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.

248 Articles

PNET patient Andi Benjamin
Survivor Stories
April 17, 2025 • 4 Min

My Totally Uninteresting Story

Because Andi Benjamin was participating in a study of new technologies, her PNET was picked up at stage I.

Catalina Fandino
Survivor Stories
April 11, 2025 • 2 Min

Be Aware of the Symptoms

Catalina Fandino knew she wasn’t feeling well but she didn’t recognize her symptoms as red flags for pancreatic cancer.

Penelope Dixon and her partner
Survivor Stories
April 1, 2025 • 4 Min

A Story that Began During COVID-19, with a Preview Seven Years Before

Penelope Dixon has gone through many treatments for her pancreatic cancer because of recurrences, but she has not given up.

pancreatic cancer patient Linda Chambless and her husband
Survivor Stories
March 14, 2025 • 8 Min

Determined to Win

After a metastatic pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Linda Chambless sought a second opinion, which led her to a clinical trial.

Jack Taylor and family
Survivor Stories
February 26, 2025 • 3 Min

Be Your Own Advocate

Jack Taylor knew he had no time to lose for a Whipple when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, so he found the best surgeon.

Pancreatic cancer patient Dwayne Montgomery
Chemotherapy and Radiation
February 7, 2025 • 4 Min

More Info = Less Fear

Dwayne Montgomery traveled to MD Anderson for a second opinion but the doctors there told him about an expert Whipple surgeon in his hometown.

Pancreatic cancer patient Jane Eshbaugh and her family
Molecular Profiling
January 22, 2025 • 5 Min

Too Busy Living Large!

Jane Eshbaugh regularly participated in Roswell Park Cancer Center’s annual fundraising bike ride, not knowing that one day she would be a patient.

pancreatic cancer patient Jami Curry
Survivor Stories
January 3, 2025 • 2 Min

Early Diagnosis Is Important

Jami Curry knew her family history included breast and pancreatic cancer, so she was alert to any health changes.

Rich and Staci Grodin and family
Survivor Stories
December 12, 2024 • 3 Min

Gathering Information for the Right Treatment

Staci and Rich Grodin applied their medical information research skills when Rich was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Laurie Buffett McGuane, pancreatic cancer patient
Survivor Stories
December 2, 2024 • 3 Min

Fighting Cancer With My Brother

Laurie McGuane underwent a distal pancreatectomy shortly after her brother entered treatment for a different cancer, so they fought together.

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.