, pancreatic cancer patients should work closely with their 

. Among the points to discuss are: goals of treatment, 

, potential side effects and length of treatment. The healthcare team is critical in making these decisions, but the patient should also be at the forefront, working with their doctor to develop a treatment plan that suits their individual needs.

, director of Patient Services at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), said that while patients may feel a sense of urgency in making a treatment decision, it’s important for patients to assess their own feelings about their goals for treatment.

“Every patient should feel comfortable discussing treatment options with their healthcare team, and the patient should take an active role in the discussion. It’s also OK for the patient to initiate the discussion with their doctor. Open communication with their healthcare team is crucial.”

Here’s what to know when considering your treatment plan:

Remember that you are your own best advocate. PanCAN strongly recommends that you discuss your treatment goals with your healthcare team and know all your options at every stage of your disease.

Think about what your treatment goals are and discuss them with your doctor. For example, are you looking to the treatment to prolong your life, no matter the side effects? To help you remain comfortable or avoid side effects?

Consider how much information you would like to know about your diagnosis and/or treatment plan and if you would like to designate someone to maintain detailed information about your care.

Conversations about the goals of treatment should be part of an ongoing dialogue with caregivers and/or family members, as well as other members of the healthcare team. It may also be helpful to discuss the topic with a social worker or other professional counselor, since emotional concerns may play a role.

Know that you should feel comfortable and supported by your healthcare team. You have the right to pursue or decline treatment, and if you do not feel comfortable with the decisions being made regarding treatment options, consider seeking a 

can be helpful in guiding conversations and helping patients gain information about potential treatment options. They can answer questions about the disease, provide treatment information, 

, identify local professional counseling resources and offer additional resources on pain and symptom management.

for information about pancreatic cancer treatment options, specialists near you or creating a treatment plan.

was originally published by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. It is republished with permission.

Articles

While patients may feel a sense of urgency in making a treatment decision, it’s important for patients to assess their own feelings about their goals for treatment.

Your Treatment Plan: What You Need to Know

Receiving a pancreatic cancer diagnosis can stop a family in their tracks. Not only must patients and their loved ones navigate the emotional impact, but they are often asked to make quick treatment decisions. Attempting to learn and process large amounts of complex information can leave anyone feeling lost.

So where should you turn? Start with Patient Central.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Patient Central is the first place to call after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer or at any point in your journey. Patient Central Associates can help provide information for any question you have about pancreatic cancer. An Associate can also help you navigate the most critical decisions you’ll need to make to:

Find a pancreatic cancer specialist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment

	Seeing pancreatic cancer specialists, physicians who diagnose and treat a high volume of pancreatic cancer patients, improves outcomes. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) strongly recommends you consult with pancreatic cancer specialists who have experience diagnosing and treating the disease.

Understand all your treatment options and know which may work best for you

	Every pancreatic tumor is different. PanCAN strongly recommends molecular profiling of your tumor to help determine the best treatment options.

Consider clinical trials during each treatment decision, including at diagnosis

	Pancreatic cancer patients who participate in clinical research have better outcomes. Every treatment available today was approved through a clinical trial. PanCAN strongly recommends clinical trials at diagnosis and during every treatment decision.

	Seeing healthcare professionals who focus on symptom management and supportive (palliative) care improves outcomes and is critical for your quality of life. PanCAN strongly recommends that symptom management and supportive (palliative) care should be provided early in your diagnosis as well as during and after treatment. Good nutritional care also improves outcomes and is critical for your quality of life. PanCAN strongly recommends that patients have access to pancreatic enzymes and see a registered dietitian.

Connect with support resources like PanCAN’s Survivor and Caregiver Network

	Support for the pancreatic cancer patient is critical to improve quality of life and overall well-being. Having a support system of caregivers, family, friends, healthcare professionals and a Patient Central Associate is important to address and manage the needs of the patient.

Patient Central for personalized, one-to-one support from an Associate. All information and services are provided free of charge because of the philanthropy of generous friends.

Attempting to learn and process large amounts of complex information after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer can leave anyone feeling lost. So where should you turn? Start with Patient Central.

How to Navigate Pancreatic Cancer Resources

A pancreatic cancer diagnosis and the decisions that come after can feel overwhelming. But getting organized can help patients and their loved ones take control and better understand their options.

Here are 10 tips for getting organized after diagnosis:

Get the basics about your diagnosis from your doctor. Some questions to ask are, “What type of pancreatic cancer do I have?” “What is the stage?” “What treatments do you recommend?”

 for information about the disease, treatment options — including clinical trials – side effects, finances and additional support.

Keep copies of your medical records and lab results. These are important when meeting with other doctors, especially when seeking a second opinion. You have the rights to all of your records and lab results.

Seek a second opinion. You have a right to seek a second opinion, and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network strongly recommends seeking a second opinion, as needed, at any point in your diagnosis.

Select your healthcare team. Seeing pancreatic cancer specialists improves outcomes. PanCAN strongly recommends consulting with pancreatic cancer specialists who have experience diagnosing and treating the disease.

Learn about treatment options, and consider a 

. You are your own best advocate. PanCAN strongly recommends discussing your treatment goals with your healthcare team and knowing all of your options at every stage of your disease. And pancreatic cancer patients who participate in clinical research have better outcomes. Every treatment available today was approved through a clinical trial. We strongly recommend clinical trials at diagnosis and during every treatment decision. Our Patient Central Associates can perform a personalized clinical trials search for you.

Track your symptoms, side effects and questions and then 

 about them. Try providing this information to your doctor before the appointment.

Find out what support resources (counseling, navigation services, complementary medicine, etc.) are available through your hospital. An oncology social worker may be particularly helpful in connecting you with resources.

Appeal when insurance claims are rejected. Every insurance company has an appeals process. Keep copies of all the paperwork you submit.

Get support from family, friends and others with the disease. Support is critical to improve quality of life and overall well-being. Contact Patient Central to learn about our 

 and to connect with others who are also experiencing pancreatic cancer.

for more information about any of these topics or for answers to your other pancreatic cancer questions. You can also order our 

for more information to help you become informed and get organized after diagnosis.

Getting organized can help patients and their loved ones take control and better understand their options after a cancer diagnosis.
 

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

Articles

Your Treatment Plan: What You Need to Know

How to Navigate Pancreatic Cancer Resources

10 Tips to Help You Get Organized After Diagnosis