Survivor Stories

555 articles

Survivor Stories
September 9, 2021 • 6 Min

An Unexpected Diagnosis of PNET

Lisa Tayman was surprised to discover that the shoulder pain she had was from a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.

Survivor Stories
October 19, 2021 • 8 Min

My Two-Year Journey with Pancreatic Cancer

When filmmaker Glen Trotiner was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he learned a new meaning for “treatment.”

Survivor Stories
May 18, 2023 • 3 Min

Blood Clots, a Stroke, and Pancreatic Cancer

Mike Emerson underwent a pancreatectomy followed by two years of chemotherapy and radiation but he’s enjoying life now.

Survivor Stories
August 30, 2023 • 4 Min

Lots and Lots of Research Leads to a Better Outcome

Dan Grunfeld put his experience as a chemist to good use as he researched pancreatic cancer treatments to find a clinical trial.

Survivor Stories
June 18, 2018 • 4 Min

Embracing Optimism

Laurie MacCaskill is a long-term survivor of pancreatic cancer. She followed a personalized treatment plan, and focused her energy on remaining optimistic.

Survivor Stories
December 7, 2018 • 3 Min

The Positive Impact of a Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trial

Richard Blish was a healthy, athletic 67-year-old when he developed symptoms of pancreatic cancer. His daughter steered him to a clinical trial for treatment.

Survivor Stories
January 15, 2020 • 5 Min

Each Person Is a Statistic of One

When Miggie Olsson was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer she opted for a science-based unusual treatment plan to have a chance at survival.

Survivor Stories
May 23, 2019 • 3 Min

Relocating For Pancreatic Cancer Treatment and a Clinical Trial

Rachel Moreno knew she would need help during treatment but moving in with her son also gave her access to a clinical trial.

Survivor Stories
August 22, 2019 • 3 Min

I’ll Never Stop Fighting

When Lynne Holcomb was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer, she kept fighting through treatment and made it onto a clinical trial.

Survivor Stories
September 5, 2019 • 6 Min

Kicking Pancreatic Cancer’s Butt

When Margie Goldsmith was diagnosed with an IPMN she made it her goal to beat that pancreatic cancer. It took two more tries but she did it.

Survivor Stories
December 5, 2019 • 7 Min

Where Sorrow and Joy Meet

Musician and producer Tom Bajoras has focused on the sorrow, joy, and beauty of life as he fights PNET with standard and new treatments.

Survivor Stories
September 23, 2021 • 5 Min

The Butterfly Effect and Living Every Day to My Fullest

Because Helene Avraham-Katz has the BRCA2 mutation, certain chemotherapies work better and she is eligible for specific clinical trials.

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.

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.

Patient Voices
March 24, 2023 • 6 Min

What Is It Going to Take to Stop Pancreatic Cancer? A 10-Year Survivor’s Perspective

Survivor William Ramshaw reflects on the need for more research into treatments and early detection tests for pancreatic cancer.