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Gil Marchman is a 17-year pancreatic cancer survivor. He’s been married for 58 years, plays golf every day during the summer and loves spending time with his granddaughter.
Gil feels lucky to be here, and his good health is due, in part, to a clinical trial.
17-year Survivor Gil Marchman
When Gil was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he didn’t want to believe it, but he knew he needed to get informed. He didn’t know what questions to ask, so he started researching.
“When you start looking, you may find upsetting information because the statistics are bad. And there are doctors that will tell you there’s nothing they can do, and you should get your affairs in order. But pancreatic cancer is not a death sentence. We do have options, and as a survivor, I want to encourage patients to know what their options are.”
Gil believes the most important topic a patient can have information about is clinical trials. He urges all patients to investigate their treatment options.
“The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network provides great information about clinical trials. My PanCAN Patient Services Case Manager helped me learn a lot, and I think having all of this information helped me heal.”
Gil’s message to pancreatic cancer patients: “Don’t be afraid. You are your own best advocate, and education is the best thing you can do for yourself. Be open with your doctor – tell them everything that’s going on and ask as many questions as you need to. The more we talk, and the more we find out, the better the future will be for all patients.”
Gil feels that as long as we keep learning more about this disease, we will make the progress we hope for. “I would like to see a cure before I leave this world, so my daughter and granddaughter can live without fear of pancreatic cancer.”
Learn more about clinical trials today.
You are your own best advocate. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network strongly recommends that you discuss your treatment goals with your healthcare team and know all of your options at every stage of your disease.
We’re always here to help. Contact a PanCAN Patient Services Case Manager for in-depth details about clinical trials and to get your questions answered. Case Managers are available Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
