Treatment for pancreatic cancer is based on the stage of cancer, the age, and overall health of the patient. The treatment involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or a combination of these treatment options. If the cancer is in the advanced stages, and if the doctors feel that these methods will not benefit or improve the quality of life of the patient, they will recommend palliative care. Some patients choose to be part of clinical trials and volunteer to be treated with targeted therapy, vaccines, immunotherapy, or even chemotherapy medications that are still under development. Whatever be the treatment protocol adopted, there are many expected side effects during recovery, like:
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Change in the taste of food (food will taste metallic)
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Lowering of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelet counts
- Tingling in the hands and feet
- Rashes, redness, and irritation in skin
Additionally, problems like loss of sleep, emotional upheavals and constant thoughts about cancer are typical in a patient.
Managing the side effects of treatment
Changes in bowel movements can be managed with medication and appropriate diet. Symptoms like rashes will be treated with topical creams.
Loss of appetite, fatigue, tingling sensations will improve as the overall health of the patient improves. Doctors are usually prepared for the side effects and include medications to control nausea and pain as part of the recovery process.
Post-treatment care
Nutritionists and psychologists are an integral part of post-treatment care as they help patients cope with sleeplessness and emotional issues.
Social workers, too, may be involved as it is generally observed that pancreatic cancer survivors feel more distress during the process of recovery as the prognosis and average life expectancy is not encouraging.
If there are any other symptoms apart from the ones specified by the doctors or nurses like blood clots in the veins, infection, persistent vomiting without any signs of improvement, the patient has to be taken to a doctor for immediate analysis and treatment.
Follow-up appointments are scheduled in advance, and patients and caregivers should ensure that no appointment is missed as tests will be done during these visits to check the progress made by the patient. There is a risk of cancer recurring, particularly with pancreatic cancer, and so missing appointments and tests is not a good idea. Blood tests and CT scans will be repeated once in three months for a couple of years. After that, doctors are likely to schedule two follow-up appointments and tests annually.
Support groups provide positivity and encouragement as one is likely to meet many others who have beaten pancreatic cancer and are living a regular life. Counseling, mild exercise, and maintaining a positive outlook are some affirmative ways to help patients recover after treatments. Meeting cancer survivors, learning and sharing from each other’s experiences, and participating in group activities that help one relax can aid in the process of recovery.
