Prostate Cancer is Not a Death Sentence

Any type of cancer diagnosis can be scary, prostate cancer is no exception. While cancer can be deadly, in this day and age, prostate cancer is one of the most easily and successfully treated forms of cancer there are. Knowing this doesn't make it any easier to cope with when you've gotten a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Coping with prostate cancer is scary. When someone hears the "C" word, often their life will flash before their eyes, even before hearing the prognosis or severity of the cancer. Fortunately, many cases of prostate cancer are relatively mild and successfully treated within a matter of a few months.

As my father has survived prostate cancer, along with several of other male relatives, I can assure you that prostate cancer is highly treatable. Having a solid support system in place, making sure your family is aware of your diagnosis and educating yourself will go a long way toward ensuring that you are dealing with prostate cancer in a positive manner.

-When you first get a diagnosis of prostate cancer, it's important not to panic. Don't immediately assume that prostate cancer means a death sentence. It doesn't. As a matter of fact, more often than not, prostate cancer is treated successfully and quickly when it's caught early on.

-Educate yourself. Make sure that you and your doctor are communicating effectively. Don't be afraid to ask questions about anything that may come to mind right then, or through the span of your treatment. Make sure you understand what prostate cancer is- and isn't. Make sure you also understand what is required of you during your treatment for prostate cancer.

-Research prostate cancer, make sure you understand your treatment options. If you're uncomfortable with your doctor's diagnosis, see a specialist- or at a minimum, get a second opinion about the prostate cancer diagnosis. It's imperative that you trust your physician and/or any specialist that you may be working with, if you aren't comfortable asking questions or about the answers to your questions, then it's perfectly acceptable to change doctors.

-Coping with prostate cancer diagnosis doesn't mean maintaining a strong facade at all times. It's important to be able to express your fears, concerns and other emotions you may have concerning your diagnosis, treatment and even your future. It's a good idea to join a support group for those with prostate cancer- it can be quite helpful to talk with others who are going through the same thing you are- coping with prostate cancer.

-If you aren't comfortable in a group counseling or support setting, then it may be a good idea to contact a counselor or therapist and do some one-on-one sessions with them. The fact that prostate cancer affects a part of the body that most men associate with their manliness or very manhood, means that it's important to stay in touch with your emotions and fears concerning the diagnosis. There may also be a feeling of anger or frustration, even asking yourself "why me?"- These are emotions and questions a therapist can help you work through privately.

-Make sure you keep your spouse or partner and other family members informed. It's a good idea to take your partner or spouse with you when you are finding out about your prostate cancer diagnosis, it's even more important that you at least make sure he or she is aware of it if they aren't there at the time. Understandably, prostate cancer affects a part of the body that many consider "private," so you may not wish to share your diagnosis with everyone- but it's best for those closest to you to be aware of your prostate cancer diagnosis, the prognosis of your illness and your treatment plan. Who best to be supportive and help, than those closest to you?

-Don't stress out so badly that you negatively affect your health. The best thing you can do for yourself after receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis is to ensure that you eat a healthy and balanced diet, make sure you drink plenty of water and other hydrating fluids, take a good multivitamin and make sure you get adequate amounts of sleep each night. This will help keep your immune system stronger and will help your general overall health and wellbeing.

-If you feel up to it, and your physician has given the okay, then you should follow a good exercise program of some sort. Even simply walking each evening for 20-30 minutes will help keep your body in good shape as you're undergoing the prescribed course of treatment for your prostate cancer. This can also ensure that you don't fall into a depression and can help maintain a positive attitude, which is important to fighting any form of cancer.

A prostate cancer diagnosis isn't the end of the world, it doesn't have to be the end of your life. In a lot of cases, prostate cancer can be treated with a minimum of pain and sickness. Make sure you follow your physician's instructions carefully, make sure you are proactive in your treatment, and make sure you involve your closest loved ones in your treatment plan to ensure a cancer-free diagnosis as quickly as possible.

-While no one wants to think about it- As with any cancer, there is the potential for the disease to become un-treatable. This is why it's important to ensure that you have someone designated as a Power of Attorney to act in the even you are unable to communicate your wishes or are unable to make decisions- along with a living will. A living will contains information about what treatments you do or do not want- in the even you cannot make that choice- along with a Do Not Resuscitate Order- if you so choose. It's also important to make sure your Will, in the event of your demise, is ready and completely legal.

Although the above paragraph turns to a slightly negative note, please do not think that a prostate cancer diagnosis is a death sentence. Having someone to act as a Power of Attorney, using a living will and also having your will ready, is just good common sense- major illness or not.

-Prostate cancer is like any other cancer, it has the potential to become deadly if not treated quickly and effectively. If you do not have medical insurance, things can become tricky once you've gotten that prostate cancer diagnosis. Coping with a potentially life-threatening illness while worrying about how to pay for treatment is scary. Talk to your physician, check local medical programs and even the nearest teaching hospital to you- often you will find that things can be done on a payment plan, sometimes even a sliding scale fee.

That being said, your longterm health is far more important than the potential for medical debt. Do what you can, make whatever arrangements necessary while getting treatment- don't be afraid to ask for help. And if you happen to find yourself unable to pay some of the bills right away, don't stress it right now.

Coping with prostate cancer (just like any other cancer) requires simply taking time to breath, taking one step at a time and taking things a day at a time. Maintain a positive attitude, make sure you have a strong support system, and work with your doctor to have a solid treatment plan. You can beat your prostate cancer diagnosis.