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.

238 Articles

long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Lisa Beckendorf and family
Survivor Stories
April 29, 2019 • 3 Min

Surviving a Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor

Lisa Beckendorf was suprised to find out that the cause of her digestive troubles was a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET).

Dr. Malcolm Bilimoria and pancreatic cancer patient Kenneth Brown
Survivor Stories
April 16, 2019 • 4 Min

Climbing the Pancreatic Cancer Mountain

Kenneth Brown got second and third opinions before he chose a treatment plan that included neoadjuvant chemotherapy and a Whipple procedure.

pancreatic cancer survivor Rob Stuardi
Survivor Stories
April 3, 2019 • 4 Min

Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer Lead to Marathoning

Rob Stuardi had three bouts of pancreatitis before he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He shares his joy of recovery running marathons to raise money for research.

long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Steven Yedwabnick
Survivor Stories
March 21, 2019 • 5 Min

Long-Term Survival After Grueling Radiation Treatment

Long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Steven Yedwabnick endured a long protocol of radiation and chemotherapy after a Whipple surgery.

pancreatic cancer patient Justin Baker and family
Survivor Stories
March 8, 2019 • 5 Min

Facing Pancreatic Cancer and Making the Most of Borrowed Time

With a young family, Justin Baker is hoping for more time because he has a genetic mutation that favors certain treatments.

pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor patient Kristin Sine
Survivor Stories
February 25, 2019 • 3 Min

If Something Feels Wrong, Insist on Testing

Kristin Sine wanted an answer to her mysterious pain, but she had to insist on testing to find out she had a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.

pancreatic cancer long-term survivor Roy Vinke in the snow
Survivor Stories
February 12, 2019 • 4 Min

Genomic Profiling of my Pancreatic Cancer Gave me a New Lease on Life

When standard treatment did not work for Roy Vinke, he had genomic profiling done. A mutation was found, changing his treatment plan.

pancreatic cancer patient Miriam Hermosa
Survivor Stories
January 30, 2019 • 6 Min

Choosing the Strongest Chemotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer

Miriam Hermosa decided to take advantage of her relatively good health and try pancreatic cancer treatment with FOLFIRINOX to get more time with her family.

pancreatic cancer patient Allison Lippman Kuban and her husband
Survivor Stories
January 17, 2019 • 7 Min

A Clinical Trial for a Rare Pancreatic Cancer

Allison Lippman Kuban was trying to tolerate a difficult chemotherapy regimen when a mutation was found that qualified her for a clinical trial.

long-term survivor Lee Ringuette and his wife, fishing
Survivor Stories
January 4, 2019 • 3 Min

Finding Qualified Doctors Made All the Difference

Lee Ringuette switched doctors to get ones willing to try new treatment protocols so he could have to a Whipple procedure.

Long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Bob Harris eating ice cream outdoors
Survivor Stories
December 20, 2018 • 4 Min

My Whipple Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer

In 1968 Bob Harris had a then-rare operation for pancreatic cancer: the Whipple surgery. Despite the side effects Bob has thrived.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Richard Blish and his wife Marian at their wedding
Survivor Stories
December 7, 2018 • 3 Min

The Positive Impact of a Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trial

Richard Blish was a healthy, athletic 67-year-old when he developed symptoms of pancreatic cancer. His daughter steered him to a clinical trial for treatment.

Long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Roberta Luna, with her husband and sons
Survivor Stories
November 29, 2018 • 4 Min

Living with Pancreatic Cancer as a Long-Term Survivor

Roberta Luna has been fighting pancreatic cancer since 2002, but the disease has been part of her life for much longer. Read about her battle.

Pancreatic cancer patient Rob Babcock, holding his granddaughter, and surrounded by his family
Survivor Stories
November 9, 2018 • 7 Min

Life With Pancreatic Cancer and on Clinical Trials

After a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, former basketball coach and GM Rob Babcock realized his best chance was with clinical trials.

Doron Broman, center left, surrounded by others includ Dr. Kimmie Ng on the far right.
Survivor Stories
October 23, 2018 • 3 Min

Molecular Sequencing Leads to Customized Treatment

When Florida resident Doron Broman was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer, his decision to get treated in Boston gave him access a PARP inhibitor for maintenance.