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.

88 Articles

pancreatic cancer patient Marla Schreffler, an older woman with short brown hair wearing a collared shirt under a brown sweater, with glasses and a hand on her face.
Survivor Stories
May 29, 2026 • 4 Min

Trusting My Gut

Marla Schreffler had a feeling something was wrong, even after she got her diabetes diagnosis. Further tests confirmed that she had pancreatic cancer.

A woman in a printed jacket and a ball cap undergoing chemotherapy with a brown fluffy dog on her lap.
Survivor Stories
May 12, 2026 • 3 Min

Always Looking on the Bright Side of Life

Patti Dille believes in looking on the bright side of things, even as she takes on ampullary cancer and its treatments.

Elizabeth Rountree in a white shirt and her husband, a bald man in a plaid shirt, sitting at a restaurant table with food.
Survivor Stories
April 20, 2026 • 3 Min

From Dismissal to Diagnosis

Elizabeth Rountree’s first doctor dismissed her symptoms of itchiness and abdominal discomfort, but her gastroenterologist listened and ordered important tests.

PNET patient Katie DeCarlo, a woman with short dark hair in a golden shirt with a cat laying on her
Survivor Stories
April 8, 2026 • 9 Min

(Currently) Incurable, (Continuously) Fighting

Katie DeCarlo is continuously fighting her PNET. She is determined to try and will continue to try as many types of treatment as possible

An African-American woman in a purple ballcap and purple sweatshirt and jeans, sitting by a fireplace
Survivor Stories
March 10, 2026 • 3 Min

Two Years, Two Diagnoses, Two Chemotherapies, and Two Doctors

Jeanne Jeffries struggled with pain, digestive problems, and itchy skin for two years before getting diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer.

Three women, one in a green dress, the center one in a red top, and the right one in an orange and red printed dress.
Chemotherapy and Radiation
February 26, 2026 • 2 Min

An Immunotherapy Oddball

Aurora Salo’s treatment has been full of starts and stops, with exploratory surgery, chemo that stopped working, and immunotherapy.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Guy Van Ort in an orange jacket and turquoise ball cap in front of a windmill
Survivor Stories
February 9, 2026 • 3 Min

Today I Am Cancer-Free

Guy Van Ort was shocked to find out that his hip pain was stage IV pancreatic cancer in his hip, but treatment has made him cancer-free.

pancreatic cancer patient Cherree Weeks
Survivor Stories
January 9, 2026 • 3 Min

Having Faith

Phantom leg pain led to Cherree Weeks’ pancreatic cancer diagnosis. She has faith that chemotherapy has given her a chance.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Yann Bizien
Survivor Stories
December 22, 2025 • 4 Min

Our Destiny Is Not in the Data

With a young family, Yann Bizien was determined to be a survivor of stage IV pancreatic cancer, even after a recurrence.

Pancreatic cancer patient Mike Duffy
Survivor Stories
December 4, 2025 • 5 Min

Very Fortunate

Mike Duffy considers himself very fortunate that his pancreatic cancer was caught early enough to qualify him for the Whipple procedure.

Jon Oelke and family
Survivor Stories
November 14, 2025 • 8 Min

Not Just a Survivor . . . A Sur-thriver!

Jon Oelke found that he has a rare genetic mutation, which gives him a back-up plan for treatment if his initial chemo stops working.

Linda Burchett and friends in Paris
Survivor Stories
October 13, 2025 • 4 Min

From Pancreatic Cancer to Blessed

After recovering from chemotherapy and a Whipple procedure, Linda Burchett knows she is blessed to be able to travel and enjoy life as a long-term survivor.

pancreatic cancer patient Eric Egelman
Survivor Stories
September 9, 2025 • 3 Min

Fleeting, Fragile, and Funny

Eric Egelman had molecular profiling of his tumor and a KRAS mutation was found. This qualified him for a vaccine clinical trial.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Rob Beeler and his wife.
Survivor Stories
August 5, 2025 • 5 Min

A Second Opinion Was a Game Changer

Rob Beeler’s treatment for pancreatic cancer took a turn for the better when he went for a second opinion at a major cancer research center.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Martin Visnosky
Survivor Stories
June 9, 2025 • 3 Min

My Pancreas Was Being Attacked

Martin Visnosky thought he had a urinary infection, but it was pancreatic cancer. After a Whipple procedure and chemo he’s clear of cancer.