7. Fatigue and Weakness
A profound and debilitating sense of fatigue that is not relieved by rest or sleep is a very common symptom associated with pancreatic cancer. This is far more severe than normal tiredness; it’s an overwhelming exhaustion that can interfere with daily activities and significantly impact quality of life. This weakness stems from a combination of factors. The body expends a tremendous amount of energy trying to fight the cancer cells. Concurrently, the poor absorption of nutrients due to a lack of digestive enzymes means the body isn’t getting the fuel it needs to function properly. This nutritional deficit, combined with the metabolic demands of the tumor and potential weight loss, creates a perfect storm for extreme fatigue and a pervasive feeling of weakness.