Ellen,
My husband is 48 and his story is also on here at the 48 year old husband. He said he agrees with you 110%, he had Whipple in Jan. 08, and getting ready to start radiation and chemo on 4-25-08, using Gemzar as well. He is Stage IV, with lymph nodes involvement. I agree why can't it be you or my husband to be the survivor of many years to come. God bless you and just know you have a friend to chat with.
Kristi