Pancreatic cancer treatment is complex and often involves a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and a demanding recovery. At the Hirshberg Foundation’s 20th Annual Symposium, Barbara Jagels, RN, MHA, CPHQ, Executive Director of Cancer Services at UCLA Health, shared practical, compassionate guidance to help patients and caregivers prepare for treatment and navigate recovery with greater confidence.
Her message was: the road through treatment can be challenging, but the right preparation, support, and expectations make a meaningful difference. Below we share the tools to help you or your loved one prepare.
Build Your Treatment Plan and Care Team
Every patient’s journey begins with a personalized treatment plan, that may include surgery, systemic therapy (such as chemotherapy), or both. The team that surrounds and supports the patient is just as important as the clinical plan.
Jagels emphasized the need to build a strong support system of family, friends, and caregivers alongside your medical team. Patients are encouraged to connect early with care coordinators, nutritionists, and physical therapists who play a vital role in both preparation and recovery.
Nutrition: A Cornerstone of Recovery
One of the most critical – and often underestimated – aspects of pancreatic cancer recovery is nutrition.
The pancreas plays a key role in digestion by producing digestive enzymes and secreting hormones that regulate blood sugar levels. Surgery can significantly affect how the pancreas functions, leading to Type 3c diabetes and altering how the body processes food, especially fats. Jagels recommends:
- Eating small, frequent meals (5–6 per day)
- Prioritizing high-protein foods to support healing
- Introducing healthy fats gradually while avoiding greasy foods early on
- Staying hydrated, even when appetite is low
Some patients may require pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), such as Creon, to help with digestion.
Patients and caregivers should also watch for warning signs such as unexpected weight loss, oily stools, or loss of appetite, which may signal the need to adjust supplements or indicate malabsorption.
Manage Blood Sugar and Pain
The pancreas regulates insulin and treatment can affect blood sugar levels. Some patients may develop temporary or permanent diabetes following surgery. Monitoring glucose levels and following a balanced diet low in simple sugars are essential.
Pain management is another key component of recovery that requires a proactive, thoughtful approach. Rather than waiting for the pain to escalate, be sure to stay ahead of pain by taking medications as prescribed. As recovery progresses, many patients are able to gradually transition from opioid to non-opioid options.
Equally important is managing the side effects that often come with pain medication. Constipation is one of the most common challenges, particularly with opioid use. Increased fluids, incorporating fiber when appropriate, and using stool softeners if recommended can help prevent discomfort and complications. Short walks and gentle movement can also improve circulation and “get things moving.”
Ultimately, effective pain management is about balance, relieving discomfort while supporting the body’s natural healing process. Open communication with the care team is essential. With the right plan in place, pain can be controlled so patients can focus more fully on recovery and regaining strength.
Support Digestive Healing
Healing takes time, especially for the digestive system. In the weeks after surgery, patients may experience bloating, diarrhea, or delayed stomach emptying. These symptoms can be discouraging, but they’re a normal part of the digestive system relearning how to work.
Helpful strategies include:
- Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly
- Adjusting fiber intake if bloating occurs
- Avoiding alcohol during recovery
These small, consistent habits can help ease discomfort and support gradual healing. If symptoms persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to call your care team. Adjustments are common as you and your body learn to navigate your new digestive tract.
The Emotional Side of Recovery
Recovery is not just physical, it’s emotional, too. Fatigue, mood changes, and stress are common. Feeling frustrated, anxious, or even grieving the life you had before surgery is normal, and part of healing.
Jagels encourages patients to actively use their support systems, whether through caregivers, counseling, or support groups. Engaging with others who understand the journey can improve emotional well-being and overall outcomes.
What to Expect: Week-by-Week Recovery
Understanding the typical recovery timeline can help patients feel more prepared and reassured about what’s common:
- Week 1: Focus on regaining independence, walking regularly, tolerating food, and managing pain with oral medications.
- Week 2: Often the most difficult week, with fatigue, appetite challenges, and digestive symptoms. Small meals and light activity are key.
- Week 3: A turning point for many, with improving appetite and increased activity.
- Week 4: Gradual return to daily routines, with continued focus on nutrition and energy rebuilding.
While these milestones provide guidance, Jagels reminds patients that recovery is not linear and that setbacks are normal.
What Patients Often Underestimate
There are a few things about recovery that are easy to underestimate going in:
- Fatigue can last for months, not just weeks
- Nutrition may be more difficult to manage than pain
- Recovery includes ups and downs, it’s not a straight path
Recognizing these realities early can help set more realistic expectations and reduce frustration. Pancreatic surgery recovery is genuinely hard, and giving yourself permission to find it difficult is part of getting through it.
Move Forward with Confidence
Recovery is challenging, but it is manageable with the right tools and support. By prioritizing nutrition, staying active at a gradual pace, managing symptoms proactively, and relying on a strong support system, patients can navigate treatment more effectively and move toward healing with greater resilience.
You don’t have to carry all of this on your own. The Hirshberg Foundation is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us to find the support you need.
