Whereas therapy modalities for prostate most cancers might trigger quite a lot of unwanted side effects, there are methods to handle and enhance these results of therapy, reminiscent of urinary points and erectile dysfunction to assist enhance high quality of life.
In line with Dr. Brian Keith McNeil, an open dialog with one’s healthcare staff is step one towards getting the assist you want.
As a part of its Talking Out video collection, on behalf of ZERO-Finish Prostate Most cancers, CURE spoke with McNeil, vice chair of the Division of Urology at SUNY Downstate Well being Sciences College, about managing unwanted side effects following prostate most cancers therapy.
Urinary incontinence, or issue controlling the movement of urine, is a standard drawback after prostate most cancers surgical procedure. McNeil explains that it’s because the muscle tissues that management urine movement, referred to as the sphincter, want time to get better. Whereas this facet impact nearly all the time occurs after surgical procedure, he says it improves over time. He means that sufferers do Kegel workouts, which might help strengthen the pelvic muscle tissues used to cease the movement of urine. This helps with what he calls “urinary rehab.”
Erectile dysfunction is one other widespread facet impact, which may happen after surgical procedure or radiation. McNeil reassures sufferers that “the place there’s a will, there’s a means,” and quite a few options can be found. These embody capsules, injections, and even implants. He says it’s important for sufferers to be open with their physician about this. He understands it may be a tough dialog as a result of some males join their manhood with their sexual efficiency. However he desires sufferers to know it is okay to really feel susceptible and ask for assist.
Different unwanted side effects can embody modifications in bowel habits. McNeil recommends staying well-hydrated and growing the quantity of fiber in weight-reduction plan to assist with these points. He says fiber is vital.
For males on hormone remedy, he notes that different unwanted side effects can embody bone issues, temper modifications and weight acquire. Some males may expertise gynecomastia, or the expansion of breast tissue. He advises sufferers to concentrate to those modifications and talk about them with their physician.
McNeil stresses the significance of getting open communication with suppliers, including that in the event that they aren’t conscious of an issue, they’ll’t assist repair it. He recommends having a healthcare advocate, reminiscent of a member of the family or buddy, attend appointments. He additionally suggests writing down questions earlier than appointments and taking notes throughout the go to.
