Newly Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer?

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Being diagnosed with prostate cancer is usually something that is very scary and often unexpected. While you did not ask or expect this diagnosis, there are things that you can do to make it as positive an experience as possible. Creating a plan of action is much more proactive and allows you to follow your progress while meeting the milestones and goals of your treatment.

Now what do I do?

For most people, a diagnosis of prostate cancer sends them reeling. They are shocked, angry, scared, and sad all within minutes of each other. The first thing you should do is give yourself a few days for acceptance. Call in all of your emotional support and allow the diagnosis to sink in. Once you have made it something that you can think and talk about, it’s time to get down to business.

Chances are when you are diagnosed you will be referred to a oncologist. An oncologist is a doctor that specializes in treating patients with cancer, and you may be referred to one that specializes in prostate cancer. Take a list of questions to your doctor and stay with him or her until all they’ve all been answered. Writing down questions for your doctors will be a dynamic process. Jot down the concerns that come to mind and take them along on your appointments.

Allow yourself to go through the wide range of emotions that surface, and then use these emotions to push you forward. Become an interactive part of the treatment of your prostate cancer. When you do this you take back some of the control and you’ll find you can start treatment process with a better state of mind.

Educate Yourself

If you are like most people, you don’t know much about prostate cancer. One of the best things you can do with all of your emotional energy is to educate yourself. Not only will you understand exactly what is going on in your body, you may be able to learn more about the options you have, the treatments that are before of you, the recovery process, and what you can expect later on down the road.

There are several key facts about prostate cancer you’ll want to learn. Firstly, acquaint yourself with the prostate and the causes behind prostate cancer as well as risk factors. You’ll want to learn about the symptoms you have overlooked before you were diagnosed, false positive tests, and learn more about how prostate cancer is analyzed. When you have this information you’ll find it is easier to accept your diagnosis and move on to the next level of education.

Look into how prostate cancer is staged, what each stage means, and your available treatment options. Spend time looking into surgical and non-surgical treatments, radiation, and hormonal treatments for prostate cancer. This will give you an idea whether or not you are a candidate for a specific type of treatment, and will help you communicate your concerns to your doctor.

Diet and Exercise Advice

If you were physically active before your diagnosis chances are you’ll be able to continue your exercise. If you had surgery you may have to limit activity for a couple of weeks while the body heals. You should continue to eat a healthy diet during your treatment as this will give you the energy you need to be strong. In fact, some studies have shown that a healthy diet actually slows the progression of prostate cancer. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about the change in your diet, if at all, and how much you can exercise. You don’t want to over do it, but you also want to continue to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Maintaining a Positive State of Mind

Maintaining a positive state of mind after being diagnosed with prostate cancer is one of the most important things you can do. If you adopt a negative mind set your experience will be completely negative. Studies have found that ill people who face their treatment negatively recover more slowly and have a more difficult experience. While you may have some low moments or bad days, it is important that you stay positive so that you have the emotional and physical energy to fight.

Here are some simple ways to help you maintain a positive state of mind. As we’ve said before, educate yourself so you don’t feel like you’re floating in uncharted waters. Join support groups or spend time with people who have been or are currently in your same situation. Communicating with others who have faced prostate cancer is an important part of staying positive and doing the best you can.

Another great way to achieve a positive state of mind is through self talk and positive affirmations. This is something that you can do on your own and can empower your desire to stay positive. When negative thoughts creep into your mind respond to them with a positive thought. When you wake in the morning say something positive aloud to yourself. The more you repeat these positive affirmations the more real they will become, allowing you to behave and respond to situations in the same positive manner that you desire. Staying positive really can breathe new life into your situation, allowing you to achieve the new emotional and physical heights you need to successfully battle your prostate cancer.

Copyright 2008 - Battle Prostate Cancer