My mom had small cell ampullary cancer, which is a little more agressive than regular ampullary cancer. Ampullary cancer is not pancreatic cancer, but is so close to the pancreas, it usually invades that as well. When small cell cancer is involved, the type of chemo given is for small cell, not chemo for regular ampullary cancer. My mom had the whipple, was clear, the cancer came back in the liver. She had irinotecan chemo, which got rid of the cancer for 7 to 8 months, she was actually feeling great, but then the cancer came back. It came back on the liver, and above the liver. She tried other chemo's but they did not work. She passed away 2 1/2 years after the surgery. However, I do think she would be alive today if her cancer had not been the type of 'small cell' cancer. You see, there is no cure for small cell cancer, so hang in there and don't give up. BY the way, for all of you that do have loved one's with ampullary or pancreatic cancer, there is a group called Pancan that is pushing for more money to fight this type of cancer. Look it up on the internet, and support this group for research! We need to find a way to test for this type of cancer for early detection. This cancer is overlooked, we need to find ways to dectect and treat this cancer that silently kills. The group doesn't need money, it needs you to write to your representatives that go to Washington. It is really easy, they have form letters, you just sign your name. Do it for your loved ones!!