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 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.

Pancreatic cancer patient Burt Rosen and family
Survivor Stories
January 24, 2023 • 7 Min

Learning All I Can About PNET

Burt Rosen received a double whammy diagnosis of PNET and kidney cancer, but he’s determined to learn as much as he can about his disease.

Grace and Jay Bozick and their horse
Survivor Stories
January 10, 2023 • 4 Min

Taking Chances to Beat Pancreatic Cancer

With a family history of pancreatic cancer, Jay Bozick discovered he carries the BRCA2 mutation, which directed his treatment.

pancreatic cancer patient James Arnott
Survivor Stories
December 27, 2022 • 2 Min

It Started With Acid Reflux

James Arnott thought he had an acid stomach but a scan showed pancreatic cancer, and he soon had a Whipple procedure.

Heather Sanderson
Survivor Stories
December 13, 2022 • 3 Min

Forget Stages . . . Set Goals Instead!

After her pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Heather Sanderson set goals: surgery and then getting back to the gym.

Pancreatic cancer patient Rod Devlin at Purple Stride
Survivor Stories
November 30, 2022 • 6 Min

Being Persistent Led to my Cancer Diagnosis

Rod Devlin wasn’t getting an answer to his pain but he was persistent until he finally found a doctor that would give him a scan.

Hector Mendez and his daughter and son
Survivor Stories
November 15, 2022 • 3 Min

Advocating for My Husband has Made the Difference

Nora Mendez had to learn how to advocate for her husband Hector to get him the best possible treatment for stage IV pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer patient Ellen Robbins and her husband Bob
Survivor Stories
November 2, 2022 • 3 Min

Urinary Tract Scans Lead to My Diagnosis

Ellen Robbins has the BRCA2 mutation, and that allowed her to participate in a clinical trial for her pancreatic cancer.

pancreatic cancer patient Michael Bailey
Survivor Stories
October 20, 2022 • 6 Min

How Could This Happen to Me?

Michael Bailey felt his world turn sideways after a diagnosis of acinar cell pancreatic cancer. He had a pancreatectomy and chemotherapy.

pancreatic cancer patient Robert Gamble and his wife
Survivor Stories
October 7, 2022 • 3 Min

I Thought it Was a Stomach Bug

Robert Gamble thought he had a stomach bug, but it turned out to be pancreatic cancer. He needed surgery and chemotherapy.

long-term survivor Janet McNabb and her husband Bill
Survivor Stories
September 26, 2022 • 9 Min

A Second Opinion Saved My Life!

With encouragement from her husband, Janet McNabb went for a second opinion after a tumor was found on her pancreas.

Roberta Luna and family, Laurie MacCaskill, Ed and Kathie Duncan, Steven Merlin, Camille Moses
Survivor Stories
September 13, 2022 • 7 Min

Catching Up With Survivors

How are some of our long-term survivors doing? Roberta Luna, Steven Merlin, Camille Moses, Ed Duncan, and Laurie MacCaskill tell all.

pancreatic cancer patient Martin Abrams
Survivor Stories
August 30, 2022 • 3 Min

Family History Matters

After Martin Abrams lost two siblings to pancreatic cancer, he made sure he was screened regularly because of his family history.