Coping with prostate cancer can be exceptionally hard to deal with. After receiving your diagnosis you may experience a wide range of emotions such as fear, anxiety, anger and depression. These emotions can be very overwhelming and you may feel as things are out of your control. First and foremost it is very important to be well informed about your prostate cancer. Patients who keep themselves well informed about their illness and treatment options are more likely to make decisions that will better help them cope with their diagnosis.

Educate Yourself

Learn more about your prostate cancer diagnosis and the treatment options that are available so that you can make an informed decision on how you will proceed. After receiving your diagnosis write down a series of questions to ask your doctor to help you understand the process you will be undergoing and to put any fears or uncertainty at ease. Examples of the kinds of questions you can ask include:

• What are my treatment options?
• What are the side effects of treatment?
• Can the cancer spread to other parts of my body?
• What else can I do to minimize symptoms?

Stay Healthy

Engaging in regular exercise or activities that will help to improve your energy levels and reduce stress. In addition you should also alter your diet and only eat foods that will benefit your overall health.

Stay Close With Family & Friends

Your loved ones can provide support both during and after your prostate cancer treatment. They can also provide additional help with any errands or tasks you may have. Furthermore, having a relative to converse with is beneficial especially when dealing with feelings of depression and anxiety.

Communication

There may be times that you will want to withdraw from aspects of your life because of your diagnosis. The stress of what you’re dealing with can make it difficult to reach out but it is important to keep the lines of communication open. It’s better to express the things that are concerning you than to hold them in and cause yourself any additional stress.

Talk With Other Cancer Patients / Survivors

Your loved ones will not always comprehend what it’s like to deal with prostate cancer. It may be beneficial to talk with others who have been in your situation and that can provide you insight on how to cope. You will find comfort in knowing that you are not alone in what you’re dealing with. Speak with your doctor about support groups in your area that you can connect with. A good start is with the American Cancer Society as they offer discussion forums and chat rooms as a resource for cancer patients.