How to Cope With the Side Effects of Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Therapies prescribed for pancreatic carcinoma are aggressive since they aim to annihilate stubborn carcinogenic cells. Unfortunately, the consequences of these go beyond cancerous growth and are seen in other organs too. There are some lifestyle choices that can assist you in counteracting the adverse effects of therapy and allow you to maintain a decent standard of life.  
 
As the name suggests, pancreatic carcinoma is a form of cancer that targets the gland known as the pancreas, which is responsible for producing hormones like insulin that help the body utilize the energy extracted from food. It is also a producer of bile which helps break down food. Pancreatic carcinoma tends to originate in the pockets that hold bile. The treatment and care choices that are available for patients suffering from pancreatic carcinoma depend on the subtype and its current phase.  

Side Effects of Pancreatic Cancer Treatment 

1. Surgical side effects 

Pancreatic cancer surgery, such as a Whipple procedure or distal pancreatectomy, can cause complications such as bleeding, infection, blood clots, leakage of digestive juices, or damage to nearby organs.  

2. Chemotherapy side effects 

Chemotherapy drugs used for pancreatic cancer treatment can lead to various side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, hair loss, fatigue, weakness, mouth sores, increased risk of infections, and changes in blood cell counts. 

3. Radiation therapy side effects 

Radiation therapy can cause fatigue, skin irritation or burns in the treated area, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and inflammation of the surrounding organs. These side effects are typically temporary and tend to go away once the treatment ends. 

4. Targeted therapy side effects 

Targeted therapies use drugs that inhibit specific molecular targets in cancer cells and produce side effects that may vary depending on the specific medication used. Common side effects of targeted therapy include fatigue, diarrhea, skin rashes, high blood pressure, liver problems, and blood clotting abnormalities. 

5 Ways to Manage the Side Effects of Pancreatic Cancer Treatment 

Here are some suggestions for coping with the typical problems faced by cancer patients. 

1. Ample exercise to combat fatigue  

Tiredness is one of the primary fallouts of chemotherapy. It is vital to conserve energy by taking frequent naps and increasing the duration of your nightly sleep time. Moderate exercise in the form of relaxed strolls can help too.  

2. Adequate rest to support healing 

Cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can cause fatigue and exhaustion. Sleep is a time when your body carries out various restorative processes, including tissue repair and cell regeneration. Adequate rest can aid in the healing of any treatment-related wounds or injuries and promote overall recovery. 

In addition, adequate rest plays a vital role in supporting your immune system, which may be compromised during pancreatic cancer treatment. It also allows your body to conserve energy and recover from the physical and emotional toll of treatment. 

3. Modified skincare to fight dryness and inflammation  

For some people, chemotherapy and radiation therapy unleash skin problems like heightened sensitivity, excessive dryness, peeling, and itching. Using mild moisturizing soaps and wearing loose, non-restrictive clothes as well as drinking sufficient water in a day can be some solutions for skin issues. 

4. High fluid intake to manage nausea  

Feeling sick all the time and a constant nauseous sensation can occur due to cancer medication and chemotherapy. Eating small portions often and hiking your fluid intake can be especially useful before you begin a round of treatment.  

5. Increased oral care to deal with mouth sores  

Many cancer-related treatment drugs cause abscesses in the mouth as well as thickened saliva. Both of these conditions can cause pain when chewing and swallowing food. Steering clear of strong mouthwashes, cigarettes, alcohol, and overly rough toothbrushes can help heal ulcers faster.  

Conclusion 

Pancreatic cancer treatment can be quite an ordeal for most people. However, by following some of the suggestions given above, one can reduce the intensity of the side effects resulting from such treatment. For more information on various types of cancers and their treatments, contact Advanced Cancer Treatment Centers, one of the best cancer centers in Florida, offering individualized cancer care.