Treatment for mPDAC, or metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, notably chemo, causes side effects because healthy cells are killed along with cancer cells. Side effects range from fatigue to loss of appetite to gut issues. There’s a lot you can do to ease these symptoms, from medications to helpful lifestyle habits. Most important is asking your team what to expect and then letting them know about any problems as soon as possible to get relief.

Cancer treatment can zap your energy because it affects your body’s ability to make healthy red blood cells, and that can lead to anemia. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to help, but it’s also important to exercise, even when that feels close to impossible. Even in spurts, exercise helps you maintain muscle, which also gives you strength. And the more you move, the easier it becomes to move more. Pick the times of day when you have the most energy, and balance activity with rest breaks and quality sleep.

Besides nausea medications from your doctor, rethink your diet to ease the queasiness. Eat small meals, and try to avoid overly spicy, fatty, and fried foods. Chewing on a piece of fresh ginger or sucking ginger candies may help. You might also get relief by wearing a motion sickness wrist band.

Favorite foods may not taste the same during pancreatic cancer treatment. You might find some taste bland, like cardboard, or strangely metallic. Besides avoiding the specific foods that taste unpleasant, try eating cold foods and foods that are tart. You might find that adding herbs or spices you like boosts the appeal.

If you’ve lost interest in eating, prioritize protein, which your body needs for cell repair, and healthy fats, like avocados and nuts, for the calories. It’s fine to eat just a few spoonfuls at a time.  Enjoy nutritious snacks whenever the urge hits. If cooking is difficult or unappealing, ask loved ones to prepare recipes you like for you. If you’re unable to eat at all, ask your doctor about medications that can get your appetite going again.

Sores inside your mouth from treatment can also get in the way of eating well. They can hurt even more when you eat. Switch to bland, soft foods high in protein until they heal. Avoid citrus and other high-acid foods that can irritate the sores. Try drinking through a straw to bypass the sores, and rinse your mouth with water after meals. Ask your doctor about special mouthwashes or soothing gels that may help.

Diarrhea and stomach cramps are common because of the cancer and its treatment. Not having enough of the enzymes your pancreas needs to process fat can lead to painful bowel movements, weight loss, and indigestion. Diarrhea can upset the lining of the bowel, so try to eat foods with healthy bacteria like Greek yogurt. Also, ask your doctor about PERT, or pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, to supplement what your own pancreas is making.

If you feel numbness, tingling, or burning in your fingers and toes, you may have nerve damage from chemo. Gloves and socks in comfortable fabrics will protect hands and feet. Also, avoid cold foods and beverages. Neuropathy tends to get better once treatment stops, but let your doctor know right away — they may suggest other steps. Complementary treatments like acupuncture and electrical nerve stimulation may help.

This is another side effect involving your hands and feet, making them tender to the touch. You may see redness, dryness, and peeling skin on your soles and palms. Practice self-care by treating your hands and feet to cool, 10-minute soaks followed by a moisturizer or petroleum jelly. Applying ice packs for 10 minutes throughout the day may also help. Protect skin by wearing cotton socks or gloves and avoiding tight-fitting shoes that can cause chafing. Some people get relief from vitamin B6 supplements — ask your doctor.

Some cancer drugs can cause a rash anywhere on the face or body that looks like acne, but it won’t respond to acne treatments. Soothe skin by washing with only mild cleansers, and avoid skin care products with alcohol, fragrance, and other irritants. Limit your time in the sun, and always use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.

The nails and cuticles of your fingers and toes can become inflamed or irritated.  Protect hands by wearing cleaning gloves during housekeeping tasks and by not biting nails, pushing back cuticles, or applying artificial-nail products. In fact, get your doctor’s OK before getting a mani-pedi. Tell your provider as soon as you see any signs of inflammation, like redness, and ask if you should use an antibacterial soap or antibacterial/antifungal salve to prevent a full-blown infection.

The most powerful steps you can take on your own to minimize many cancer treatment side effects are exercising, putting protein first at meals, and boosting your mental outlook with a mind-body practice like yoga and meditation. You also want to work closely with your care team so they can help you manage each side effect as it comes up.