How long you spend in hospital will depend on how well you recover and whether you can eat and drink normally.
You may worry about going home after having lots of support in the hospital, but you will be given the details of someone to contact if there’s a problem. This is usually a specialist nurse.
What support will I need at home?
When you first go home you’ll need to take things easy as you will get tired. You will need help with things such as shopping, cooking and cleaning. Before your operation it’s worth asking family and friends if they can help.
Gradually increase what you do and make sure that you move around during the day – even if it’s just around the house to begin with. This can help with your recovery and reduce the risk of blood clots. You should find that you start to feel stronger and more active each week.
If you need some extra help at home, tell your nurse. They should be able to arrange for social services to look at what help you need. It’s best if this can be arranged before you leave hospital. Most people manage well at home and don’t need extra help.
Longer-term recovery
Coming to terms with changes to your body such as scars and weight loss can take time. Be aware that once the wound has completely healed the scar will gradually fade.
Talk to your nurse or medical team if you have any questions or worries about any changes to your body. Make sure you ask them about any problems with eating and weight loss. You might also find it helpful to talk to others affected by pancreatic cancer. Macmillan Cancer Support have information about body image and cancer.