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.

230 Articles

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.

Pancreatic cancer patient Sharon Rockmaker and her kids
Survivor Stories
August 17, 2022 • 6 Min

Going Outside Standard Protocol Changed Everything

Sharon Rockmaker was determined to have a Whipple procedure despite having stage IV pancreatic cancer, and she finally did.

Shawnee Daniels Sykes
Survivor Stories
August 4, 2022 • 4 Min

A Changing Treatment Plan

Shawnee Daniels-Sykes and her doctors have been changing her treatment plan to match her stage IV pancreatic cancer.

pancreatic cancer patient Robin Schroeder
Survivor Stories
July 11, 2022 • 8 Min

Changing My Life for the Better

Robin Schroeder was an avid runner before her pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor diagnosis. Now she’s back competing in half-marathons.

pancreatic cancer patient Reesa Levy
Survivor Stories
June 27, 2022 • 4 Min

Taking a Chance on a Clinical Trial

Reesa Levy traveled to find the right pancreatic cancer doctor for her, and then joined a clinical trial for a vaccine.

Pancreatic cancer patient Dean Jackson and family
Survivor Stories
June 14, 2022 • 5 Min

Go Live Your Life

After his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Dean Jackson took his treatment of chemotherapy, radiation, and a Whipple procedure step by step.

pancreatic cancer patient Ira Sharp
Survivor Stories
June 1, 2022 • 5 Min

The Benefit of Multiple Clinical Trials

Dr. Ira Sharp knew that his best bet for surviving pancreatic cancer was to look for clinical trials as part of his treatment.

pancreatic cancer patient Jennifer Lambert and her husband
Survivor Stories
May 18, 2022 • 4 Min

Early Diagnosis, Great Doctors, and Prayer

Jennifer Lambert was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer while on vacation in Spain. She returned home for a Whipple procedure and chemotherapy.

pancreatic cancer survivor Robert Wagar
Survivor Stories
May 5, 2022 • 3 Min

My Journey with Pancreatic Cancer

Dr. Robert Wagar lost both parents to pancreatic cancer. When his wife found an article about a surveillance study he had an MRI, which found a lesion.