Living Through Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer: Lessons From the Fight

One survivor’s experience navigating aggressive treatment, nutrition challenges, mindset, and the daily choices that made survival possible.

In 2008, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, and it had spread to my liver. I had to be decisive—I was going to war. I went through multiple opinions to find the right treatment team, and once I found Dr. Levin and his team, I followed their recommendations because I trusted them. I did whatever I had to do to survive. Nutrition was a huge challenge—I couldn’t eat much at first. I juiced twice a day, drank at least 32 ounces of juice, and supplemented with Ensure. Eventually I started adding steamed vegetables, fish, and chicken. Cannabis was also key—it helped with appetite and side effects, letting me get the fuel my body needed even when I didn’t feel hungry. At the same time, I focused on my mind, body, and soul. I leaned into faith, read books like The Power of Now and Thich Nhat Hanh’s works, and made sure my body moved every day—sometimes just getting out of bed and walking downstairs, other days longer walks. Combining that focus with aggressive medical care gave me a path not just to survive, but to truly live while journeying through cancer.

And here’s a summary—five things that really helped me and that anyone going through this can try:

1. Be decisive about your care. Get a 2nd and 3rd opinion - find the right team for you

2. Eat what you can tolerate—food is life, even if it’s small meals, juices, or supplements. 3.Keep moving—every little bit counts.

4. Strengthen your mind—faith, mindfulness, or meditation can really help.

5. Nurture your soul—stay connected to people and things that give your life meaning.

Chris