Living with prostate cancer:
Receiving practical and emotional support can greatly assist you in managing a prostate cancer diagnosis. This support not only helps during treatment but also aids in coping with life afterward. It encompasses resources on sexuality, relationships, and useful online resources and literature.
The testicles
The testicles are two small, oval-shaped organs located below the penis, enclosed in a skin pouch called the scrotum.
Image of the testicles (cruk)
Starting from puberty, the testicles begin producing sperm. Inside the testicle, small tubes come together to form the epididymis, a single tube that becomes wider as it exits the testicle. This wider tube is known as the spermatic cord.
The spermatic cord leads to a short passage called the ejaculatory duct, which opens into the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body through the penis.
Testosterone:
The testicles produce the hormone testosterone, which is responsible for developing male characteristics such as:- A deeper voice
- Facial hair growth
- Increased muscle mass
- The ability to achieve an erection
- Male sexual drive (libido)
Where does testicular cancer start:
The testicles consist of various cell types, and the kind of cancer you have depends on the specific cell where it begins. Most testicular cancers arise from germ cells, which are responsible for producing sperm. Doctors classify germ cell cancers into two main types:- Seminoma
- Non-seminoma
Your feelings:
When you’re told you have cancer, you might experience many different emotions.
At first, you may feel shocked, upset, and find it hard to understand anything else being said. Other common feelings include:
– Numbness
– Fear and uncertainty
– Confusion
– Anger and resentment
– Guilt
– Sadness
You might feel some or all of these emotions, or you could have different feelings entirely. These emotions can come one at a time or all at once, which can be very tiring.
Everyone reacts differently to a cancer diagnosis. It might be hard to accept that you have cancer. It’s important to find what helps you cope best.
Helping Yourself:
Having information about your type of cancer and its treatment can help you cope and make better decisions. Knowing what to expect can make things easier.
It can be hard to take in information, especially right after being diagnosed or receiving news about your prognosis. Try making a list of questions before you see your doctor. Bringing someone with you can help remind you what you want to ask and remember the information given. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by a lot of new information.
Don’t hesitate to ask your doctors and nurse specialists to explain things again if needed.
If you feel you don’t want too much information right away, let your doctor or nurse know. You can always ask for more details when you feel ready.
Remember, you don’t have to figure everything out at once. It might take some time to address each issue. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
You can also do practical things like:
– Making lists to help you stay organized
– Using a calendar to keep track of appointments
– Setting goals
– Planning enjoyable activities around emotionally challenging weeks
Talking to other people:
Discussing your cancer with friends and family can provide support and comfort. However, some people might be afraid of the emotions it could bring up and may avoid talking about it. They might worry that you won’t handle your situation well or that they’ll say the wrong thing.
When family or friends are reluctant to talk, it can put a strain on relationships. But open communication can build trust and provide mutual support.
You can help your loved ones by letting them know if you want to discuss your feelings and what’s happening.
Physical Problems:
Prostate cancer and its treatment can lead to physical changes in your body. These changes might occur due to treatments like radiotherapy, surgery, or hormone therapy. Your doctor or specialist nurse will assist you in managing these changes. They can also refer you to other healthcare professionals, such as:
– Dietitians
– Symptom management teams
– Physiotherapists
Bladder problems after treatment for prostate cancer:
You may experience bladder issues after surgery or radiotherapy, such as urine leakage and difficulty urinating.
There are ways to manage bladder problems effectively. One helpful approach is performing pelvic floor exercises, which can strengthen the muscles that control your bladder.
Coping up with changes in the levels of hormones:
Treatments like surgery and hormone therapy can change the levels of sex hormones in your body. These changes can impact you in various ways.
Sex and relationships:
Prostate cancer treatments can impact your sexual health in several ways, including causing infertility and reducing your interest in sex.
Support groups:
It might be beneficial to join a charity or support group where you can connect with others who are dealing with prostate cancer.
Daignosis
If you have any symptoms, your first step is usually to visit your GP. They will discuss your symptoms with you and conduct an examination. Based on their findings,
Treatment options
A team of healthcare professionals (multidisciplinary team) will determine your treatment plan. Most people undergo surgery to remove the affected