Coping with Penile cancer:
Dealing with penile cancer can be challenging, and you might experience a range of emotions. There are steps you can take and support from specialists who can help you manage and adjust to your diagnosis.
Your feelings
It’s normal to experience a range of emotions that can shift quickly. You might feel sad, scared, or confused, and your feelings may go from hopeful one day to overwhelmed the next. This is a natural response.
Cancer and its treatments can also lead to physical changes that may be hard to adjust to and may affect how you see yourself. These changes can impact:
– Your self-esteem
– Your relationships with others, including family and friends
– Your intimate life, if you’re in a sexual relationship
You may also feel very tired and low on energy, especially after treatment.
Counselling can be helpful in managing these challenges, easing stress, and improving your quality of life.
Having information about your cancer and its treatment can help you feel more prepared and make it easier to make decisions. Knowing what to expect can make coping a bit easier.
At first, taking in a lot of information might feel overwhelming, especially after a recent diagnosis. It can help to:
– Write down questions before your doctor’s visit.
– Bring someone along to help you remember what to ask and understand what’s explained.
If you need anything repeated, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or nurse to go over it again.
You might prefer to receive information slowly. Let your doctor or nurse know if you only want a little at a time. You can always ask for more details when you feel ready.
There’s no need to figure everything out all at once—it can take time to work through each part. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
You might also find it helpful to:
– Make lists to stay organized
– Use a calendar for appointments
– Set small, manageable goals
– Plan enjoyable activities around challenging times
Talking to other people
Talking to friends and family about your cancer can be a source of comfort and support. However, some people may feel uncomfortable or worry that discussing it might be too difficult for you.
If family or friends avoid talking about it, it can create tension. Open communication, however, can build trust and strengthen support.
With a partner, try to share your feelings honestly. Some men may feel less attractive after penile surgery, which can affect intimacy. Letting your partner know about these feelings can help maintain closeness.
Encourage your family and friends by letting them know you’re open to talking about your experiences and emotions.
If talking with loved ones feels difficult, you might prefer speaking to someone outside your circle for support.
Physical problems
Penile cancer and its treatments can bring physical changes that might impact how you feel about yourself.
Many men with penile cancer worry about how these changes will affect their self-image, their ability to handle everyday tasks like urinating, and their relationships and sex life.
Changes like weight loss and hair loss may lower your self-esteem and impact how you connect with others. A dietitian can help you keep up your weight, and your nurse can offer tips to manage hair loss.
It’s also common to feel tired and low on energy during and after treatment. Balancing rest with gentle activity can be beneficial in helping you feel better.