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← Return to Pancreatic cancer relapse
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My journey is a little different. I was diagnosed in September. Had chemotherapy and an unsuccessful whipple in Feb. I decided on high dose radiation and after five weeks of radiation two months later my scans showed no spread and all cancer markers normal. I don’t hear many people talking about radiation. It took much research and four different opinions to decide on my course of action. I would be willing to share if anyone is interested. Best of luck on the journey ahead.
Replies to "My journey is a little different. I was diagnosed in September. Had chemotherapy and an unsuccessful..."
My husband was diagnosed with PC 2 weeks ago. We are exploring which cancer center / Oncologist to go with. Both local surgeons he has seen recommend neoadjuvant Chemo and then Whipple, provided his mass in the head of the pancreas has shrunk as it is abutting the SVA. Neither thought Radiation therapy would be indicated.
However, a friend had almost identical presentation to my husband's 3 1/2 years ago. He went to Mayo and the Oncologist/Surgeon there recommended up front Chemo Fulforinox regimen followed by a 5 week (5 days a week) targeted Radiation therapy (part of a study) before the Whipple. Our friend had the Chemo locally managed by a very good cancer center here, then went to Mayo for the targeted Radiation and Whipple at Mayo. He is doing fine now. I have contacted Mayo and hope to hear back next week which is when we meet with 2 local Oncologists with different cancer centers.
This feels like a mine field. Thanks for listening.
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Your mention of radiation supports my earlier post (somewhere on the board--here? I don't remember) that treatment options seem to vary so widely depending on which MD you see. I don't qualify for surgery and am stage 4 based on a visual check during laparoscopy. I've never been offered radiation therapy. What stage were you when you were diagnosed? It may be that radiation is reserved for patients whose cancer is limited to one site and hasn't metastasized.