A Study of the Life Changes Experienced by Patients With Pancreatic Cancer

The purpose of this study is to better understand what types of transitions people with pancreatic cancer face when they receive chemotherapy. Again, this study defines transition as a change in a life situation or a status that causes a change in a person's identity, role, behavior, or personal relationships. Examples of transitions include changes in sleeping habits, anxiety, employment, relationship with a higher power, and treatment goals.

Inclusion Criteria: * adult patients 18 years of age and older * primary language listed as English in electronic medical record * biopsy proven diagnosis of pancreatic cancer * within three months after initiating a chemotherapy regimen at the Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion at MSKCC (patient may have previously received chemotherapy at an outside institution or may have received previous chemotherapy regimens at MSKCC). Exclusion Criteria: * previous history of cancer within the past five years, except for non-melanoma skin cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ breast cancer, and thyroid cancer.