Living with pancreatic cancer

Adjusting to life with pancreatic cancer

Life after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer can present many challenges. It is important to allow yourself time to adjust to the physical and emotional changes. Establish a new daily routine that suits you and the symptoms you’re coping with. Your family and friends may also need time adjust.

For some people, the cancer goes away with treatment. Other people have to manage symptoms. You are likely to feel a range of emotions about having pancreatic cancer. Talk to your treatment team if you are finding it hard to manage your emotions. Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 can also provide you with some strategies for coping with the emotional and practical aspects of living with pancreatic cancer.

Dealing with feelings of sadness

If you have continued feelings of sadness, have trouble getting up in the morning or have lost motivation to do things that previously gave you pleasure, you may be experiencing depression. This is quite common among people who have cancer.

Talk to your GP, because counselling or medication – even for a short time – may help. Some people can get a Medicare rebate for sessions with a psychologist. Cancer Council may also run a counselling program in your area.

For information about coping with depression and anxiety, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. For 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

When the cancer is advanced

If you are told that you have advanced pancreatic cancer, it may bring up different emotions and reactions. You may not know what to say or think; you may feel sadness, anger, disbelief or fear.

There is no right or wrong way to react. Give yourself time to take in what is happening and accept that some days will be easier than others.

Many people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer think about what will happen to them if or when the disease progresses. You may question how much more time you have to live and begin going over your life and what it has meant for you. These thoughts are natural in this situation.

You might find it helpful to talk to your GP and the palliative care team about what you are going through.

In addition to the palliative care doctors and nurses, the specialist palliative care team may include a social worker, counsellor or spiritual care practitioner (pastoral carer). They can explain what to expect and how any symptoms will be managed.

If you are not already in contact with a palliative care service, talk to your cancer specialist about a referral.

For more on this, see Living with advanced cancer and Palliative care.