Survivor Stories

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

299 Articles

pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor patient Lisa Tayman and family
Survivor Stories
September 9, 2021 • 6 Min

An Unexpected Diagnosis of PNET

Lisa Tayman was surprised to discover that the shoulder pain she had was from a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.

pancreatic cancer survivor Sharon Simone and her husband
Survivor Stories
August 30, 2021 • 1 Min

I’m Going to Live Every Day

Sharon Simone got a second opinion that led to a treatment protocol suited to her BRCA1 mutation. Now she is a long-term survivor.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor patient Randi C. Ervin
Survivor Stories
August 27, 2021 • 4 Min

A Life-Saving, Life-Changing Diagnosis

Randi C. Ervin’s primary care doctor suspected she had something more than prediabetes. Testing showed pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer.

pancreatic cancer survivor Bob Minetti
Survivor Stories
August 16, 2021 • 2 Min

A Clinical Trial Saved My Life

Bob Minetti and his doctors believe that a clinical trial saved his life after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Catching up with featured patients
Survivor Stories
August 3, 2021 • 5 Min

Catching Up with Featured Patients

Get patient updates on four of our most popular stories: Lynne Holcomb, Earl Groce, Roy Vinke, and Shannon Magee.

Long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Randall Swan and his wife Lorri
Survivor Stories
July 22, 2021 • 1 Min

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Randall Swan says he could not have made it through pancreatic cancer treatment, including a clinical trial, without the support of his wife.

photo of the mineral bismuth
Survivor Stories
July 21, 2021 • 2 Min

The Importance of a Good Treatment Team

Wayne Mullis credits his treatment team with choosing the best pancreatic cancer treatment for him and for helping him through treatment.

pancreatic cancer patient Anthony DelRusso
Survivor Stories
July 13, 2021 • 2 Min

Going Two Rounds Against Pancreatic Cancer

Anthony Del Russo has battled pancreatic cancer twice, first with chemo and a Whipple, and again with a total pancreatectomy and radiation.

long-term pancreatic cancer survivor David Dessert
Survivor Stories
June 25, 2021 • 1 Min

Sharing My Knowledge With Others

David Dessert knew his family carried BRCA2, and told his doctor after his pancreatic cancer diagnosis. This led to a better treatment plan.

2020 Witches of St. Andrews charity bicycle ride
Survivor Stories
June 24, 2021 • 3 Min

Carefully Choosing My Doctor

Doris Bowdoin researched to find the best doctor for her pancreatic cancer. Now she advocates for others through the Witches of St. Andrews.

pancreatic cancer survivor Harry Schlechte
Survivor Stories
June 11, 2021 • 2 Min

Faith in My Survival

Harry Schlechte had a Whipple procedure for his pancreatic cancer, but he credits his faith for getting him through treatment.

pancreatic cancer patient Chris Treubert
Survivor Stories
May 28, 2021 • 3 Min

BRCA Mutation Determines My Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Chris Treubert started with one type of chemotherapy but when the results of genetic testing showed a BRCA mutation he changed treatment.

Eric Borden
Survivor Stories
May 17, 2021 • 3 Min

The Benefit of Being Your Own Advocate

Eric Borden decided to advocate for himself when a lesion was found on his pancreas. It was a good choice because it was pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Kim Vernick and her daughter
Survivor Stories
May 7, 2021 • 1 Min

My Strength Comes From My Mother

Kim Vernick credits her mother for passing on the strength and positivity she has needed as a long-term survivor of pancreatic cancer.

pancreatic cancer patient Thomas Stachler
Survivor Stories
May 4, 2021 • 2 Min

You Only Have One Life to Live

Tom Stachler traveled from his home in Michigan to an expert surgeon in Wisconsin to have Whipple surgery for his pancreatic cancer.

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