In general, your goal should be to eat small meals throughout the day. In other words, have a light breakfast, a mid-morning snack, a light lunch, a mid-afternoon snack, and a reasonable dinner. Many patients have also told us that they cannot tolerate late night snacking, feeling bloated or nauseated during the night.
Living With Pancreatic Cancer
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Dr. John A. Chabot , Endocrinology Diabetes & Metabolism, answered on behalf of Columbia University Department of Surgery -
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Dr. John A. Chabot , Endocrinology Diabetes & Metabolism, answered on behalf of Columbia University Department of SurgeryA patient's family and friends will be important members of a support network. Patients may find comfort in talking to their support network about emotions and physical feelings on a day to day basis. Patients may also need members of their support system to help with practical aspects of house chores and daily living during periods of his care.
Family and friends may be experiencing similar emotions and stresses to the patient. Talking openly about them can often help everyone cope with pancreatic cancer. -
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Betty Long, RN, MHA , Nursing, answeredSee All 2 AnswersLet’s be honest. Cancer is a scary word. Nobody wants to hear it in association with themselves or loved ones. How you cope with a cancer diagnosis will likely reflect how you have coped with other serious situations in your life. You might find that way of coping will need some adjustments.
If you have typically been a very independent person who takes charge of situations, you may have to adjust to reaching out to family and friends to be more forthcoming about your needs. Asking for help will let you focus your energy on getting well. Conversely, if you typically ignore bad situations, you won’t be able to ignore this diagnosis for long. It’s not going to go away without intervention.
No one handles stress the same way. And getting a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer will be scary and stressful and awful. The most important thing is to listen to your body AND your heart. If you feel like taking a hot bath, turn on the water. If you want to lock yourself in the closet and scream, do it. If you think you'll benefit from a support group, find one and attend. You’re allowed to take a time out from cancer. That’s why they call it “living with cancer.” You’re in charge, not the cancer.
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Dr. John A. Chabot , Endocrinology Diabetes & Metabolism, answered on behalf of Columbia University Department of SurgeryIt can be difficult to remain positive when facing a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. However, staying positive and hoping for the best can push a patient to continue battling the disease and follow medical advice. A positive outlook can help a patient take better care of him or herself, and can also inspire a patient to appreciate those things that are meaningful in the present as opposed to focusing on what may be lost in the future. Patients' support networks can help them stay positive throughout the course of the disease.