Chemotherapy and Radiation
Most pancreatic cancer patients undergo chemotherapy and radiation. Learn from pancreatic cancer survivors in their own words what it's like to experience these types of treatments.
67 Articles
![Rich and Staci Grodin and family](https://letswinpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Grodin-fam-2.jpg)
Gathering Information for the Right Treatment
Staci and Rich Grodin applied their medical information research skills when Rich was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
![Ann Jaffe walking along a beach at sunset](https://letswinpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Ann-Jaffe.jpg)
I Feel Very Lucky!
Because of her early career experience as an oncology nurse, Ann Jaffe wanted to participate in a clinical trial.
![Pancreatic cancer patient Brandon Stone](https://letswinpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Brandon-stone-template.jpg)
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)](https://letswinpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/John-Sanders-final.jpg)
Endurance, Resilience, and Tenacity
After his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, John Sanders went for a second opinion, which led to a more aggressive treatment plan.
![pancreatic cancer survivor Judd Levy](https://letswinpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Judd-Levy-template.jpg)
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](https://letswinpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Tony-Austinson-template.jpg)
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.
![Pancreatic cancer patient Deanna Burney](https://letswinpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Deanna-Burney-2.jpg)
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.
![Maryanne Winchester](https://letswinpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Maryanne-Winchester.jpg)
Faith, Hope, and Perseverance
Maryanne Winchester credits faith, hope, and perseverance for getting her through three types of chemotherapy, radioembolization and a pancreatectomy.
![Pancreatic cancer patient Matthew Rosenblum, his partner Natalie, and their dog Monique](https://letswinpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Matthew-Rosenblum-3-v2.jpg)
Sometimes Things Get Worse Before They Get Better
Matthew Rosenblum thought his time was limited after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis at age 32, but he’s a BRCA2 carrier, which opened treatment options.
![Joe Pearson and his family](https://letswinpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Joe-Pearson.jpg)
Don’t Give Up
Joe Pearson responded so well to chemotherapy that even with a stage III tumor near a blood vessel he was able to have Whipple surgery.
![pancreatic cancer survivor Dave Paffenroth and wife Wendy](https://letswinpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Dave-Paffenroth-for-web.jpg)
Always Insist On More
Dave Paffenroth’s wife Wendy was an extraordinary caregiver, coordinating treatments and family support during pancreatic cancer treatment.
![Acinar cell pancreatic cancer patient Paul Suntup](https://letswinpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Paul-Suntup-7.jpg)
A Long Journey That Began With Pancreatitis
Paul Suntup’s diagnosis of acinar cell pancreatic cancer was just the start of a long treatment journey, but he’s still here.
![Pancreatic cancer patient Joseph Mele](https://letswinpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Jospeh-Mele-v2.jpg)
A Long Slog to Diagnosis, A Quick Sprint to Surgery
Joseph Mele suffered through a year of mysterious GI symptoms until he was finally diagnosed with stage II pancreatic cancer.
![Pancreatic cancer survivor Kay Zedd Kesser](https://letswinpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Kay-Kesser-v2.jpg)
A Family Tree Bent but Not Broken by Pancreatic Cancer
When Kay Zedd Kesser looks around her family tree, she sees pancreatic cancer everywhere. But screening saved Kay’s life.
![pancreatic cancer patient Connie Harrington and her husband](https://letswinpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Connie-Harrington.jpg)
A New Radiation Therapy Helped Me Beat Cancer
Connie Harrington’s tumor was wrapped around an artery, eliminating surgery. After chemo, her oncologist steered her to MRI-guided radiation, which has made all the difference.