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.

66 Articles

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.

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)
Chemotherapy and Radiation
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.

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.

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.

Maryanne Winchester
Survivor Stories
March 28, 2024 • 5 Min

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
Survivor Stories
March 15, 2024 • 4 Min

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
Survivor Stories
January 24, 2024 • 4 Min

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
Survivor Stories
January 10, 2024 • 8 Min

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
Survivor Stories
December 27, 2023 • 7 Min

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
Survivor Stories
November 15, 2023 • 2 Min

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
Survivor Stories
November 2, 2023 • 8 Min

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
Survivor Stories
October 20, 2023 • 4 Min

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.

pancreatic cancer patient Barbara Green in a hot pink wig
Survivor Stories
October 9, 2023 • 3 Min

Changing Course Midstream

Barbara Green wasn’t happy with her doctors, so she took the advice of her support group, was an advocate for herself, and changed doctors.