Claudie, managing diet following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer

Diagnosed with operable adenocarcinoma in 1996

After an operation in 1996 to remove a cyst on my liver, a small cancerous tumour was discovered on my pancreas. The tail of my pancreas was then removed as well as my spleen and part of my stomach. Luckily, the operation was a success as the tumour had not spread and consequently I did not need any further treatment.

However, due to the trauma of the operation and the consequent 're-plumbing' of my digestive system, I lost lots of weight (my weight dropped down from 53kg to 47kg). I looked and felt very ill. I was in intensive care and for about a week, I was only fed via a drip then I started drinking clear fluids such as water, black tea, squashes, and clear soup before a light diet of soft food was introduced. I was also given nutritional supplements such as Fortisip and Fortijuice to boost my calorie intake, regain my strength and put on some weight back. I was sick quite a few times but with the help of a dietitian, things got better.

When I left hospital, I was still very thin but I was recovering quickly. In fact, only 3 months after my operation I was back to work as a part- time teacher! Since I was not diabetic then, I could eat more or less anything I wanted and little by little I reached my original weight and more!!

I was in perfectly good health until August 2003 when I started feeling very tired and thirsty. A blood test revealed that I had become diabetic. Further tests indicated that a new tumour (not a metastatic cancer but another primary cancer) was in the head of the pancreas. In October 2003 I had a Whipple procedure which left me weak and again I lost lots of weight. I was back to being under 50kg again.

This time, I had to undergo chemotherapy treatment. I felt nauseous and sick at times, had a metallic taste in my mouth and lost my appetite. Because of a reduced stomach capacity, I felt full more quickly so I ate little and often, as it was advised, to make sure I got all the calories and protein I needed. I also ate food which was easily broken down and therefore easily digested, avoiding raw vegetables, onions, garlic and fatty food. Since my ability to digest was impaired, I was given pancreatic enzyme supplements (Creon) which I am still taking before each meal or snacks. The amount I take varies according to the type of food I eat but months and years of experience have helped me to get the balance right. After my surgery, like the previous time, I was given nutritional supplements in order to gain weight. I took Fortisip and Fortijuice several times a day. I preferred the juice tasting drinks as I am not a great fan of milk based products. Since these drinks can be highly sugary, my glucose level needed to be monitored closely. Once again I got better and I managed to go back to a healthy weight.

Now 15 years, 2 operations, 4 chemotherapy + 1 radiotherapy treatments later, I am still in reasonably good health and my cancer is under control. However, I have learnt a lot over this period and I believe that diet plays a significant part in recovering from cancer as well as, perhaps, preventing it. After reading the book, 'Anticancer, a new way of life' by Dr David Servan- Schreiber who is himself a cancer sufferer, I was convinced that what we eat plays an important role in our well-being. I now try to buy organic produce as often as I can to avoid any harm caused by pesticides and other chemicals on fruit, vegetables, seeds, grains etc...I know that to be 100% organic can be difficult and also quite expensive but whenever it is possible, I choose that option.

I also try to eat a varied diet of fresh fruit and vegetables (lots of them), fish (oily ones in particular), white meat, a little red meat, cereals, nuts, seeds, pulses, pasta. I drink skimmed milk or organic soya milk. I have a square or two of dark chocolate (90% cocoa content) and a small glass of red wine everyday with dinner for my intake of extra antioxidants. I also make my own soda bread which is very digestible and full of goodness. I use a mixture of seed and grain, wholemeal and spelt flours. I never buy nor eat white bread because of its high sugar content, therefore unsuitable for people with diabetes. I also try not to eat processed food.
I avoid fatty food and eat only lean meat, low fat dairy produce (yoghurt and soft red berries with a little diabetic vanilla ice-cream - delicious!- is a typical summer dessert for me and my husband who has, incidentally, benefited from my diet).

After saying that, I do not follow a 'DIET' as such. My motto is to eat most things in moderation. I do eat cakes and biscuits on occasions but I make sure to inject enough insulin and take enough enzyme supplements to avoid problems. I obviously need sugary food when I have a 'hypo'.  I usually manage my diabetes well but sometimes I slip. However, I always know why and it is never an issue. The key factor is to be adaptable and sensible and see what works best for me.

I have now regained my appetite once again. In fact, I love my food (being French, I suppose!). I enjoy looking at recipe books and create healthy meals for me and my family in order to keep my cancer under control and give my body the strength it needs to fight the disease.

August 2011