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@baileycody

Hi, my husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer Jan 2017, did chemo, had Whipple May 2017, followed by more chemo. Had been NED until Jan 2020 when we found out the cancer has returned. He is on chemo and radiation is being recommended. I would like to know others experiences with radiation and types of chemo. He is scheduled for a endoscopy tomorrow, partially to put in some “gold beads” as markers for the radiation. Has anyone else had this? With COVID I don’t want him to have the procedure if it’s not absolutely necessary.

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Replies to "Hi, my husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer Jan 2017, did chemo, had Whipple May 2017,..."

Hi, my mom has a closer recurrence than your husband (Whipple 09/2019) but very similar situation. She's now doing radiation while she's been on chemo (took about 4 weeks off for radiation). She didn't need to have "gold beads" put in place (I know they are used to pinpoint the location but it might depend on what type of radiation is being used). My mom had a 4D CT scan to mark her and everything was done externally and very easily. Did you ask about options for the radiation that might not need a procedure done? It might be necessary in your husband's case, but like I said my mom didn't need to have anything like that done. Best of luck to you both...there is nothing easy about this cancer and now with the COVID-19 situation it only adds to our worries and concerns.

My wife had the gold fiducials procedure in preparation for the radiation, SBRT. She tolerated the fiducials procedure well. The gold markers were used in her case because they weren't doing general radiation. The SBRT is targeted and causes much less collateral damage. Not every treatment center has the SBRT capability. Good luck with the treatments.