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 Rita Krueger, her husband and dog
Survivor Stories
November 1, 2021 • 4 Min

Choosing the Right Doctor

Rita Krueger made an important decision that changed her pancreatic cancer treatment when she got a second opinion.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Carolynn Kiel in purple sunglasses at a PanCAN Purple Stride event
Survivor Stories
October 28, 2021 • 1 Min

I Made It

Long-term survivor Carolynn Kiel lost her mother and sister to pancreatic cancer, so she learned to stay vigilant,

pancreatic cancer patient Glen Trotiner
Survivor Stories
October 19, 2021 • 8 Min

My Two-Year Journey with Pancreatic Cancer

When filmmaker Glen Trotiner was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he learned a new meaning for “treatment.”

pancreatic cancer patient Virginia Wetcher
Survivor Stories
October 6, 2021 • 2 Min

Following a Treatment Plan

As a retired oncology nurse, Virginia Wetcher knew she needed a good treatment plan after her pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Chris Joseph and his sons
Survivor Stories
September 29, 2021 • 1 Min

Surviving and Thriving

When long-term survivor Chris Joseph found out his tumor had a specific defect it changed his treatment plan.

pancreatic cancer long-term survivor Helene Avraham-Katz and her family
Survivor Stories
September 23, 2021 • 5 Min

The Butterfly Effect and Living Every Day to My Fullest

Because Helene Avraham-Katz has the BRCA2 mutation, certain chemotherapies work better and she is eligible for specific clinical trials.

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.

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