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.

242 Articles

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
Survivor Stories
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.