Pancreatic Cancer

Managing side effects

The side effects of treatment can be serious. Healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep and exercise may help control your symptoms. Your doctor may also give you medicines to help you with certain side effects, such as Reference medicines to control and prevent nausea and vomiting.

• Reference Home treatment for fatigue includes tips on how to manage tiredness that doesn't go away with rest or sleep. For example, if taking a shower is a priority, and if mornings are when you have the most energy, take your shower in the morning.
• Reference Home treatment for nausea or vomiting includes watching for and treating early signs of Reference dehydration Opens New Window, such as having a dry mouth or feeling lightheaded when you stand up. Eating smaller meals may help. So can a little bit of ginger candy or ginger tea.
• Reference Home treatment for diarrhea includes resting your stomach and being alert for signs of dehydration. Check with your doctor before using any nonprescription medicines for your diarrhea. Be sure to drink enough fluids.
• Reference Home treatment for constipation includes making sure that you drink enough fluids and eat fruits, vegetables, and fiber in your diet each day. Don't use a laxative without first talking to your doctor.
• Reference Home treatment for mouth sores includes watching what you eat and drink and rinsing regularly with mouthwash or an antacid.

Other symptoms that can be treated at home include:

• Sleep problems. If you have trouble sleeping, some Reference tips for managing sleep problems may help.
• Reference Hair loss may be unavoidable. But you can decrease irritation of your scalp by using mild shampoos and avoiding hair products that damage hair.
• Pain. There are many Reference home treatments that can help when you have pain, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, heat packs, or cold packs.

Nutrition

Pancreatic cancer and its treatments can cause you to lose your appetite. And the cancer can make it harder for your body to get what it needs from food. This can make you lose weight and grow weak. So it's important to pay attention to what you eat.

A dietitian can help you plan meals that will give you the most energy. You may also need to take supplements.

Managing stress

Having cancer and being treated for it can be very stressful. There are steps you can take to Reference reduce your stress. Some people find that it helps to talk about their feelings with family and friends. Others find that spending time alone is what they need.

If your Reference emotional reaction to cancer gets in the way of your ability to make decisions about your health, it's important to talk with your doctor. Your cancer treatment center may offer psychological or financial services. And a local chapter of the American Cancer Society can help you find a support group.

Having cancer can change your life in many ways. For support in managing these changes, see the topic Reference Getting Support When You Have Cancer.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.