Chemotherapy and Radiation

Most pancreatic cancer patients undergo chemotherapy and radiation. Learn from pancreatic cancer survivors in their own words what it's like to experience these types of treatments.

60 Articles

Maryanne Winchester
Survivor Stories
March 28, 2024 • 5 Min

Faith, Hope, and Perseverance

Maryanne Winchester credits faith, hope, and perseverance for getting her through three types of chemotherapy, radioembolization and a pancreatectomy.

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.

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.

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.

Candace Langford and her husband
Survivor Stories
August 1, 2023 • 4 Min

Advances in Treatment Give Me Hope

Candace Langford’s honeymoon was hardly over when she found out she had pancreatic cancer. Fortunately she was able to have stereotactic body radiation therapy, which has knocked out her tumor.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Mike Emerson, his wife Carol and their dog
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.

pancreatic cancer patient Andy Seynaeve and his family
Survivor Stories
May 5, 2023 • 7 Min

Have Hope

Andy Seynaeve has undergone many rounds of chemotherapy but he has had a great response. Best of all, he has hope.

pancreatic cancer patient Susan Hoopengarner and her husband.
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.

pancreatic cancer patient Don Myrah and his wife Geralynn
Survivor Stories
April 11, 2023 • 4 Min

Going After a Specialized Radiation Treatment

Don Myrah wanted more than chemotherapy. He read about a specialized radiation treatment and directly contacted the company behind it.