Supportive Care for Pancreatic Cancer

How can supportive care help me?

Supportive care makes it a little easier to move forward with pancreatic cancer treatment and recovery by:

• Controlling pain and discomfort
• Helping you cope with emotional challenges
• Navigating practical matters, like whether you can continue working
• Managing lifestyle changes, such as rest breaks throughout the day
• Planning for your future health needs

Supportive care for pancreatic cancer at Henry Ford

Supportive care includes a broad range of services from highly skilled doctors, therapists and other team members. Our deep experience, along with a genuine concern for you as an individual, helps you get the most out of your care.

Highlights of our program include:

• Personalized care: We regularly assess your needs, so you receive the supportive services that are right for you. Mental health professionals can help you cope with the shock of a cancer diagnosis. Prompt care for side effects and complications can help you stay well enough to continue treatment.
• Timely access: Chemotherapy and radiation oncology treatments often come with side effects, like vomiting, that can slow your recovery. Our OncoStat clinic makes it easier to access therapies, such as intravenous (IV) hydration, to help you feel better. Services are available through same-day appointments on weekdays and virtual visits as necessary.
• Emotional support: Our team includes cancer psychologists, social workers and nurse navigators who help ease the burden of pancreatic cancer on your life. We are here for you with encouragement, answers to questions and referrals to helpful resources. You may also benefit from participating in Henry Ford’s cancer support groups and classes.
• Family-centered services: A pancreatic cancer diagnosis can impact the entire family, which is why we offer services for family caregivers. Our cancer caregiver services include resources and helpful tips that help you and your loved one make good care decisions.
• Healthy living: Gentle exercise can improve your physical and mental health. Henry Ford makes it easy to get moving with our exercise and cancer integrative therapy education (ExCITE) program. For a small fee, you receive personalized exercise recommendations and access to Henry Ford fitness facilities.

Services and therapies that help you reclaim wellness

Offerings that make life a little easier when you’re living with pancreatic cancer include:

• Cancer nutrition: Registered dietitians specializing in cancer care help you get the nutrients you need even if you do not feel like eating.
• Cancer rehabilitation: Compassionate therapists help you regain strength and maximize your ability to perform daily activities.
• Integrative medicine for cancer patients: Skilled practitioners deliver complementary therapies, including acupuncture and massage therapy, to promote healing.
• Palliative care: Palliative medicine specialists deliver treatments for pain and other symptoms. They also provide guidance to help you make important care decisions.
• Psycho-oncology: Experienced psychologists and nurse practitioners help you cope with the behavioral, emotional and social effects of pancreatic cancer.

Services that help you achieve long-term health goals

We offer services that help you live life to the fullest after treatment, including:

• Fertility preservation: Cancer and certain treatments can affect your ability to conceive. We offer pre-treatment services for men and women that can help you start a family when the time is right.
• Genetic counseling: Having pancreatic cancer can raise your risk for a future cancer diagnosis. This service helps you learn more about your risk of cancers that are passed down in families.
• Survivorship: As you approach the end of cancer treatment, we develop a personalized plan to help you stay healthy. This plan includes a schedule for screenings and follow-up visits as well as referrals to specialists.