
Survivor Stories
November 29, 2021 • 4 Min

A Second Opinion Leads to Hope for the Future

Leanne Pierce decided to go to a major cancer center for a second opinion after her pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Pancreatic cancer long-term survivor Angella Dixon-Watson and her husband Ira
Survivor Stories
November 23, 2021 • 1 Min

I’m Still Here

As a five-year pancreatic cancer survivor, Angella Dixon-Watson considers it her mission to educate others about this disease.

pancreatic cancer patient Francois
Survivor Stories
November 12, 2021 • 6 Min

Taking Life with Pancreatic Cancer One Day at a Time

François has been taking chemotherapy for his pancreatic cancer treatment and living one day at a time, to make the most of his life.

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