About this topic
Cancer happens when normal cells in the body grow out of control. The pancreas is an organ that makes and releases enzymes. These help break down food. It also makes and releases a hormone called insulin. Insulin controls the sugar levels in your blood. When a cancer begins in the tissues of your pancreas, it is called pancreatic cancer. This kind of cancer is treated in a number of ways. They may include surgery, radiation, or drugs called chemo. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- If you had surgery, follow your doctors instructions for wound care.
- If you are having chemo or radiation, your doctor may give you drugs to help prevent you from feeling sick or other side effects.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need more blood work, tests, or treatment. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Treat side effects like an upset stomach or throwing up
- Prevent infection
Will physical activity be limited?
Rest is important. Your activity level will depend on your procedure or treatment. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. Ask your doctor when you can return to your normal activities. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
If you had surgery, your diet may slowly move back to normal. This is based on how well you handle liquids and soft foods. Eating a healthy diet is important during this time. If you need help ask to see a dietitian. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Pain
- Liver damage with yellowing of skin and eyes
- Hard stools with possible blocked bowel
- Weight loss without trying
- Cancer can return
- Blood sugars may not be normal
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher and chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal.
- Blood in your stool or black, tar-like stools
- You feel numbness or tingling in different parts of your body
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what kind of treatment I will be having.
- I can tell you how to care for my cut site, if I have one.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, chills, or redness or drainage from my wound.
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/PancreaticCancer/DetailedGuide/pancreatic-cancer-what-is-pancreatic-cancer ‚
National Cancer Institute ‚
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/pancreas/page10/AllPages ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚