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.

235 Articles

Donna Robinson and family
Survivor Stories
August 17, 2023 • 4 Min

One of the Biggest Tumors They Had Ever Seen

Pancreatectomy surgery to remove her cancer was Donna Robinson’s goal, despite having one of the largest tumors her doctors had ever seen.

Candace Langford and her husband
Survivor Stories
August 1, 2023 • 4 Min

Advances in Treatment Give Me Hope

Candace Langford’s honeymoon was hardly over when she found out she had pancreatic cancer. Fortunately she was able to have stereotactic body radiation therapy, which has knocked out her tumor.

Pablo Rodriguez y su familia
Survivor Stories
July 24, 2023 • 6 Min

A Two-Part Journey, So Far

Three years after surgery to remove a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor from the tail of his pancreas, Pablo Rodriguez was shocked to discover the cancer had returned.

Cathleen Janosko
Survivor Stories
July 11, 2023 • 4 Min

Genetic Profiling Leads to a Clinical Trial

With treatment not working and nothing to lose, Cathleen Janosko did her research and got help finding a clinical trial to match her tumor’s mutation.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Dr. Errol Toulon Jr., Sheriff of Suffolk County
Survivor Stories
June 27, 2023 • 6 Min

A Fighting Spirit

Resilience best describes Dr. Errol D. Toulon, Jr., a long-term survivor of lymphoma, pancreatic cancer, and a heart emergency.

Pancreatic cancer patient Rhonda Havig and her family
Survivor Stories
June 1, 2023 • 4 Min

No One Fights Alone

Because of her grandfather, Rhonda Havig knew she had a family history of pancreatic cancer. But her own diagnosis was still a surprise.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Mike Emerson, his wife Carol and their dog
Survivor Stories
May 18, 2023 • 3 Min

Blood Clots, a Stroke, and Pancreatic Cancer

Mike Emerson underwent a pancreatectomy followed by two years of chemotherapy and radiation but he’s enjoying life now.

pancreatic cancer patient Andy Seynaeve and his family
Survivor Stories
May 5, 2023 • 7 Min

Have Hope

Andy Seynaeve has undergone many rounds of chemotherapy but he has had a great response. Best of all, he has hope.

pancreatic cancer patient Susan Hoopengarner and her husband.
Survivor Stories
April 19, 2023 • 4 Min

Two-Year Survivor and Going Strong

Susan Hoopengarner coordinated her care between a local hospital and a major cancer center for chemotherapy and a Whipple procedure.

pancreatic cancer patient Don Myrah and his wife Geralynn
Survivor Stories
April 11, 2023 • 4 Min

Going After a Specialized Radiation Treatment

Don Myrah wanted more than chemotherapy. He read about a specialized radiation treatment and directly contacted the company behind it.

pancreatic cancer patient Bonnie Dahl and her husband
Survivor Stories
March 29, 2023 • 4 Min

A Second Opinion Felt Right

Bonnie Dahl considered treatment for stage I pancreatic cancer near home but felt a second opinion and a bigger cancer center were important.

Marisa Harris and grandkids
Survivor Stories
March 16, 2023 • 5 Min

Focus on Joy

Long-term survivor Marisa Harris shares her thoughts on surviving, thriving, and making the most of your time while in treatment.

pancreatic cancer patient Jay Buth and family
Survivor Stories
March 3, 2023 • 9 Min

Vigilance in Pursuing Symptoms Leads to Early Diagnosis

Jay Buth was very persistent in pursuing the reason for his symptoms. That led to a diagnosis of early stage pancreatic cancer.

pancreatic cancer patient Martin Hynes and family
Survivor Stories
February 17, 2023 • 5 Min

Reeducating Myself About Pancreatic Cancer

Martin Hynes knew all about pancreatic cancer–as a research director he worked on the development of Gemzar. He was able to have a Whipple and is doing well.

Pancreatic cancer patient Richard Liles
Chemotherapy and Radiation
February 6, 2023 • 4 Min

Using Humor to Face Pancreatic Cancer

Richard Liles has a stage IV pancreatic cancer diagnosis but feels it is very important to keep a sense of humor throughout.