Serving all people by providing personalized health and wellness through exemplary care, education and research.
Our Services
Explore health content from A to Z.
I need information about...
You have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the pancreas. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these three. This sheet helps you remember how to care for yourself after treatment. Your healthcare provider may also give you specific instructions. Always be sure to follow them.
Here’s what to do at home following surgery for pancreatic cancer.
Do's and don'ts include:
Increase your activity gradually. Take short walks on a level surface.
Don’t overexert yourself to the point of fatigue. If you become tired, rest.
Shower as needed. Ask a friend or family member to stand close by in case you need help.
Limit stair climbing to once or twice a day. Climb slowly and stop to rest every few steps.
Don’t lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
Don’t mow the lawn or push a vacuum cleaner.
If you ride in the car for more than short trips, stop often to stretch your legs. Don’t drive until your healthcare provider says it’s OK.
Ask your healthcare provider when you can expect to return to work.
Tips include:
Wash the incision site with soap and water and pat dry. Avoid scrubbing the incision.
Inspect the incision site every day for increased redness, drainage, swelling, or separation of the skin.
Take your medicines exactly as directed.
Don’t take any over-the-counter supplements or herbal medicines unless your healthcare provider says it’s OK.
Check your temperature every day for 1 week after your surgery.
Return to your diet as tolerated. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
If you have surgical drains, measure and record the fluid output before emptying them. Take the record of drain output to any follow-up appointment.
Here’s what to do at home following chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer.
Many people get mouth sores during chemotherapy. So, don’t be discouraged if you do, even if you are following all your healthcare provider’s instructions. Do the following to help prevent mouth sores or to ease discomfort.
Brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush after every meal.
Don't use dental floss if your platelet count is low. Your healthcare provider will tell you if this is the case.
Use an oral swab or special soft toothbrush if your gums bleed during regular brushing.
Use any mouthwashes given to you as directed.
If you can’t tolerate regular methods, use salt and baking soda to clean your mouth. Mix 1 teaspoon(s) of salt and 1 teaspoon(s) of baking soda into an 8-ounce glass of warm water. Swish and spit.
Watch your mouth for white patches. This is a sign of fungal infection, a common side effect of chemotherapy. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about these patches. Medicine can be prescribed to help you fight the fungal infection.
Try to exercise. Exercise keeps you strong and keeps your heart and lungs active. Walk as much as you can without becoming dizzy or weak.
Let your healthcare provider know if your throat is sore. You may have an infection that needs treatment.
Remember, many patients feel sick and lose their appetites during treatment. Eat small meals several times a day to keep your strength up.
Choose bland foods with little taste or smell if you are reacting strongly to food.
Be sure to cook all food thoroughly. This kills bacteria and helps you avoid infection.
Eat foods that are soft. They are less likely to cause stomach irritation.
Keep clean. During treatment your body can't fight germs very well.
Take short baths or showers with warm water. Avoid very hot or cold water.
Use moisturizing soap. Treatment can make your skin dry.
Apply moisturizing lotion several times a day to help relieve dry skin.
Here’s what to do at home following radiation therapy for pancreatic cancer.
Don’t scrub or use soap on the treated area.
Ask your therapy team which lotion to use.
Avoid sun on the treated area. Ask your therapy team about using a sunscreen.
Don’t remove ink marks unless your radiation therapist says it’s okay. Don’t scrub or use soap on the marks when you wash. Let water run over them and pat them dry.
Protect your skin from heat or cold. Avoid hot tubs, saunas, heating pads, and ice packs.
Wear soft, loose clothing to avoid rubbing your skin.
Don’t be surprised if your treatment causes slight burns to your skin. Some drugs used in high doses can cause this to happen. Ask for a special cream to help relieve the burn and protect your skin.
Stock up on easy-to-prepare foods.
Eat foods high in protein and calories.
Drink plenty of water and other fluids, unless directed otherwise.
Ask your healthcare provider before taking any vitamins.
Be prepared for hair loss and sunburn-like skin irritation in the area being treated.
If your mouth or throat becomes dry or sore, sip cool water. Ice chips may also help.
Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:
Any chest pain
Fever of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher, or chills
Any unusual bleeding
Signs of infection around the incision (redness, drainage, warmth, pain)
Incision that opens up or pulls apart
Trouble concentrating
Ongoing fatigue
Shortness of breath
Rapid, irregular heartbeat; chest pain
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Constant feeling of being cold
New or unusual lumps, bumps, or swelling
Yellowing of the skin or eyes; light-colored stools
Persistent nausea or diarrhea
Copyright © 2017 Baylor Scott & White Health. All Rights Reserved. | 3500 Gaston Ave., Dallas, TX 75246-2017 | 1.800.4BAYLOR
Privacy and Patient Rights | Terms of Use | Notice of Non-Discrimination | Site Map | Contact Us