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.

222 Articles

pancreatic cancer patient Stephen Bigelsen
Survivor Stories
February 14, 2017 • 4 Min

Taking a Different Approach to Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

When Dr. Stephen Bigelsen was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer, he found a doctor to created a personalized treatment plan.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Kathleen Dowell and her doctors
Survivor Stories
February 1, 2017 • 2 Min

A Pancreatic Vaccine Clinical Trial Worked for Me

Kathleen Dowell was worried that her pancreatic cancer treatment would not work so she enrolled in a pancreatic cancer vaccine trial.

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 long-term survivor Anne Seagren
Survivor Stories
December 27, 2016 • 4 Min

Chemotherapy Makes Tumor Removal Possible

Anne Seagren In December of 2006 at the age of 56 I became aware of a slight pressure in my side. I decided to follow up with my doctor. She recommended a CT scan to see if I had gallstones or appendicitis. The pressure subsided and I considered ignoring her advice. Fortunately, I went ahead […]

Pancreatic cancer patient Samuel Chi and his family in the mountains
Survivor Stories
December 14, 2016 • 5 Min

Finding a Treatment Geared to My Cancer

Samuel Chi describes his search for a pancreatic cancer treatment that allows him to live comfortably and reduce his tumor so he can have surgery.

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 Pat Theobald
Survivor Stories
November 16, 2016 • 3 Min

Education, Clinical Trials, and Advocacy

Pat Theobald lost her mother to pancreatic cancer, so when she received the same diagnosis she knew to start treatment with a clinical trial.

Pancreatic cancer patient Irwin Hausman
Survivor Stories
November 3, 2016 • 2 Min

A Clinical Trial Gives Me a Comfortable Life

Irwin Hausman lives a relatively comfortable life with pancreatic cancer, thanks to a clinical trial using low-dose chemotherapy and high-dose vitamin C.

Pancreatic cancer patient Richard Valdes
Survivor Stories
October 26, 2016 • 4 Min

Buying Time for Another Clinical Trial

Richard Valdes has alternated standard pancreatic cancer treatments with clinical trials of immunotherapy and a pancreatic vaccine during his treatment.

Pancreatic cancer patient Marianne
Survivor Stories
October 5, 2016 • 4 Min

With No Family History of Cancer, Surprised By the Diagnosis

Marianne, a nurse, went to a hospital that specializes in cancer. A liquid biopsy will determine the next step in her treatment.

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.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Judith Zitiello
Survivor Stories
August 26, 2016 • 2 Min

Making a Risky Choice

Judith Zitiello’s pancreatic cancer was wrapped around the hepatic artery, but she chose the laparoscopic Whipple procedure instead of chemotherapy alone.

Pancreatic cancer patient Rona Greenberg and her daughters
Survivor Stories
August 15, 2016 • 5 Min

The Impact of BRCA Is Broader Than Breast and Ovarian Cancer

Rona Greenberg discusses the impact of BRCA2 on her family, and her search for the best clinical trial for her needs after her pancreatic cancer diagnosis.