Blog

131 Articles

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 • 11 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 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.

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.

Pancreatic cancer patient Robert Weker in Florence, Italy, along the river
Survivor Stories
March 18, 2020 • 9 Min

Picking a Clinical Trial for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

When Robert Weker was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he believed a clinical trial was his best chance of reducing the tumor enough for a Whipple.

Pancreatic cancer patient John Sherry and his wife, in sunglasses
Survivor Stories
March 5, 2020 • 2 Min

Facing Life’s Challenges

The first time John Sherry faced pancreatic cancer he had part of his pancreas removed; the second time he had a Whipple procedure.

Pancreatic cancer survivor John O'Grady standing in front of a purple and white quilt he made
Survivor Stories
February 21, 2020 • 7 Min

Surviving Pancreatic Cancer and Inspiring Others

When John O’Grady realized he was going to survive pancreatic cancer, he beganinto helping other patients by volunteering with PanCAN and making quilts.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Larry Nicolet, his wife, and grandchildren
Survivor Stories
January 20, 2020 • 3 Min

Surviving Pancreatic Cancer Three Times

Jaundice brought Larry Nicolet to the doctor but took three tries, including a Whipple procedure, for him to be clean of pancreatic cancer.

pancreatic cancer survivor Miggie Olsson and her husband Tom
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.

Ed O'Connor and family
Survivor Stories
January 14, 2020 • 5 Min

At a Crossroads for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Ed O’Connor has been getting chemotherapy for his pancreatic cancer since 2016. His disease is stable and he has to decide whether to cut back on the chemo.