Tips For Pancreatic Cancer Patients To Stay Healthy And Active

June 18, 2024

Precede Foundation

Pancreatic cancer is a challenging diagnosis, impacting patients’ health and overall wellbeing. It brings physical and emotional hurdles that can make everyday activities difficult. Despite these challenges, maintaining health and staying active are crucial for improving quality of life and managing symptoms. Engaging in healthy habits can help boost energy levels, enhance mood, and support the body during treatment. This blog provides thorough tips to help pancreatic cancer patients navigate their journey with practical advice on nutrition, physical activity, and overall well-being, enabling them to take an active role in their health and recovery.

Nutritional Tips for Pancreatic Cancer Patients

Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of the pancreas, a vital organ for digestion and blood sugar regulation. Common symptoms include jaundice, weight loss, abdominal pain, and digestive issues. Diagnosing pancreatic cancer typically involves imaging tests, blood tests, and biopsies. Treatment options vary depending on the stage of the disease but often include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. Understanding these basics equips patients and caregivers to make thoughtful decisions about health and lifestyle adjustments. Maintaining a balanced diet is essential for pancreatic cancer patients, as it supports overall health and helps manage treatment side effects. Consider these essential nutritional tips:

Balanced Diet Importance

Proper nutrition provides the necessary nutrients to maintain energy levels, support the immune system, and promote healing – helping the body repair and recover. Additionally, a well-planned diet can alleviate some of the digestive issues and nutritional deficiencies that may arise during treatment. Eating lots of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains is good for you.

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods can be difficult to digest and exacerbate symptoms. It’s essential to be mindful of fatty foods such as fried foods, high-fat meats, and creamy sauces, which can be hard to digest and may cause discomfort. Sugary foods like sweets and sugary drinks can lead to blood sugar spikes, potentially worsening fatigue and nausea. Spicy and acidic foods can irritate the digestive tract and increase discomfort, particularly for those experiencing gastrointestinal issues.

Hydration

Staying hydrated is crucial, especially if experiencing diarrhea or vomiting due to pancreatic cancer or its treatments. Adequate hydration helps maintain fluid balance, supports digestion, and promotes overall well-being. Water, herbal teas, and clear broths are excellent choices to stay hydrated. Additionally, electrolyte drinks can help replenish lost minerals and maintain electrolyte balance, which is essential for preventing dehydration and supporting recovery.

Physical Activity Recommendations

Regular physical activity offers numerous benefits, including improved mood, increased energy levels, and better overall health. Exercise can help reduce fatigue, enhance physical function, and improve mental health. It can also support the body’s ability to handle treatments better.

Types of Suitable Exercises

Walking is a simple and flexible activity that can be adjusted to any fitness level, while swimming, gentle on the joints and muscles, serves as an excellent low-impact exercise; yoga focuses on gentle stretching and mindfulness, promoting relaxation and flexibility, and stretching keeps muscles limber and helps prevent stiffness.

Creating a Routine

Developing a consistent exercise routine can be beneficial. Begin with small, achievable goals and slowly increase your activity level over time. Aim for at least 2-3 hours of moderate-intensity exercise per week, but listen to your body and adjust as needed.

Listening to Your Body

Listening to your body’s signals is crucial in managing pancreatic cancer. It’s important to pay attention to cues of fatigue or pain and prioritize rest when needed. Avoid pushing through severe discomfort, as this can exacerbate symptoms and hinder recovery. Balancing activity with adequate rest and recovery time is essential for maintaining energy levels and overall well-being during treatment. Taking breaks when necessary allows the body to recuperate and supports a more sustainable approach to physical activity.

Managing Side Effects and Symptoms

Pancreatic cancer treatment often comes with challenging side effects. Patients may experience fatigue, nausea, pain, digestive issues, and loss of appetite. Here are practical strategies to manage them:

Coping Strategies

Coping strategies for managing pancreatic cancer include eating smaller, frequent meals to manage nausea and maintain energy levels, practicing relaxation techniques such as deep-breathing exercises, meditation, and gentle massages to alleviate pain and reduce stress, and ensuring hydration and electrolyte balance to manage fatigue and digestive issues.

Medical Advice

Always consult healthcare providers for personalized advice and plans, as they can offer medications and strategies designed for your specific needs. Healthcare professionals can provide guidance on symptom management, treatment adjustments, and supportive care to optimize quality of life during treatment.

Mental and Emotional Well-being

The psychological impact of pancreatic cancer is significant. Addressing mental and emotional health is as important as physical health.

Psychological Impact

Feelings of anxiety, depression, and fear are common. Acknowledging these emotions and seeking support can help manage them.

Support Systems

A strong support network is essential. Family, friends, and support groups offer both emotional support and practical help. Sharing experiences with others in similar situations can be particularly comforting.

Stress-Relief Techniques

Stress-relief techniques for managing pancreatic cancer include practices like meditation and mindfulness, which help reduce stress and promote calmness, engaging in enjoyable hobbies and interests for distraction and joy, and seeking support from mental health professionals such as therapists or counselors, which can be beneficial for emotional well-being.

Tips for Caregivers

Caregivers provide essential physical, emotional, and logistical support. Their involvement is crucial in the patient’s care journey.

Encouraging and assisting patients in following their nutritional and exercise plans can significantly impact their health. Preparing healthy meals, participating in exercise routines, and offering emotional support are practical ways to help.

Caregivers must also look after their own health. Taking breaks, seeking support from others, and engaging in self-care activities are vital to avoid burnout and maintain the ability to care for their loved ones.

Staying healthy and active while managing pancreatic cancer is challenging but achievable with the right strategies. Balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and addressing mental well-being are key components. Caregivers play a crucial role and need to ensure they take care of themselves too. Remember, every step towards wellness counts, and with support from loved ones and healthcare professionals, it becomes easier to navigate this journey.

Join us in our mission to advance the early detection of pancreatic cancer and save lives. Explore www.trovanow.com to discover ways you can contribute and donate today. Your contribution can significantly impact the lives of pancreatic cancer patients and their families, providing hope and support for a brighter future.

Knowing When To Ask For Help

There’s strength in recognizing when you need additional support. If you’re feeling consistently overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, it may be time to speak with a healthcare professional. Warning signs can include ongoing sleep trouble, loss of appetite, or emotional numbness.

Mental health care is an important part of cancer recovery. There are therapists, social workers, and cancer-specific counselors trained to support your unique needs. Don’t hesitate to seek them out.

Your medical team can help adjust medications or recommend physical therapy if your symptoms are impacting your daily life. Being honest about your struggles allows your care providers to offer better, more personalized support.

The path to recovery from pancreatic cancer is rarely straightforward. It’s a mix of triumphs and setbacks, strength and vulnerability. But through each high and low, healing is happening. Be gentle with yourself. Allow space for rest, reflection, and growth.

You don’t have to go through this journey alone. With the right support, emotional, physical, and practical, you can move forward, one step at a time. And remember, every day you show up for yourself is a victory.

At TrovaNOW, we’re focused on finding a cure for pancreatic cancer. Every test and discovery brings us closer to better treatments and saving lives. Join us and learn more at TrovaNOW.

PRECEDE Foundation Inaugural Gala

Join us for a night at the Tribeca Rooftop 360 on October 28th at 3:00pm PDT to honor the following awards:

Nobility in Science Award

Raymond C. Wadlow, MD

Catalyst for Change Award

Ambry Genetics Corporation

Legacy Awards

Jeffrey Johnson, Esq.

Jonathan Morris, Esq.

PRECEDE Leadership and Compassionate Care Award

Jessica Everett, MS, CGC

Co-Chairs

Scott Berger | Michael Gershenson | Tracy Chen

Honorary Chairs

Diane Simeone, MD | Jamie Brickell

Get tickets here.

A Long and Steadfast Battle Against a Terrible Cancer

Raymond Wadlow lost his mom, Emily Couric, to pancreatic cancer in 2001. Today he’s an oncologist pushing for early detection.

Why Building Muscle Matters (Strength Training After Cancer Treatment)

Cancer treatment is an incredibly challenging journey, often leaving survivors physically and emotionally drained. While survival is the primary goal, the road to recovery requires more than just healing from the illness itself, it requires rebuilding strength and endurance. One of the most effective ways to regain strength and improve quality of life after treatment is through strength training.

In this blog, we’ll explore why building muscle matters after cancer treatment, how strength training supports recovery, and why it’s important to include physical activity in a full recovery plan.

The Importance of Muscle Health in Cancer Recovery

During cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy and radiation, the body goes through a variety of changes, including significant muscle loss. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, and a decrease in overall functional capacity. Survivors may also experience joint pain, decreased bone density, and difficulty with mobility. When muscles are weakened, it becomes more difficult to perform everyday tasks, affecting the ability to return to normal life.

Muscle health is crucial for maintaining daily functioning, increasing stamina, and improving the body’s ability to heal. Building muscle after cancer treatment can help counteract the physical decline caused by treatments, reduce fatigue, and increase energy levels. Strong muscles are also important for stability, balance, and preventing falls or injuries, which can be especially crucial as the body regains strength.

Benefits of Strength Training After Cancer Treatment

Physical Benefits

Strength training is an excellent way to rebuild muscle mass lost during cancer treatment. By focusing on resistance exercises that challenge the muscles, you can restore strength and regain physical independence. Whether through bodyweight exercises, free weights, or resistance bands, strength training helps increase muscle mass, boost stamina, and promote flexibility.

It also improves bone density, which is particularly important for cancer survivors who may be at risk of osteoporosis due to treatments like chemotherapy and hormone therapy. As you build muscle, you reduce the risk of bone fractures and improve posture and stability.

Mental and Emotional Benefits

Physical activity, especially strength training, has significant mental health benefits. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that help reduce anxiety and depression. Cancer survivors often experience feelings of helplessness and loss of control. Strength training helps you regain control over your body, build confidence, and feel accomplished.

Strength training offers mental benefits like improved mood and focus. Research shows that regular exercise can also help manage the cognitive effects of cancer treatment, such as “chemo brain,” which can cause memory issues, difficulty concentrating, and brain fog. Strength training can improve cognitive function, helping survivors feel more mentally sharp and focused.

Long-Term Health Benefits

Strength training can help prevent long-term complications of cancer treatment. Conditions such as sarcopenia (muscle wasting) and metabolic syndrome, which involves high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels, are common among cancer survivors. Building muscle through strength training can help manage these conditions and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Muscle health supports overall immune function and metabolism. Strong muscles help regulate blood sugar levels, enhance circulation, and improve the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, critical for recovery and long-term health.

The Science Behind Strength Training for Cancer Survivors

Strength training works by creating small tears in muscle fibers, which, when repaired, become stronger over time. After cancer treatment, the body may be in a weakened state, but through consistent resistance training, it begins to rebuild muscle tissue. This process is essential for improving muscle mass and overall body strength.

Strength training promotes hormone regulation, which can be disrupted by cancer treatments. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy often interfere with estrogen and testosterone levels. Regular strength training helps balance these hormones, which can improve mood, energy levels, and general well-being.

Studies have shown that strength training can help cancer survivors reduce fatigue, improve cardiovascular health, and maintain a healthy weight. This holistic approach is vital to fully recovering from the effects of cancer treatment and returning to a normal, active lifestyle.

Key Considerations When Starting Strength Training Post-Treatment

Starting strength training after cancer treatment should be approached with care. The body may be more sensitive and vulnerable in the recovery phase, so it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider or physical therapist before beginning an exercise program.

Start Slow and Progress Gradually: Don’t jump into intense workouts right away. Begin with low-impact exercises that focus on mobility, flexibility, and core strength. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as your body adapts. Listen to your body, rest when needed, and avoid pushing too hard.
Focus on Recovery and Balance: Incorporating rest days into your routine is just as important as training days. Overtraining can lead to injury or burnout, so make sure you balance strength training with adequate recovery. This includes prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and hydration as part of your overall fitness plan.
Adapt Exercises to Your Body’s Needs: Cancer treatment can result in lingering side effects like joint pain, fatigue, and reduced range of motion. Modify exercises to accommodate these challenges. Resistance bands and light weights can be excellent starting points for those who need to ease into strength training.

Effective Strength Training Exercises for Cancer Survivors

Cancer survivors can begin their strength training journey with simple, low-impact exercises that target the major muscle groups. Here are some effective exercises to get started:

Bodyweight Squats: Squats are a great full-body exercise that targets the legs, glutes, and core. Start by performing shallow squats and gradually increase the depth as you build strength.
Wall Push-ups: Wall push-ups are an excellent way to build upper body strength without straining the shoulders or wrists. As you gain strength, progress to standard push-ups or modified knee push-ups.
Resistance Band Exercises: Resistance bands are perfect for adding gentle resistance to exercises like bicep curls, shoulder presses, and leg extensions. They provide controlled resistance that’s easier on the joints.
Dumbbell Exercises: Once you’ve built up some strength, you can incorporate light dumbbells for exercises like lunges, chest presses, and rows to continue building muscle.
Core Workouts: Strengthening your core is essential for improving balance and stability. Exercises like planks, bird dogs, and leg raises are great for building a solid foundation of strength.

Building a Strength Training Routine

Creating a strength training routine that fits your needs is essential for long-term success. Here are some tips for creating a sustainable workout plan:

Frequency: Aim for two to three strength training sessions per week, spaced out to allow for adequate recovery.
Duration: Start with 20-30 minute sessions and gradually increase the time as your body becomes more accustomed to the routine.
Progression: Increase the resistance, repetitions, or sets as you build strength. A good rule of thumb is to challenge your muscles without overexerting yourself.
Consistency: Make strength training a regular part of your life, but be patient with the process. Progress may be slow, but every step forward is a victory.

Building muscle after cancer treatment is a powerful tool in the recovery process. Strength training not only helps rebuild muscle mass and physical strength, but it also provides emotional and mental benefits that can enhance overall well-being. By embracing a thoughtful, gradual approach to strength training, cancer survivors can regain control of their bodies, improve their health, and achieve a higher quality of life. Remember, consistency is key, strength comes over time.

In 2025, TrovaNow is expanding its impact—with a 40% increase in fundraising goals and more research sites dedicated to supporting cancer recovery. Visit www.trovanow.com to see how you can get involved and donate today.

Tips For Pancreatic Cancer Patients To Stay Healthy And Active

Nutritional Tips for Pancreatic Cancer Patients

Balanced Diet Importance

Foods to Avoid

Hydration

Physical Activity Recommendations

Types of Suitable Exercises

Creating a Routine

Listening to Your Body

Managing Side Effects and Symptoms

Coping Strategies

Medical Advice