The methods used to treat pancreatic cancer is very strong. It is difficult to limit the effects of treatment so that only cancer cells are eradicated. Healthy tissue may also be damaged / destroyed. That is why treatment often causes side effects that are not pleasant. Side effects depend on the type of treatment used and on the body part being treated. Surgery for pancreatic cancer is a major operation (large). While in the hospital, the patient will require special medications and may be given only liquids. During recovery from surgery, diet (food) and the patient's weight will be checked carefully.
During radiation therapy, the patient may become very tired as treatment continues. Rest as much as possible is important. Skin reactions (redness or dryness) in the treated area is also common. A good skin care is important at this time, patients yet should not use any lotions, lotions or creams on the skin without checking with your doctor. Radiation therapy to the upper abdomen can cause nausea and vomiting. Typically, dietary changes or medications can alleviate these problems.
During radiation therapy, the patient may become very tired as treatment continues. Rest as much as possible is important. Skin reactions (redness or dryness) in the treated area is also common. A good skin care is important at this time, patients yet should not use any lotions, lotions or creams on the skin without checking with your doctor. Radiation therapy to the upper abdomen can cause nausea and vomiting. Typically, dietary changes or medications can alleviate these problems.
The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the drugs given. In addition, each person reacts differently. Chemotherapy affects the cells that grow rapidly, like the cells that form blood, those that line the digestive tract, and those in skin and hair. As a result, patients can have side effects such as a defense (resistance) to infection is lower, less energy, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or thrush, oral thrush. Patients may also lose hair.
Losing weight can be a serious problem for patients being treated for pancreatic cancer. Researchers learned that patients who were given good nutrition usually feel better and perhaps more able to withstand the side effects of their treatments. Therefore, nutrition is an important part of the treatment plan, and doctors may have some suggestions for helping their patients get enough calories and protein. In many cases, patients feel better if they consume food and beverages in amounts so small. Many patients find that eating some foods and snacks all day is a lot easier than eating three meals a day.
In addition, pancreatic cancer treatment may interfere with insulin production and juices (enzymes) of the pancreas. Patients must take medications to replace it, if not the level of blood sugar may be wrong and digestion may be affected. Nevertheless, taking these medications can often disrupt digestion. Careful planning and checkups are important to help patients avoid weight loss and weakness and debilitation caused by poor nutrition.
Patients and family members often fear that the cancer will cause pain / pain. Cancer patients do not always have pain, but if it happens, there are many ways to eliminate or reduce them. Important for patients to let the doctor know about pain / pain, because pain / uncontrolled pain can lead to loss of sleep and poor appetite. These issues can make patients difficult to respond to treatment.
The side effects suffered by patients during cancer therapy vary for each person. They may even differ from one treatment to the next treatment. Efforts are made to plan treatment that maintains the problems as small as possible. Fortunately, most side effects are temporary. Doctor-doctor, nurses, and diet experts can explain the side effects of cancer treatment and can suggest ways to handle them.
See also: Treating Pancreatic Cancer
