Ways to Cope With Your Diagnosis and Treatment

Learning that you have prostate cancer brings up a lot of feelings that you may find hard to deal with. It’s only natural to be concerned about your treatment, side effects, the future, and how your illness will affect you and your loved ones. Take advantage of all the help you can find, especially from your health care team. Tell them what you are feeling and what you need.

How am I expected to feel?
There is no one way to react to prostate cancer, and every man is entitled to his own experience. One common worry is about treatments that affect sexual performance, which causes many men to feel a threat to their masculinity. Others find prostate cancer embarrassing to talk about. Whatever you feel, try not to push your feelings away. That can cause even more stress.

What’s the best way to cope with my diagnosis?
Become a partner with your health care team (your urologist, radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, nurse, technician, counselor). Ask questions about your condition, the risks, benefits, and side effects of each treatment option, and the impact your choice will have on your life. It’s a good idea to write down all your questions and answers so you can refer to the information at any time. Once you have decided on a treatment option, follow your health care team’s advice and let them know about any new symptoms or other concerns.

How will prostate cancer affect my relationships?
Talk about your illness with your family and close friends. Some people may shy away at first because they want to help you but don’t know how. Being open about what you need can help you maintain relationships that will support you.

How much should I tell my partner?
The honest sharing of thoughts and feelings can create an even greater intimacy. It’s important to talk to each other about how certain decisions will affect your life together. For example, if a possible side effect of your treatment is impotence (inability to have an erection), you and your partner may decide to talk about other ways you each can still enjoy sex.

If you need help starting conversations with your partner, you may each want to first write down your feelings and concerns. Or, you may want to talk to a professional counselor specializing in erectile dysfunction. Your health care team can help you find a counselor.