Dear Russ: After reading the messages posted and especially after reading your message of hope for everyone, I decided to write to you to let you know that like you, I have been surviving pancreatic cancer going on 5 years (I was first diagnosed in April of 2000). After having the Whipple procedure and undergoing the 5FU chemo and radiation, I stopped as the cancer didn't seem to be doing anything (remission I guess) in 2002 my CA19 started moving up the charts again in the thousands. I received gemzar treatments for two years. My CA19 went down to 33. I had to stop because my bone marrow was saturated and basically, it wasn't doing anything anymore. Within the last couple of months (probably starting in late October early November), the cancer has spread to my liver, lungs and ribs. I started out and got my surgery at University of Penn. Great hospital. My treatments had taken place at Riddle Hospital in Media. They have a pretty great staff there. It is pretty much unheard of for people to survive the first 6 months after learning they have P.C. let alone 4 or 5 years. I have to say congradulations to you! I am going to see a doctor at Fox Chase on the 11th to find out what else I can do. My diet has been changed, I take many vitamins, not to mention the countless medications needed. (They removed pretty much everything on the inside, I only have 1/2 what everyone else has. I'm 55 years old and not ready to give up. Since you have survived this long, are there any suggestions you might have as to what else might be out there to take care of these "secondary" cancers? The bone cancer in my ribs is spreading faster and I'm looking into anything that may be helpful. If you have any other suggestions, I would really appreciate it! My prayers will be with you and your family! Thank you for your time. May God bless you and yours! Marsha