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.

233 Articles

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.

Pancreatic cancer patient Gregg Wittman surrounded by his soccer team, all in purple or white
Survivor Stories
June 3, 2020 • 8 Min

A Second Opinion Changes the Pancreatic Cancer Game Plan

Gregg Wittman’s doctors diagnosed him with stage IV pancreatic cancer, but could never get a good biopsy; a second opinion figured out the reason.

pancreatic cancer patient William Ramshaw
Survivor Stories
May 20, 2020 • 5 Min

Chicken Enchiladas and Pancreatic Cancer

For William Ramshaw, a typical meal of Mexican food led to a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, including a Whipple procedure and chemoradiation.

pancreatic cancer patient Beverly Leighton and her family
Survivor Stories
May 7, 2020 • 4 Min

Pancreatic Cancer Caught Early Because of My Vigilance

Beverly Leighton joined a screening study and underwent genetic testing because of her family history of pancreatic cancer.

pancreatic cancer patient Harvey Parker and his wife and daughters
Survivor Stories
April 24, 2020 • 5 Min

Genetic Testing Leads Me to a PARP Inhibitor Trial

Harvey Parker had genetic testing as part of his initial pancreatic cancer treatment. The BRCA2 mutation led him to a PARP inhibitor clinical trial.

Pancreatic cancer patient Malcolm Robertson and his family
Survivor Stories
April 13, 2020 • 3 Min

A Genetic Mutation Aids My Treatment

Malcolm Robertson carries the BRCA2 mutation, so when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, platinum-based chemo was part of his treatment.

Andrea Barkstrom and her family in front of a red barn
Survivor Stories
March 31, 2020 • 5 Min

Strong Like a Dinosaur

Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on her 40th birthday, Andrea Barkstrom receives chemotherapy and is living up to her motto: Strong Like a Dinosaur.