Life After Pancreatic Cancer: How To Move Forward

March 6, 2024

Precede Foundation

Surviving pancreatic cancer is a monumental achievement. With survival rates improving, albeit slowly, more individuals are living beyond this diagnosis. However, the journey doesn’t end with remission; in many ways, it just begins. The transition from being a patient to a survivor brings its own set of challenges and adjustments. Physical recovery, emotional well-being, lifestyle changes, and long-term health management are crucial components of this new phase.

This blog aims to guide survivors through these aspects, providing practical advice, support, and inspiration to help you move forward confidently and healthily.

Physical Recovery and Health Management

Regular Medical Follow-Ups

Post-treatment, regular medical follow-ups are crucial. These check-ups typically include blood tests, imaging scans, and physical exams to monitor for recurrence and manage any ongoing side effects. The frequency of these visits may decrease over time, but their importance remains significant throughout your life.

Establishing a strong relationship with your healthcare team is essential. This includes not just your oncologist, but also your primary care physician, nutritionist, and any other specialists involved in your care. Prepare questions in advance, bring a list of symptoms or side effects, and be proactive in discussing your concerns. It’s also helpful to keep a journal of any new symptoms or changes in your health, as this can provide valuable information to your healthcare team. These follow-ups are not only a chance to monitor your health but also an opportunity to receive reassurance and support. Regular interaction with your healthcare team helps ensure that any potential issues are caught early, which can significantly impact your long-term prognosis. Additionally, these visits can provide emotional comfort, as regular check-ups can help alleviate the anxiety many survivors feel about the possibility of recurrence.

Managing Side Effects

Survivors often face lingering side effects from treatment, such as fatigue, digestive issues, and pain. Managing these effectively requires a combination of medical intervention and lifestyle changes. Fatigue can be addressed through a balanced approach of rest and gentle exercise. Digestive issues are common due to the pancreas’s role in digestion, it may require dietary adjustments and medications.

Specialized help is essential if you encounter severe or persistent side effects. Consult your healthcare provider for a customized plan and don’t hesitate to seek referrals to specialists, such as gastroenterologists, pain management experts or mental health professionals. Specialized rehabilitation services can also assist with physical and occupational therapy to address mobility issues and improve overall function.

Nutrition and Diet

Nutrition is crucial for recovery. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains supports overall health and helps manage digestive issues. Small, frequent meals can be easier to digest and help maintain energy levels. Consider consulting a dietitian who specializes in cancer recovery to create a personalized nutrition plan. Staying hydrated is equally important, especially if you’re dealing with digestive side effects.

Limiting processed foods, which are often high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives, is beneficial. Instead, focus on whole, unprocessed foods that provide natural nutrients. Cooking at home lets you choose ingredients and make healthier meals. Cooking and meal prepping can be therapeutic and help ensure you have healthy meals readily available. Consider preparing larger batches of food and freezing portions for days when you’re too tired to cook. Easy-to-prepare options like smoothies, soups, and salads can be both nutritious and convenient.

Emotional and Mental Health

Coping with Emotional Aftermath

The emotional impact of surviving cancer can be profound, often leading to anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recognizing these feelings is the first step to managing them. Professional therapy or counseling can provide a safe space to process these emotions and develop coping strategies. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and yoga, can also help reduce anxiety and promote mental well-being.

Support Networks

Building a strong support network is invaluable. Family and friends can offer emotional support, but connecting with others who have faced similar challenges can be particularly empowering. Support groups, both in-person and online, provide a platform to share experiences and gain insights. Many survivors find comfort in knowing they are not alone and can draw strength from the community. Participating in these groups can also provide practical advice on managing life after cancer.

Lifestyle Adjustments and New Beginnings

Physical Activity and Exercise

Regular physical activity is beneficial for cancer survivors, enhancing physical strength, reducing fatigue, and improving mood. Start with low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming or yoga and gradually increase the intensity as your stamina improves. Aim for at least 2-3 hours of moderate exercise per week, as recommended by health experts. Always consult your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen to ensure it’s safe for your specific condition.

Returning to Work

Deciding when and how to return to work can be challenging. Communicate openly with your employer about your needs and any accommodations that may be necessary, such as flexible hours or a modified workload. It’s important to ease back into your routine gradually, allowing your body and mind time to adjust. Balancing work with health priorities might require some trial and error, so be patient with yourself and seek support from colleagues or vocational counselors if needed.

Rediscovering Hobbies and Interests

Engaging in hobbies and activities you enjoy can significantly improve your quality of life. Whether it’s gardening, painting, reading or any other interest, these activities provide a sense of purpose and joy. Trying new hobbies can also be a rewarding way to discover new passions and skills. Staying motivated can be challenging, especially if you’re dealing with fatigue or other side effects, but setting small, achievable goals can help maintain momentum and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Long-Term Health and Wellbeing

Preventative Healthcare

Taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of recurrence is essential. Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol. Regular screenings and health check-ups are vital, even if you feel well. These preventative measures can help detect any issues early and provide peace of mind.

Setting Future Goals

Setting goals, both personal and professional, can give you direction and motivation. Start with small, attainable goals to build confidence and gradually set more ambitious ones. Whether it’s completing a marathon, learning a new skill or traveling to a new destination, having goals to strive for can be incredibly fulfilling. Celebrate each achievement, no matter how small, as a testament to your resilience and strength.

Surviving pancreatic cancer marks the beginning of a new chapter. By focusing on physical recovery, emotional well-being, lifestyle adjustments, and long-term health, you can move forward with confidence and hope. Life after cancer is a journey and it’s important to take it one step at a time. Surround yourself with supportive people, seek professional help when needed, and take proactive steps to maintain your health.

Giving is not just about making a donation, it’s about making a difference. Join us in our mission and donate today to advance the early detection of pancreatic cancer and save lives. Visit www.trovanow.com to learn how you can get involved and donate today.

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.

Life After Pancreatic Cancer: How To Move Forward

Physical Recovery and Health Management

Regular Medical Follow-Ups

Managing Side Effects

Nutrition and Diet

Emotional and Mental Health

Coping with Emotional Aftermath

Support Networks

Lifestyle Adjustments and New Beginnings

Physical Activity and Exercise

Returning to Work

Rediscovering Hobbies and Interests