"I was told by my doctor if the chemo worked, I’d have no longer than a year to live. She dashed away all hope and optimism for a future. My family and I are devastated, sad, and angry."

Don't let that prognosis be your benchmark! My tumor also returned with a vengeance 4 months after Whipple, but then remained quite stable for 2 years on chemo.

It grew again with a vengeance during my 4-month break for a clinical trial, but stabilized again for another 6 months or so before my CA19-9 started climbing again. It seems to be a sign of drug resistance at this point, but I won't know for sure until the next ctDNA test and scans next month.

Your condition (and mine) obviously change a perspective and help put priorities in order, but don't define an actual endpoint. I was in pretty bad shape last October, but now have the time and energy to resume my search for better drugs and clinical trials, as well as buying tickets to some future events that I want to live long enough to attend. 🙂

I wish you all the best in finding joy and good treatment, as well as for tolerating your chemo.