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.

221 Articles

Pancreatic cancer patient Matthew Rosenblum, his partner Natalie, and their dog Monique
Survivor Stories
March 15, 2024 • 4 Min

Sometimes Things Get Worse Before They Get Better

Matthew Rosenblum thought his time was limited after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis at age 32, but he’s a BRCA2 carrier, which opened treatment options.

Janice Canfield in the Antarctic
Survivor Stories
March 4, 2024 • 3 Min

Cancer-Free and Running Strong

After her Whipple procedure, Janice Canfield is making the most of her time, working, running races, and traveling the world.

Pancreatic cancer patient Lalenya Robertson and her husband
Survivor Stories
February 20, 2024 • 3 Min

A Life-Changing Diagnosis: My PNET

Lalenya Robertson’s stomach problems were a mystery until she mentioned family members’ pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis. Diagnosis: PNET.

pancreatic cancer patient Daniel Miller
Survivor Stories
February 6, 2024 • 2 Min

I Wanted Immunotherapy!

When Daniel Miller was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer he knew he didn’t want chemotherapy—he wanted immunotherapy!

Joe Pearson and his family
Survivor Stories
January 24, 2024 • 4 Min

Don’t Give Up

Joe Pearson responded so well to chemotherapy that even with a stage III tumor near a blood vessel he was able to have Whipple surgery.

pancreatic cancer survivor Dave Paffenroth and wife Wendy
Survivor Stories
January 10, 2024 • 8 Min

Always Insist On More

Dave Paffenroth’s wife Wendy was an extraordinary caregiver, coordinating treatments and family support during pancreatic cancer treatment.

Acinar cell pancreatic cancer patient Paul Suntup
Survivor Stories
December 27, 2023 • 7 Min

A Long Journey That Began With Pancreatitis

Paul Suntup’s diagnosis of acinar cell pancreatic cancer was just the start of a long treatment journey, but he’s still here.

Lynn Perkins
Survivor Stories
December 8, 2023 • 2 Min

Being Aggressive Paid Off

Lynn Perkins was only 42 when she was diagnosed with stage I pancreatic cancer, so she wanted aggressive treatment. That was in 2004!

Podcast host and primary care physician Dr. Jon Hallberg
Disease Management
November 27, 2023 • 3 Min

Reaching Primary Care Providers Through Podcasts

Dr. Jon Hallberg leads a series on early detection of pancreatic cancer as part of his mission to reach providers through podcasts.

Pancreatic cancer patient Joseph Mele
Survivor Stories
November 15, 2023 • 2 Min

A Long Slog to Diagnosis, A Quick Sprint to Surgery

Joseph Mele suffered through a year of mysterious GI symptoms until he was finally diagnosed with stage II pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Kay Zedd Kesser
Survivor Stories
November 2, 2023 • 8 Min

A Family Tree Bent but Not Broken by Pancreatic Cancer

When Kay Zedd Kesser looks around her family tree, she sees pancreatic cancer everywhere. But screening saved Kay’s life.

pancreatic cancer patient Connie Harrington and her husband
Survivor Stories
October 20, 2023 • 4 Min

A New Radiation Therapy Helped Me Beat Cancer

Connie Harrington’s tumor was wrapped around an artery, eliminating surgery. After chemo, her oncologist steered her to MRI-guided radiation, which has made all the difference.

pancreatic cancer patient Barbara Green in a hot pink wig
Survivor Stories
October 9, 2023 • 3 Min

Changing Course Midstream

Barbara Green wasn’t happy with her doctors, so she took the advice of her support group, was an advocate for herself, and changed doctors.

Pancreatic patient and comedian John Ziegler
Survivor Stories
September 26, 2023 • 3 Min

Finding Humor During Cancer Treatment

Comedian John Ziegler has managed to find the humor in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Andy Lyons
Survivor Stories
September 13, 2023 • 6 Min

A Cancer-Free Life 25 Years in the Making

Andy Lyons lost many family members to pancreatic cancer. With such a family history he knew to be proactive and get screened regularly.