1. Don't Let Pain Overwhelm You
No matter how you are being treated for prostate cancer, you will experience some pain. Your doctor will prescribe a combination of medications to help relieve the physical side effects that come with radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. You may also need something to help you sleep. No two people react the same way to treatment, so don't worry if you feel like you need more medication than other patients you have spoken to. Don't try to suffer through without help, as any untreated pain makes it harder for your body to heal. For a natural supplement to prescription drugs, try complementary therapies such as acupuncture, meditation and reiki.
2. Add Supplements to Your Daily Water
Drinking water already improves prostate health, but when trying to manage side effects from cancer treatment, water becomes even more crucial. It can soften stool to lessen rectal bleeding and constipation, and can be used to add fiber and other supplements to your diet. Your doctor may recommend a prescription or over-the-counter fiber supplement to combat radiation or chemotherapy side effects. You may also be prescribed a powder to add to water that relieves the burning sensation caused by urinating.
3. Treat Your Skin Gently
To treat redness and burning of skin near a radiation area, you must keep the area clean without scrubbing. Avoid soap in any burned area, which may look like an extremely bad sunburn. Peeling and blisters may occur. Once healing begins, and redness dissipates, use only mild, unscented soaps. Also, skip applying any lotion or ointment unless your doctor prescribed it. While the urge to itch may be overwhelming, you must keep your hands away to help avoid infection.
4. Manage Diarrhea and Constipation
While undergoing prostate cancer treatment, your bowel movements will be affected. Straining while having a bowel movement can irritate the prostate and delay healing, so you should treat any constipation or diarrhea. Drink plenty of water and eat a low-fat diet filled with fiber and vegetables. Green tea may also reduce any nausea and constipation. Plus, the tea may benefit your prostate cancer treatment and help bring back your appetite. If the diarrhea or constipation becomes unbearable, you should ask your doctor to prescribe medication.
5. Ask for Help Between Appointments
If you experience any new or prolonged side effects from radiation, chemotherapy, surgery or immunotherapy, speak to a nurse at your oncologist's office immediately. Since nurses are more readily available, they can often offer practical suggestions for managing your issues while you wait for your doctor to prescribe a drug or course of treatment. They will also speak to the doctor on your behalf, which sets care in motion before you arrive for your next therapy appointment. In addition to your doctor or a nurse, speak to a dietitian to help create a diet to provide energy, a counselor to relieve stress, or a physical therapist to recommend an exercise program.
