Diagnosis is non-operable

My sister, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this week, just found out they can't do a Whipple because the tumor sits in the lower part of the head of the pancreas on a main artery and vein (not sure about the names). They say it hasn't metastisized, but surgery is not possible. Her Dr. did his work at Johns Hopkins and has a good reputation but I'm wondering if she should go for a second opinion. Has anyone been told non operable and then been able to have the surgery? They are looking at chemo and radiation just to control the growth and give her a year or so to live. She wants some quality of life in her time here so she is not sure what options she will try. It's all so new we haven't had time to really let it sink in.

Thank you!

Always go for a second opinion, if not for anything else but to ensure that you covered all options.   If you go on the John Hopkins Discussion Board, you will find others will vein involvement, who were said that it was non-operable and later had the whipple. Please do this ASAP........if it has not metastised you want to move quickly.  Both MD Anderson, who perfected this type of surgery (with vein involvement) and JH both do it.  Good luck.