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Oncology social workers help you cope with the emotional and practical challenges of pancreatic cancer. Contact us at 800‑813‑HOPE (4673) or info@cancercare.org.
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Pancreatic Cancer
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Ask CancerCare

Every month, featured experts answer your questions about coping with cancer. View all questions and answers.

Pancreatic Cancer
  • Q.

    I've been recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and want to know if the back pain I am experiencing worsens over time? How can I manage it?

    A.

    Unfortunately, pain is very common with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The good news is that often the pain lessens as the chemotherapy and/or radiation works to shrink the tumor. Speak with your oncologist or radiologist about how to best manage your pain. There are now a variety of pain medications that can lessen your pain without harsh side effects.

    Prepare for the discussion with your doctor by keeping track of your pain by writing down:

    • When and where you experience pain
    • What is the intensity of your pain (use a scale of 1 to 10, or verbal scale of mild, moderate, severe)
    • Does anything make your pain worse?
    • Does anything relieve your pain?
    • How is pain affecting your everyday life?

    Because pain can be difficult to describe, it might be helpful to have friends or family share their assessments as well. It’s always a good idea to bring someone with you to any appointment; another set of ears can help reduce confusion. I recommend that you bring a list of questions to the appointment and have someone write down the doctor’s responses. People sometimes even bring a recording device - just make sure to ask the doctor for permission.

    For more information read our publications, Managing Cancer Pain, Communicating With Your Health Care Team, and “Opening the Door to Effective Pain Management”.

    And finally, the American Pain Society offers useful information.

    Photo of Elizabeth Ezra Answered by
    Elizabeth Ezra, MSW, OSW-C, LCSW

    ∞ Direct link to this question

    Tags:pancreatic cancerpain

  • Q.

    My husband was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and I'm confused and frightened by all the information I'm finding on the internet. Can you help?

    A.

    After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, one is often faced with numerous questions and decisions to make in a short amount of time. While pancreatic cancer can be a difficult diagnosis, much progress has been made. Doctors have established a standard of care protocol for people able to have surgery (known as the Whipple Procedure) as well as for those for whom surgery is not an option.

    There is an overwhelming amount of information on the internet and I recommend these reputable resources:

    The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is an organization that provides information about treatment options, specialists, clinical trials, support groups, diet and nutrition. They work to increase funding for research and awareness of pancreatic cancer.

    The Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Research and the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer can provide up-to-date diagnosis and treatment information.

    View all of CancerCare’s pancreatic cancer resources.

    Photo of Elizabeth Ezra Answered by
    Elizabeth Ezra, MSW, OSW-C, LCSW

    ∞ Direct link to this question

    Tags:pancreatic cancer

  • Q.

    I was diagnosed last fall with Stage 2 pancreatic cancer. The survival rates are not great, but I am quite hopeful. My 18-year-old daughter, however, has told me that she cannot be hopeful because she can't handle being let down if I die. While this makes sense to me, what can I do to help her?

    A.

    Everyone responds differently to a cancer diagnosis – some people are optimistic, and others, like your daughter, are afraid to be hopeful. Your ability to respect your daughter’s views and understand the difficulty she is having with your diagnosis is important. While you may not be able to change her outlook, you can be supportive of her through this challenging situation.

    Encourage your daughter to share her thoughts and feelings about your diagnosis with you. What are her fears? Worries? Hopes? Allowing her to express her feelings freely can provide you with the opportunity to talk openly about your situation. You can even start the conversation by sharing your own worries, hopes, and fears with her. Telling her that you, too, have uncertainties will help to validate her feelings and make it easier for her to open up.

    Communication is the key for families coping with cancer. By opening up to your daughter, you are showing her that it’s okay to discuss her feelings. The fact that she has expressed her fears about being let down indicates that she feels the two of you have a trusting relationship. It is understandable that you want your daughter to be optimistic; however, your being able to accept her fears gives her permission to share exactly how she is feeling.

    Teens often struggle talking with their parents about illness. Look to adult relatives, teachers, and coaches as potential sources of support for your daughter. She may also benefit from talking one-on-one with a counselor. She can call us and speak with an oncology social worker and we can also help her find local support services.

    Your daughter might also find helpful resources online that are specifically designed for teens with a parent with cancer, such as Cancer Really Sucks.

    For yourself, CancerCare offers support groups for people coping with coping with cancer. This is a safe place to discuss all the concerns and issues that arise from your diagnosis. Please contact us at 1-800-813-HOPE (4673) for more information.

    Photo of Wade Iwata Answered by
    Wade Iwata, MSW, LMSW

    ∞ Direct link to this question

    Tags:pancreatic cancerteens

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