During radiation therapy patients are likely to become very tired, especially in the later weeks of treatment. Radiation therapy to the pancreas and nearby tissues and organs may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or problems with digestion. Usually, the doctor can suggest certain diet changes or medicine to treat or control these problems. In most cases, side effects go away when treatment is over. Unlike surgery and radiation therapy, chemotherapy is a systemic therapy, meaning it travels through the blood stream, reaching all parts of the body.
Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer drugs given intravenously or taken by mouth.
Chemotherapy drugs affect rapidly dividing cells like cancer cells. But since the medication travels throughout the body, other cells of the body that divide rapidly like blood cells, cells in hair roots and cells that line the digestive tract are affected as well. This web site is an informational service and is not intended to replace your doctor.