CA19-9 is not a universal maker for PDAC. It does spike for some PDACs, but not others. I'm not an oncologist or in anyway qualified to know why that's the case. Here's one of several quick overviews of CA19-9: "https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/ca-19-9-blood-test-pancreatic-cancer/".

So, while I wish they "nipped my cancer in the bud", only time will tell. Since my CA19-9 doesn't spike, it leaves me without a blood marker. They can only see if surgery, chemo or "whatever" worked by scanning for new tumors. They have no idea what's going on in the interim. If nothing is found, well, guess "something" worked. If another tumor shows up somewhere, then "something" didn't work.

There is one company that has a liquid biopsy, or circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) test approved for PDAC called Natera. I have no idea how effective it is. So far, they were not able to get a viable sample from my tumor. Maybe someone in this group can comment on their results. Keep in mind, the test has to find that DNA tiny mutation in the blood and the blood draw has to be at the exact time it's passing by the draw area. On the positive side, there are several research labs working on ctDNA products. Also, I recently read about Mayo Clinic beta testing a new scanner and doping type to really up the resolution to help spot PDAC earlier than present capabilities. Sure hope it works, not only for earlier detection but for ongoing surveillance.

My best wishes to you and your husband. Sounds like he's very fortunate you are in his corner.