Coping with Prostate Cancer: How to Live Life in Uncertain Circumstances

First off, if you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and are contemplating suicide please contact the suicide hotline. You don’t have to go through coping with prostate cancer alone even if it feels like you do. 

Coping with prostate cancer, or any cancer for that matter is going to have a physical, mental, and financial toll on your life. Nobody, no matter how strong they are, can withstand the punishment this illness causes alone. After your diagnosis, you may be struggling to find meaning and comfort during this time. That is okay and normal. Coping with prostate cancer is a daily activity that you must engage with. If you are looking for some tips to help you along the way we have you covered. 

Everyone reacts differently

As you can see in the video, every man identified something different or had a different way of explaining how the diagnosis affected them. This will be common for you too. You may find that you react emotionally in ways that you didn’t expect, or even experience the stages of grief. Your reaction to prostate cancer will be different based on factors like:

• Age range
• Stage of cancer
• Financial status
• Religious beliefs
• Martial status
• Family dynamics
• And more.

Each case of cancer is going to affect people differently. While doctors and urologists can track common symptoms, no one can predict how it will directly affect your day to day life. Not only that, but it is going to affect your family in different ways as well. Your family will be trying to adjust to their new normal and that can cause disruption.

You may feel anxious, scared, worried, distraught, mad, frustrated, numb, and more. Those are normal emotions to experience during this time. However, you can keep them from overwhelming you with the right plan.

Seek helpful resources

During this time you may feel isolated and scared, but having a plan can negate some of the fears and worries. Speaking with your urologists or doctor about emotions or side effects you may be feeling due to treatment can help. Calling your doctor and knowing what experiences you will be having in the upcoming months can be great releases of stress.

Consult with family, friends, social workers, clergy members, or therapists to manage the emotional impacts of this illness. Oftentimes, professional therapy can help people become able to live with their new reality.

Finances are a large portion of dealing with a family illness. You may feel overwhelmed by the medical bills you face. While it may seem scary, meeting with a financial advisor can help you get a grasp of your financials and plan for the future. They can help you sort through medical bills, write a will, and come up with ways to pay for treatment. 

Some people respond positively to finding a hobby or activity that allows them to give back. Look for activities or games that can help you process your illness or forget it for a couple of hours. Taking steps to keep yourself active and engaged with your life will benefit your mental fortitude. Coping with prostate cancer may mean that your life changes significantly, but it doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to still enjoy it.

Be Proactive

Dealing with prostate cancer is tough. You need to be proactive when facing new symptoms, anxieties, medication, and stress. Notify the people in your life who care about you when you feel sad or alone. Force yourself to get into contact with people that love you. Even after your diagnosis try to keep your prostate as healthy as possible for a great recovery.

Don’t feel like you don’t have options or a life worth living, because you absolutely do.

Are you curious about whether or not you have prostate cancer? Not sure you are coping with prostate cancer in the best way? At Northwoods Urology we can help. We can help you with your prostate cancer and moving forward in life. Contact us today and see how we can help you.