The odds of getting pancreatic cancer are not high. Per Cancer.org, about 53,000 men and women will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017 and approximately 43,000 will die from the disease. If your dad is diagnosed with this form of cancer, it can be scary for him and for you. Here are things you can do to help your dad as he goes through treatments.

Ask if He Wants You to Go to Medical Appointments

Your dad may not want you to go into the examination room, but he may like knowing you’re right outside if he needs moral support. If he doesn’t mind you talking to the doctor, you can take some time to ask your questions. By arming yourself with as many facts as possible, you’ll be prepared to offer quality support and advice.

Know When to Give Him Space

Your dad will be scared and anxious. He may lash out because of it. Know when he needs space to process the information he’s given. He’ll need your support, but he also needs time to himself. Try to pick up on his signs.

When all else fails, be upfront and ask him if he wants company or would prefer to be left alone for a while. You don’t have to leave his house, but you can go to another room and do things for him. You could set up meals that can go from the freezer to a slow cooker or thoroughly clean his bathroom. All of this will help during his treatments.

Have Help Available

If your dad goes through the surgery to remove pancreatic cancer, he’ll need help during his recovery. The surgery is often long and complex and may involve an extensive incision or several smaller ones. Some of his recoveries will take place in a hospital setting.

When he’s home, he needs to avoid lifting heavy items. It can take several weeks for the digestive system to get back to normal function, so he may not want to eat. It’s important for him to eat smaller meals and stay hydrated. According to the University of Chicago Medicine, if a Whipple procedure is used, it can take six months to fully recover.

He’ll need help around the house. He’s going to need caregivers to help him with laundry and light housework. He’ll need someone to change and launder his sheets and towels. He may need medication reminders and help cooking meals he can tolerate. Senior care professionals offer all of these services and others. Call a senior care agency to learn more.

If you or a family member are in need of hiring home care services in Aventura, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770.
Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.

Sources:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/about/key-statistics.html

http://www.uchospitals.edu/specialties/cancer/pancreatic/surgical/whipple.html

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Stephen Sternbach

CEO at Star Multi Care Services

With over 35 years of experience, Stephen Sternbach has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Star Multi Care Services since 1987. After the sale of the New York and New Jersey operations of Star Multi Care Services, Sternbach brought the company private where he remains President and CEO of this 40-million dollar company. With Sternbach at the helm, Star Multi Care Services employs more than 650 employees, in six offices throughout Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York.

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