Loss of appetite and nausea are common symptoms of pancreatic cancer. These symptoms can also be a side effect of treatment and other prescribed medications.
Tips to help manage nausea or a loss of appetite:
- Eat small, frequent meals of easily digestible foods, such as crackers, dry toast.
- Avoid eating greasy, spicy, or very sweet foods.
- Sip slowly on water, clear juices or broths.
- Peppermint or ginger tea and hard candies can help lessen nausea and get rid of unpleasant tastes in your mouth.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid rooms that are too warm or stuffy.
- Limit your exposure to odours by removing garbage right away, or have a loved one bring you meals that were cooked elsewhere. Foods that are cold or room temperature also tend to have less odours.
Note to Caregivers: It can be difficult to see your loved one decline or struggle to finish food. They may also not be able to eat at typical meal times or join in on celebrations involving food. This can be especially challenging when your loved one is losing weight or appears low in energy. Remember to be patient and supportive. If helping with meal preparation, take note of food your loved one can tolerate and offer smaller portions.
Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy
The pancreas plays an important role in digestion. It does this by producing enzymes which break down food. Pancreatic cancer and surgery can affect this process which prevents you from getting all the nutrients from the food you eat.
Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) replaces the enzymes that your body needs to break down and digest food properly. You take PERT as capsules with your food. You should take it with most food, including meals, snacks, and milky drinks. CREON is a commonly prescribed brand in Ireland.
Other countries have experienced a significant CREON supply shortage and some patients in Ireland have experienced temporary difficulty in having their CREON prescription filled at various intervals in recent years. If your pharmacy is unable to fill your CREON prescription please inform a member of your team without delay. You may also inform us at pancreaticcancerire@gmail.com as we working with Pancreatic Cancer Europe to keep record of these supply shortages.
Type 3c Diabetes
This is a type of diabetes caused by having all or part of the pancreas removed or the pancreas being damaged. People with Type 3c diabetes produce less of all the hormones from the pancreas, including insulin and glucagon. This is typically treated with insulin or with tablets used to increase insulin production.
Sign of Type 3c Diabetes can include:Unintentional weight loss
- Stomach pain
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Frequently passing wind
- Diarrhoea
- Fatty or oily stools
- Hypoglycaemia, also called low blood sugar
Speak to your doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms.