Blog

102 Articles

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.

word cloud in English and Spanish
Treatments
May 29, 2020 • 5 Min

Eighteen Important Words to Know if You Have Pancreatic Cancer

When you start pancreatic cancer treatment it seems like everyone is speaking a language you don’t know. Here are 18 important words to help you along.

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 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.

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 Ken Vickers and his motorcycle
Survivor Stories
November 7, 2019 • 3 Min

Around to Enjoy the Simple Pleasures of Life

Ken Vickers is enjoying family, friends, and riding his Harley Davidson around the country after pancreatic cancer and a Whipple procedure.

pancreatic cancer patient Colin Gabriel
Survivor Stories
October 14, 2019 • 5 Min

Learning to Guide My Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

The more Colin Gabriel learned about pancreatic cancer, the more he realized he needed to guide his treatment, rather than go where his HMO recommended.

pancreatic cancer patient Brad Kerr
Survivor Stories
October 1, 2019 • 9 Min

A Second Opinion Leads to a New Treatment Plan

Brad Kerr changed his pancreatic cancer treatment plan after getting a second opinion, and had neoadjuvant chemotherapy before his Whipple.

long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Margie Goldsmith
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.

long-term survivor Tom Dinwiddie and his wife, and their pets
Survivor Stories
August 9, 2019 • 7 Min

After Surviving Pancreatic Cancer, a Moral Obligation to Share

Tom Dinwiddie knew he needed surgery to survive stage IV neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer; he got a new protocol of treatment before surgery.

long-term pancreatic cancer survivor Joel Evans and family
Survivor Stories
July 29, 2019 • 4 Min

Surviving Pancreatic Cancer and Embracing Life

Joel Evans’ endocrinologist was concerned so he sent him to get tested for pancreatic cancer. It was caught early enough for a Whipple procedure.