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

Pancreatic cancer survivor Ed Duncan on the water of San Francisco bay, with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background
Survivor Stories
October 11, 2018 • 4 Min

Don’t Ignore Your Symptoms

It took Ed Duncan a long time to recognize that the symptoms he had added up to a very serious disease: pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer patient Mark Head and his wife and children
Survivor Stories
September 28, 2018 • 6 Min

A Charley Horse Led to Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Discovery

Mark Head thought he had a Charley horse, but it turned out to be a more serious deep vein thrombosis. A scan for the source found a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.

Christine Shaffer pancreatic cancer patient, outside in the sunlight
Survivor Stories
September 17, 2018 • 4 Min

Failure is Not an Option

Christine Shaffer underwent chemotherapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy to shrink her tumor for surgery. She says failure is not an option.

Brigitte Regnier and her husband read a book together while seated on a sofa.
Survivor Stories
September 4, 2018 • 5 Min

Picking the Right Team

Brigitte Régnier found a treatment team that was using an unusual approach of giving chemoradiation before surgery for pancreatic cancer.

Mary Gillam and her husband and three children standing in front of a Christmas tree.
Survivor Stories
August 21, 2018 • 6 Min

I Have So Much to Live For

Mary Gillam knew that she had to fight after her pancreatic cancer diagnosis. She traveled to where she would get the best treatment and a clinical trial.

Randall Swan
Survivor Stories
August 8, 2018 • 6 Min

Before And After: My Pancreatic Cancer

Randall Swan did his homework on the best treatments and clinical trial options in order to do battle with pancreatic cancer.

Kayi Lewis, her husband Ron Lewis, and granddaughter at the beach
Survivor Stories
July 26, 2018 • 3 Min

Tougher Than Cancer

Not even Hurricane Harvey could stop Kayi Lewis from getting the radiation treatment she needed as she battled pancreatic cancer.

Susan Riddle on a swing, with her husband behind her
Survivor Stories
July 13, 2018 • 6 Min

A Longer Plan with Treatment Options

Susan Riddle had chemotherapy and radiation before she qualified for NanoKnife treatment, all to control her pancreatic cancer.

Long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Laurie MacCaskill surrounded by purple and white balloons
Survivor Stories
June 18, 2018 • 4 Min

Embracing Optimism

Laurie MacCaskill is a long-term survivor of pancreatic cancer. She followed a personalized treatment plan, and focused her energy on remaining optimistic.

Dr. Paul Silverstein, pancreatic cancer patients
Survivor Stories
June 13, 2018 • 7 Min

Aiming to be More than a Statistic

Dr. Paul Silverstein knew that he needed genomic testing, immunotherapy, and a clinical trial in his battle with pancreatic cancer.

Marc Binder, a pancreatic cancer survivor, and his wife sit in red Adirondack chairs overlooking water and more land
Survivor Stories
June 5, 2018 • 3 Min

Another Day to Live

Marc Binder is living with stage IV pancreatic cancer, thanks to a personalized treatment plan that allows him to keep active.

Earl Groce pancreatic cancer patient at Disney World
Survivor Stories
May 22, 2018 • 7 Min

One of the Luckiest Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer Patients Ever

Despite Stage IV diagnosis, Earl Groce got lucky with a quick diagnosis and acceptance to a clinical trial. Read Earl’s story about hope and a brighter future.

Roxanne Waling, five-year pancreatic cancer survivor posing on her river cruise through Europe.
Survivor Stories
May 9, 2018 • 6 Min

Listen to Your Body

When Roxanne Waling discovered she had pancreatic cancer she underwent genetic testing. She found she was a BRCA2 carrier, which influenced her post-treatment decisions about her health.

Bruce Siebert, pancreatic cancer survivor
Survivor Stories
April 26, 2018 • 3 Min

Solving My Problem Saved My Life

Bruce Seibert knew something wasn’t right when he felt nauseous, but was surprised when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which was followed by a Whipple procedure.

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.