- How to Stay calm when living with prostate cancer
- 1) Remember that many things are still under your control
- 2) Ask questions every time
- 3) Find comfort in prostate cancer survival rates
- 4) Look for additional resources and support
- 5) Find comfort in your health care team
- 6) Evaluate your financial situation with a clear view
- 7) Do something different
- 8) Keep on with your life and family goals
- 9) Communicate often
- 10) Don’t be afraid of counseling
- Conclusion
- Source
Diagnosed with prostate cancer is undoubtedly a challenging and emotional experience that can cause distress for both the individual and their family.
It is important to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and try to get support after digesting the news. Despite the reassurance from doctors about the typically slow growth of prostate cancer and high survival rates, the impact of such news can be overwhelming and persistent.
This article aims to provide guidance and support, offering 10 key recommendations to navigate the idea of living with prostate cancer.
How to Stay calm when living with prostate cancer
When you have time and peace of mind to think through, these resources will help you develop a coping strategy to manage your cancer diagnosis successfully.
1) Remember that many things are still under your control
After receiving a cancer diagnosis, you may feel like everything in your life changes. As a cancer patient, you may not have the same mindset, goals, or thoughts as before, which is normal.
Moreover, you might feel that you’re not in control of your life anymore.
But once you have a moment to think about it, design a healing plan and decide what treatment options you would like. You can control that.
Many aspects of your previous life feel like they belong to someone else, but there is still a lot ahead.
You can still choose what you’re eating, what doctors you’re visiting, and what treatment options and therapies feel suitable for you.
2) Ask questions every time
Most diagnoses raise difficult questions, especially prostate cancer. Thus, it is essential to express your feelings and ask anything that makes you feel concerned.
Do not feel cowed by your doctor. They are likely expecting many questions from you, and you can take notes if you prefer.
Make sure you understand your cancer treatment options. Ask about symptom triggers you want to avoid. Ask about side effects and lifestyle changes.
Write down any doubt if the doctor is not nearby, and be sure to understand your ailment.
3) Find comfort in prostate cancer survival rates
One of the aspects of prostate cancer doctors may want you to know is that it is usually slow-growing.
Many patients with prostate cancer die from different causes. The 5-year survival rate can be near 100% in some cases.
This one is not the worst compared to other types of cancer such as lung cancer, brain cancer, colorectal cancer, and ovarian cancer (1).
Survival rates vary depending on the type of cancer, the age of cancer diagnosis, the stage of the disease, your lifestyle, and many other aspects.
This is another question that you may want to ask your healthcare team or doctor.
4) Look for additional resources and support
Social support is essential to beat cancer, but sometimes your family and friends do not understand what you’re going through.
Webpages such as Cancer Care or Cancer Survivors Unite offer programs, online education, and many resources for cancer patients like you.
You can also find support groups online to talk about your experience with cancer and share opinions and feelings with like-minded people.
5) Find comfort in your health care team
It is fundamental to feel comfortable with your health care team. Your healthcare professionals are there to guide you through this disease.
You need to feel confident around them, free to ask them questions and ask for help when you need it.
If you do not feel comfortable with your current health care team, there are many specialized clinical oncology centers and professionals you can try.
The National Cancer Institute recognizes 63 centers as excellent opportunities to get you started. Look at their lists and evaluate your options.
6) Evaluate your financial situation with a clear view
Prostate cancer often affects patients financially. They may need a prolonged rest time from work.
However, cancer is considered a disability, and your job is protected by law.
In some cases, you will be able to keep at work as long as you get extra breaks or a change in your assignments.
Insurance coverage is another common concern.
Sites such as Health Insurance Info and Patient Advocate are helpful to get this information.
7) Do something different
You may need to go through your habits and make a few changes for your own benefit.
For example, physical activity is known to reduce stress and boost your immune system (2).
The Mediterranean diet is known to help patients with prostate cancer recover faster (3).
It is also essential to manage your emotions wisely. It is not the same as suppressing negative emotions. You’re entitled to feel bad and express your feelings (4).
8) Keep on with your life and family goals
Patients with prostate cancer often have the feeling that everything is over now. But it is not, and your life continues after a cancer diagnosis.
If you have dreams, you can still make them through. You can keep your goals intact, including having children (5).
Talk to your doctor if you want to start a family with prostate cancer. It is essential to try to do so before initiating treatment like chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which typically affect your fertility.
9) Communicate often
Communication with your loved ones and caregivers while living with cancer is fundamental for your mental health.
They are near you at all times, and they are the ones who can give you support when necessary.
In most cases, relatives are open to talk about cancer and how it makes you feel (6).
10) Don’t be afraid of counseling
Patients often stigmatize psychological therapy and believe it is for weak individuals.
But all of us need counseling at some point, especially after a diagnosis such as cancer or living with cancer.
A counselor is not only someone who listens to you. They can also help organize your thoughts and decide for yourself what to do next.
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Conclusion
Living with cancer and coping with this type of chronic illness can be very hard.
Palliative care, hair loss, and the initial fear after diagnosis are all difficult steps in your cancer journey.
Many patients feel anxiety and depression, but even those with advanced cancer can cope with their disease successfully.
It is important to ask questions about cancer, complementary therapies, a clinical trial, and anything that you don’t have clear throughout this challenging time.
Remember that you can still choose many aspects of cancer care, including your healthcare team.
Communicate with your family, and don’t be afraid to ask for counseling as a part of your supportive care.
There are many resources and support groups you can also try.
Next Up
Undergoing Prostate Cancer Treatment? Learn How To Manage Possible Side Effects.
