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Whipple procedure and follow up chemo

Pancreatic Cancer | Last Active: Dec 18, 2022 | Replies (71)

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@susandc

Good to have "company" in other folks dealing with pancreatic CA. I started this journey The first of this year. Have chemo every other week and since I'm stage 4 we are not currently considering Whipple. I read that it can take a full year to recover from that surgery so maybe I don't really want to go down that road! I take CREON but knowing how much I have to take with what type of meal is a constant learning. I was eating very little meat before my diagnosis (vegetable-based diet) but my protein is low so I've been eating more meat. I cant do pork in any form, beef only if slow cooked like Swiss steak or stew, and dairy sometimes really bothers me. Small meals, lots of fluids, and remembering to take enough CREON have been key. I am watching the high glycemic index food like white rice and white bread, but then those digest easier when the diarrhea flare, so it's all a balancing act. its so comforting to hear from someone 5years out from diagnosis. Sometimes when I tell people I have pancreatic cancer they start crying. I guess because prognosis is known to be poor. It doesn't help!

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Replies to "Good to have "company" in other folks dealing with pancreatic CA. I started this journey The..."

Since protein is important for healing and maintenance I wonder if there are protein drinks to supplement your diet? Years ago when I was on chemo for breast cancer I didn’t feel like eating meats- mostly breads, pasta and hot dogs! Nowadays there must be nutritionists that can advice- I hope.

Hi Susan,
Creon takes a long time to figure out! I also take one at night before bed and it seems to help, but everyone is different. I recently started eating plant based cheeses so no dairy in them. Try a few of them to see if you like them. Try sweet potatoes and other potatoes as well. I roast garlic and will mash it with the potatoes - it’s good! I have an instant pot and also make a vegetarian chili with beans, mushrooms, sweet potatoes and quinoa. Try making quinoa and lentils on their own or with cooked vegetables. If you can handle avocado try a quarter of one at a time. Remember if something doesn’t sound or look good don’t eat it! Oh, and if can handle nuts - walnuts, cashews and hazelnuts are all good too!