Seeking Advice: Pancreatic Cancer, Chemo, and Eating Challenges

Hi! Sue, I had cancer on the base of my tongue. Which means that I couldn’t eat solid foods. Everything had to be blended to be able to drink it down. Smoothies, shakes, protein drinks. The chemo treatments will diminish your appetite,making meals drinkable will help to keep up your nutrition and energy levels. Good luck! Stay strong, keep up the fight! ❤️‍🩹🙏💪

Hey Sue, I've been very fortunate that I haven't had chemo. I'm doing immunotherapy and, to my understanding, it has less severe side effects. I'm sending you strength and positive energy for your journey ahead. I hope your treatment regimen is successful. As I've seen here in several places, don't let the bad days win! Reach out whenever you're feeling down. Take good care!

Just diagnosed with anal cancer. I’m completely overwhelmed by the speed of everything being lined up. Diagnosed then next thing I know I’m having colostomy surgery. Next week treatment starts. I’m terrified of the side effects of chemo. I’m already way underweight and trying to drink protein calorie rich smoothies. But trying to eat when you aren’t even interested in food just makes this twice as hard.

Hi! Katie, your fear is normal, we all go through it. I had a similar experience. I went to urgent care for an ear ache,got antibiotics(no help) second trip I told the doctors that my lymph nodes were swollen. They never ckd them(2doctors) They said I had an inner ear infection. More antibiotics (no help) I went to a different urgent care, explained what happened, the doctor ckd my lymph nodes ears and throat. Right away he said you have a lump in your neck and it is hard. He said he wanted an ultrasound and labs, I said when? Tomorrow he said! 😰 I want to see you next week (3 days later) I want you to see an ENT. Went to the ENT he put a camera through my nose and down my throat. Fairly quickly he returned and said you have cancer! 😤 He called and got me an appointment with the radiologist and oncologist right away. They set up a date to start treatments. It was like boom, boom, boom. I had come from AZ. To Cali to help my sister who was getting out of the hospital she had been diagnosed with dementia and rectal cancer. She has hospice that helps but for the most part I have been her caregiver while going through my treatments. We never know what life is going to throw at us, you will be tested mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually . How we respond to adversity will be tested beyond anything that we have experienced before. Stay strong,positive,and determined to win! We are all here to support you! Good luck! “Don’t Let The Bad Days Win” 💪

Katie K. One thing that has helped me is journaling. It was something that I had never thought about, or considered. But it helps to get your thoughts,feelings and fears out ! 🙏

Starting treatment can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with appetite challenges that make it harder to maintain strength. Many in this community have found that small, frequent meals and focusing on nutrient-dense foods can help, along with discussing anti-nausea medications with the healthcare team. The mindfulness techniques often shared in this community may also provide comfort during this journey, and connecting with others who understand these experiences can offer valuable support and practical tips.