A dietitian is available to help you plan ways to meet your nutritional needs. You will need to return to the clinic or see your private doctor every three months for routine checkups. After surgery, you may have fatigue, diarrhea, weight loss, and a full feeling that does not disappear after meals. However, after a few weeks, these feelings will go away, and you will be able to return to a normal diet and routine. If a tumor has spread beyond the pancreas, surgery will not be helpful.
Some patients are able to take part in studies that test new treatments, called clinical trials .
These treatments may include new chemotherapy rugs or new combinations of different drugs. As more effective drugs become available, the treatment options for pancreatic cancer may change. Your doctor will discuss treatment options and their risks and benefits with you and your family. Ask your doctor any questions you have about the cancer or its treatment so that you will understand and feel comfortable with your treatment decision. Many people are aware of the statistics regarding life expectancy, or prognosis, for pancreatic cancer.