Tumour markers rising during chemo

[thenextmrsclooney]

I was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer in the body of the pancreas a few months ago. I am being treated with chemotherapy (folfirinox - 6 cycles) to try and get the cancer to a state where they might be able to operate. My oncologist told me prior to cycle number 5 that my tumour markers have been rising slightly after each cycle and has suggested that the treatment may not be working. Has anyone else experienced this? I have read that the markers can rise due to the cancer cells dying off and releasing the markers into the blood stream. My only hope of survival is for the removal of the tumour/pancreas and I don't know whether I am clutching at straws with this alternative theory. I would be interested to hear from anyone who has experienced this. I am 55 and female in good health - apart from having cancer of course!!