By Dr. David Samadi
Coping with the side effects of prostate cancer treatment can be difficult, but there are proactive steps to implement to help manage discomfort and uphold a sense of normalcy in your daily life. While most side effects tend to diminish once treatment is complete, finding relief during the treatment process itself is crucial for enhancing your overall well-being.
Here are some strategies to help you navigate through potential side effects while undergoing prostate cancer treatment:
1. Prioritize Your Health
Most cancer treatments often involve side effects that can be difficult to deal with. Prostate cancer treatment is no different. It can have a significant impact on your body, so it’s crucial to prioritize your health during this time. Make self-care your top priority by incorporating regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient rest into your routine. Engaging in physical activity, consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and lean proteins, and ensuring adequate sleep will help support your body’s resilience throughout treatment.
2. Bone Pain Management
If you experience bone pain as a side effect of treatment, consider using hot and cold packs to alleviate discomfort. Additionally, consult your doctor about the potential benefits of pain medications, acupuncture, or over-the-counter remedies like ibuprofen or naproxen.
3. Managing Hot Flashes
Hot flashes can disrupt your comfort and daily activities. Limiting alcohol and hot beverages, avoiding spicy foods, and engaging in relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or tai chi can help regulate your body temperature and minimize the frequency and intensity of hot flashes.
4. Addressing Urinary Incontinence
One of the more embarrassing and inconvenient side effects when treating prostate cancer is urinary incontinence. Discuss with your healthcare provider how to resolve urinary incontinence through medications or bladder training techniques to manage urine flow. Consider using incontinence products to maintain comfort and confidence throughout the day.
5. Combating Fatigue
Feeling fatigued is a common side effect of most cancer treatments. To help reduce fatigue daily, balance resting time and physical activity by engaging in low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or light gardening. Taking short naps during the day can also help replenish your energy levels.
6. Alleviating Nausea
Combat nausea with a bland diet of dry, cool foods like toast, crackers, and certain fruits. Eating small, frequent meals and sitting upright can help prevent nausea. Incorporate natural remedies like ginger or peppermint, and consult your doctor about medications to manage digestive issues effectively.
7. Soothing Irritated Skin
If you experience skin irritation possibly caused by chemotherapy or radiation, use gentle cleansers and loose-fitting clothing to minimize discomfort. Relaxing warm oatmeal baths can provide relief and soothe irritated skin.
8. Addressing Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a common concern during prostate cancer treatment. Explore options such as medication, penile injections, or testosterone therapy in consultation with your healthcare provider to address this issue effectively.
Implementing these coping strategies and having an open dialogue with your healthcare team, informing them how you feel, will benefit you as you can navigate side effects from your prostate cancer treatment with greater ease and comfort, ultimately enhancing your quality of life during this challenging period.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.