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Whether you're a newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer patient, a survivor, or a friend or relative of someone with pancreatic cancer, this book offers help. The only text to provide a doctor's and patien

Foreword

v

Introduction

vii

Part 1: The Basics

1

(12)

Questions 1-10 cover the background topics in pancreatic cancer, including:

What is cancer?

Where is the pancreas gland located?

What does the pancreas gland do?

Are there different types of pancreatic cancer?

Part 2: Diagnosis and Staging

13

(8)

Questions 11-15 cover the process of diagnosing and staging pancreatic cancer:

What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

What is a pathology report, and what information should I learn from it?

What is cancer staging, and why is it important?

Part 3: Treatment

21

(40)

Questions 16-52 describe the various forms of treatment for pancreatic cancer:

What are the different types of treatment used to treat pancreatic cancer?

What is a "Whipple" operation? What are some of the expected side effects of surgery?

What is performance status and how does that influence my treatment choice?

Why is surgery an option for some people and not others with this cancer?

Part 4: Managing Your Treatment

61

(14)

Questions 53-59 discuss ways in which you can get the information that you need to make the right decisions:

How can I get a second opinion about my treatment?

How do I decide whether I should use one of the complementary or alternative

therapies that my family or friends are recommending?

So much information is available on the Internet. How do I evaluate this information to be sure that it is complete, accurate, and up-to-date?

Part 5: Changes Cancer Brings

75

(38)

Questions 60-77 describe some of the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that people with pancreatic cancer might face. This includes a section for family and friends of cancer patients:

I feel so overwhelmed by all of the information that I am getting. How do I make decisions about my treatment?

What can I do to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting related to my chemotherapy or radiation therapy?

I was told that chemotherapy may cause a drop in my blood counts. What does this mean?

I have difficulty sleeping at night. What can I do to sleep better and feel more rested?

Will I have pain? What options are available for treating my pain?

I never feel hungry and am concerned about losing weight. What can I do to increase my appetite and maintain my weight?

Part 6: Emotional and Social Concerns

113

(42)

Questions 78-100 describe some common concerns of cancer patients and their loved ones:

How do I tell my family and friends that I have cancer of the pancreas?

Are there support groups where I can talk with other patients going through the same thing that I am?

Should I work during my treatment?

How do we manage the financial burdens that cancer places on our family?

For Family and Friends

How can I help?

What is the right thing to say?

Changes in Treatment

I have completed treatment and my doctor tells me that there is currently no evidence of cancer. What comes next?

How does my doctor evaluate if my treatment is working? What if my treatment doesn't work?

Preparing for the End of Life

What is hospice? How can I find a hospice if I need one?

What are advance directives? How can I be sure my wishes are known?

Appendix

155

(12)

The appendix is a list of web sites, organizations, and literature to help pancreatic cancer patients and their families find additional resources on general and specific topics related to pancreatic cancer.

Glossary

167

(4)

Index

171

What is included with this book?

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.