Treatment Stories

There are many pancreatic cancer survivors who are eager to talk about their symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, and success. Learn from the stories of other patients who have faced this disease.

238 Articles

Survivor Stories
November 15, 2024 • 3 Min

Extensive Family History and Genetic Testing Leads to Early Detection

Sidney Levinson and his doctor were aware of his BRCA1/2 mutations so when an MRI was recommended for screening, Sidney did it.

Jenna Thiel and her children
Survivor Stories
November 4, 2024 • 4 Min

I Almost Gave Up

But for the love and support of her family, Jenna Thiel wouldn’t have made it after significant complications from her surgery for PNET.

Ryan Dwars and family
Survivor Stories
October 9, 2024 • 6 Min

Genetic Testing Guided My Treatment Plan

Ryan Dwars already knew there was pancreatic cancer in his family so when he was diagnosed he asked for genetic testing right away.

Ann Jaffe walking along a beach at sunset
Survivor Stories
September 26, 2024 • 2 Min

I Feel Very Lucky!

Because of her early career experience as an oncology nurse, Ann Jaffe wanted to participate in a clinical trial.

David Smith and family
Survivor Stories
September 13, 2024 • 5 Min

No Time for Self-Pity

When David Smith started losing weight after a diabetes diagnosis, his daughter-in-law was concerned because she had seen this before.

Pancreatic cancer patient Brandon Stone
Chemotherapy and Radiation
August 30, 2024 • 6 Min

Don’t Let Doctors Tell You Nothing’s Wrong

After a long road to diagnosis Brandon Stone learned he has a BRCA2 genetic mutation that impacts his treatment.

Pancreatic cancer patient John Sanders and Dr. Shah (left) and Dr. Palta (right)
Survivor Stories
August 19, 2024 • 3 Min

Endurance, Resilience, and Tenacity

After his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, John Sanders went for a second opinion, which led to a more aggressive treatment plan.

Jeneen Genna "whipple Woman" and Dr. Elliot Newman
Survivor Stories
August 6, 2024 • 4 Min

Lucky to Find It Early

When Jeneen Genna did not feel well her doctor searched until they found pancreatic cancer. The BRCA2 mutation has her in a clinical trial.

Pancreatic cancer patient Margo Chilcott and her family
Survivor Stories
July 11, 2024 • 4 Min

Making My Own Choices for Quality Time

After her pancreatectomy Margo Chilcott decided to forgo chemotherapy and radiation to spend more quality time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

pancreatic cancer survivor Judd Levy
Survivor Stories
June 27, 2024 • 2 Min

No Symptoms Whatsoever

Judd Levy had no symptoms when diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. He responded so well to treatment he was able to have a Whipple.

Pancreatic Cancer patient Tony Austinson in Sedona, AZ
Survivor Stories
June 11, 2024 • 3 Min

A Strong Support System Is Critical

Tony Austinson credits good care and a strong support system of family, friends, and men who survived cancer for getting him through.

Eduardo Servin and his family
Survivor Stories
June 3, 2024 • 4 Min

No Time To Lose

Eduardo Servin acted pretty quickly when he began itching all over and noticed that he was jaundiced. He believes this saved his life.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Kim Bate and his wife
Survivor Stories
May 20, 2024 • 4 Min

The Sound of Hope

Kim Bate has a long family history of pancreatic cancer, losing his sister and twin brother to it. Then he received the same diagnosis.

Pancreatic cancer patient Deanna Burney
Survivor Stories
May 7, 2024 • 5 Min

Leaning into the Fight: My Battle with Pancreatic Cancer

Despite an extensive family history of pancreatic cancer, Deanna Burney’s doctors did not keep a close eye on her pancreatic cyst.

Survivor Stories
April 24, 2024 • 4 Min

Don’t Throw In the Towel

Ashley Coker was dealt a double blow–pancreatic cancer and not qualifying for surgery. She did her research and ended up having a pancreatectomy.