I appreciate everyone's concern about the Caris testing. Here's my take on it: I am not operable and likely never will be. BTW, I have pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, stage 4, head, wrapped around blood vessels. So chemo is my only line of defense. If we can determine the most effective, specific chemo regimen for my cancer cell type, whether that's modified FOLFIRINOX or some other combo, that seems like a wise move to me. I don't see it as any different than traveling to get a second opinion (which would be pointless for me anyway). To look at it another way, Caris IS the second opinion. Some years ago, we traveled to NYC and Philadelphia to give our younger son the best clubfoot care possible. (We are adoptive parents, and he joined us with the results of inappropriate surgery and treatment in his country of origin.) We know how expensive airline flights, hotels, food, cabs etc. are, and none of that is covered by insurance--it's all out of pocket. In this case, Caris is in network for traditional Medicare A/B and my supplement, so I am hopeful that while we may owe a copay, it won't be the total cost. If it is, we are fortunate that we can handle it. It does help that our kids are mostly on their own; we still have a son in grad school and a son in undergraduate school, but our daughters are out and working. Those were rough years financially, but we're in better shape now, and that helps.

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