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.

224 Articles

Pancreatic cancer patient Chad Handley, his family and dogs, outdoors with fallend leaves
Survivor Stories
December 11, 2020 • 8 Min

Marching On Against Pancreatic Cancer

Chad Handley is facing pancreatic cancer one step at a time–literally. After every chemotherapy he walks to help ease the side effects.

pancreatic cancer patient Irma Infante
Survivor Stories
November 30, 2020 • 4 Min

A Second Opinion Makes the Difference

Irma Infante refused to give up after a stage IV pancreatic cancer diagnosis. She went for a second opinion and better treatment options.

Pancreatic cancer patient Chris Joseph
Survivor Stories
November 16, 2020 • 4 Min

Practicing Gratitude Every Day

The best thing Chris Joseph ever did was change oncologists. His new doctor did genetic testing on Chris’s tumor, for better treatment.

pancreatic cancer patient Michael Florio and his family
Survivor Stories
November 3, 2020 • 6 Min

The Importance of Family and Friends

Michael Florio has been able to count on his family and friends to get him to pancreatic cancer treatment and support him through a Whipple procedure.

Pancreatic cancer patient Barbara Washburn
Survivor Stories
October 21, 2020 • 2 Min

A Heart Scan Finds Pancreatic Cancer

Barbara Washburn went for a heart scan because of a family history of heart disease. She never expected the scan to find neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer!

pancreatic cancer patient Anthony Rafaniello and his grandsons
Survivor Stories
October 8, 2020 • 3 Min

Diagnosed Early

Because Anthony Rafaniello had recurring pancreatitis, he paid close attention when he started to feel sick. The result: pancreatic cancer diagnosed early.

pancreatic cancer patient Kelly Pankratz and her family
Survivor Stories
September 25, 2020 • 10 Min

Unexpected Blessings From My Pancreatic Cancer

Kelly Pankratz says she has been graced with unexpected blessings in her pancreatic cancer journey, which includes pancreatectomy surgery.

pancreatic cancer patient Catalina Lulley
Survivor Stories
September 14, 2020 • 4 Min

Choosing Chemo Because I Want to Live

After doing poorly on her first chemotherapy treatments, Catalina Lulley switched doctors because she is determined to survive pancreatic cancer.

pancreatic cancer survivor Enrico Crisafi and his wife
Survivor Stories
August 31, 2020 • 4 Min

Confidence in My Treatment

After he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, retired 9/11 first responder Enrico Crisafi found a doctor he believed in, and who believed in him.

pancreatic cancer patient Gina Harrison and her grandsons
Survivor Stories
August 18, 2020 • 4 Min

The Value of Molecular Profiling and Genetic Testing

Gina Harrison underwent molecular profiling of her pancreatic tumor, which led her to a clinical trial. Genetic testing showed her BRCA1 mutation was random.

pancreatic cancer patient Harry Sparks and family
Survivor Stories
August 5, 2020 • 3 Min

Why ME?

Harry Sparks went for a second opinion after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and was able to have Whipple surgery.

Pancreatic cancer patient Tammy Richardson and family at a fundraising walk
Survivor Stories
July 23, 2020 • 5 Min

Planning Every Day to Live

Tammy Richardson has focused her pancreatic cancer treatment choices on maintaining her quality of life, so she can travel and see family.

Black sneakers painted with purple sayings to encourage Sandy Robis
Survivor Stories
July 10, 2020 • 10 Min

Working Hard to Beat Pancreatic Cancer

Sandy Robis underwent a full pancreatectomy and chemotherapy to help her beat pancreatic cancer. Now she helps support other patients.

Pancreatic cancer patient Amy Zaterman and her husband Sean Seltzer
Survivor Stories
June 29, 2020 • 14 Min

Planning for My Future

When diagnosed with Stage IV PNET at the age of 30, Amy Zaterman found a doctor who believed in her and didn’t give up. Learn more about her inspiring story.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Gary Carmichael and his wife Floy on their trip to Alaska after
Survivor Stories
June 16, 2020 • 9 Min

Facing My Biggest Danger: Pancreatic Cancer

After Gary Carmichael finally found the source of his digestive troubles, he had a Whipple procedure to remove his pancreatic cancer.