They were not able to get a good biopsy of my tumor so it was not possible to determine whether it was adenocarcinoma or a neuroendocrine tumor. The surgeon felt that it was the later based on the MRI and suggested removal. The pathology post surgery indicated that it was stage 3 adenocarcinoma. Therefore, I had chemo and chemo/radiation after surgery. Dr Hong is also my radiation oncologist. The chemo/radiation is designed to kill any remaining cancer cells left at the surgical site as well as lymph nodes and blood vessels. My CA19-9 has been under 10 since starting chemo and both a CT Scan and MRI at the conclusion of my 12th chemo cycle are clean. Dr Hong told me that I could opt out of radiation. However, the data indicates that adding the chemo/radiation improves long term survival rates. After going through 6 months of folfirinox I figured I’m all in at this point and would like to see a cure. I trust Dr Hong. I assume that you had chemo and radiation prior to surgery? That is the recommended protocol but unfortunately in my case because they could not get a good biopsy I had surgery first. Hope that provides clarification. Also hope that you’re doing well. All the best for the Holidays and New Year.

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