Pancreatic Cancer Patient Stories

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Connie Jackley

In 1995, Connie and Michael Jackley experienced life's greatest pain as they lost their only child, Rachel, 21, to cancer. Several years later, when Connie was diagnosed with cancer herself, she did not have the desire to fight. Thankfully, Dr. James Watson, a surgical oncologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center, entered the picture and inspired her to keep fighting when she felt like she had nothing left to give. He performed multiple surgeries on Connie over the years to keep her alive and well. Connie now considers Dr. Watson a friend.
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Barbara Lanza
Pancreatic Cancer
In January 2010, Barbara Lanza had just turned 52. Like many women her age, she was trying to lose weight and even tried green tea pills. She began experiencing stomach problems and attributed it to the pills, along with a stressful and physical job working in a dog kennel. Still, she took a family trip to Florida and visited the emergency room four times during her 10 day trip. “I was told it was pancreatitis because my cancer marker levels were too low for concern,” shared Barbara. By the time she returned home, Barbara's pain continued and she made an appointment with her family doctor.
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Stephen McNamara

Raised with 12 siblings in Ireland, Stephen McNamara enjoyed his childhood and his country. However, in 1949, when the opportunity presented itself to come to America, he acted on it. Mary, a nursing student whom he met in England, followed her heart and came to America to marry Stephen. They settled in the Philadelphia area and raised their own family with 5 children. During this time, Stephen was drafted and served stateside during the Korean War. Not long after, he became a citizen of the United States. "I just fell in love with America," shared Stephen. "I had a great job at General Motors and a wonderful family."
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Anthony P. Reres
Neuroendocrine Tumor of the Pancreas
Tony Reres can't help getting a little choked up when he talks about welcoming his first great grandson into the world, Lucas Anthony Reres, born March 4, 2010. "Because of Dr. Watson, I was around to meet my great grandson," said Reres, now a healthy 76. "I never expected to live this long."
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Ronald Schnell

In October 2005, Ronald Schnell's wife couldn't take it anymore. Her husband was jaundiced, losing weight without effort, and experiencing other digestive issues. "Ronald had just retired and we had a lot to look forward to," said Catherine. "I was very concerned something was seriously wrong." It was.
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Pancreatic Cancer Patient Stories

Topics in This Section

Connie Jackley

Barbara Lanza

Stephen McNamara

Anthony P. Reres

Ronald Schnell