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.

60 Articles

Marisa Harris
Survivor Stories
April 13, 2018 • 8 Min

Reimagining the Possible to Survive Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer

Marisa Harris was given a devastating diagnosis of stage IV pancreatic cancer. She tapped the power within herself, as well as chemotherapy, to become a long-term survivor.

Pancreatic cancer patient Mike Levine is on his bicycle during a training session for the Ironman Triathlon.
Survivor Stories
February 6, 2018 • 3 Min

Chemotherapy to Survive; Fitness to Thrive

Mike Levine switched oncologists to find chemotherapy that works on his pancreatic cancer. After that he was able to compete in the Ironman Triathlon.

Camille Moses, pancreatic cancer survivor, prepares to ride her bike as part of the Miami Dolphins Cancer Challenge
Survivor Stories
January 8, 2018 • 4 Min

Changing Doctors Changed My Prognosis

When Camille Moses was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, she realized she needed a doctor with an attitude that she could beat the disease.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Joel Weiss and his wife Debrah
Survivor Stories
October 4, 2017 • 5 Min

Luck, Grit, and Support

Joel Weiss had to travel from his home in Toronto to New York City to get the NanoKnife treatment he wanted for his pancreatic cancer.

Linda Milazzo and her daughter
Survivor Stories
September 21, 2017 • 3 Min

Always Looking for a Cure

Linda Milazzo had a couple of bouts of pancreatitis before being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Read about her treatment path.

pancreatic cancer patient Leslie Wineberg
Survivor Stories
June 20, 2017 • 4 Min

The Relatively New Procedure of Irreversible Electroporation Has Given Me Time

When chemotherapy and radiation stopped working, Leslie Wineberg was glad to qualify for irreversible electroporation (IRE).

pancreatic cancer survivor Ken Parme
Survivor Stories
March 15, 2017 • 3 Min

I Am Alive and Grateful

Ken Parme had chemotherapy and CyberKnife radiation treatment for pancreatic cancer. The treatments have stabilized his tumor.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Bill Shrieves
Survivor Stories
January 19, 2017 • 3 Min

I Have Pancreatic Cancer; It Does Not Have Me

Bill Shrieves was ready to start a clinical trial for pancreatic cancer when it was found to have spread. He was successfully treated with FOLFIRINOX.

Dr. Igor Astsatsurov and pancreatic cancer patient Melissa Kartasevich at the Capitol in Washington, DC
Survivor Stories
January 6, 2017 • 3 Min

Fighting to Win

Melissa Kartasevich’s fiance and daughter motivate her pancreatic cancer battle, as she fights it to reach her goal of surgery to remove the tumor.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Lora Kelly and her husband
Survivor Stories
December 1, 2016 • 4 Min

An Unexpected Diagnosis After Surgery

Lora Kelly had surgery to remove a cyst that turned out to be pancreatic cancer. Treatment including clinical trials keeps the cancer from returning.

Pancreatic cancer patient David Shell and his family
Chemotherapy and Radiation
September 22, 2016 • 5 Min

Going Place-to-Place to Find the Treatments I Wanted

David Shell traveled around to a number of doctors and hospitals at different stages of his treatment to be able to get surgery to remove his tumor.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Camille Altgelt
Chemotherapy and Radiation
September 9, 2016 • 3 Min

Living with Pancreatic Cancer

Camille Altgelt searched for clinical trials for her pancreatic cancer but did not qualify. Her treatment with chemotherapy and radiation was successful.

In shades of light brown, beige, and white, stalks of grasses against a tan background
Survivor Stories
August 2, 2016 • 3 Min

Currently in the Fight, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

A woman’s treatment for non-operable pancreatic cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering includes FOLFIRINOX and stereotactic body radiation therapy.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Cindy Lopez
Survivor Stories
July 5, 2016 • 3 Min

Pancreatic Cancer Can Mimic Other Health Problems

Cindy Lopez thought she had back problems, but she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation shrunk the tumor for surgery.

Pancreatic Cancer patient Sharon Orleans Lawrence and her daughter
Survivor Stories
April 1, 2016 • 7 Min

Your Survival Depends on Taking Control of What You Can

Sharon Orleans Lawrence outlines her search for stage IV pancreatic cancer treatment. She chooses low-dose chemotherapy, which made her life comfortable.