Not all men living with end-stage or advanced prostate cancer feel debilitating pain. However, most of them will, especially if the cancer has metastasized or spread to the bones.
Nowadays, oncologists are focused on not only treating the cancer but also managing the pain since it can be chronic and negatively affect daily living. Fortunately, certain strategies can help ease or take charge of your pain.
Don’t Go Off Your Cancer Treatment Plan
The main reason for this is that cancer treatment for prostate cancer can help ease chronic pain. This includes chemotherapy for attacking the tumor directly, surgery, and hormone therapy to block testosterone that could trigger the growth of tumors.
In addition, you can also specifically treat bone metastases using bisphosphonate drugs for preventing fractures and strengthening the bones, pain medications, corticosteroids, ablation techniques, and radiation therapy.
Consider Palliative Care for Managing Your Symptoms
Although you go to your oncologist for prostate cancer treatment, you can also consider working with palliative care specialists, which include a team of healthcare professionals, as a supportive care option.
Your palliative care team can help you find different ways to cope with your symptoms, with the prime goal of boosting your quality of life. They are highly trained on easing pain and managing symptoms such as fatigue, diarrhea and nausea that you might experience as side effects of your prostate cancer treatment or of the cancer itself.
Plenty of studies have indicated that individuals who receive palliative care experience reduced pain, less severe symptoms, and have a more improved quality of life than individuals who do not receive this type of care.
When deciding whether you should seek palliative care services in Indiana, it is also very vital to keep in mind that it is very different from hospice care, which is also known as end-of-life care. Basically, you can receive palliative care while undergoing your cancer treatment while hospice care is provided when an individual decides to cease receiving treatment.
Just Keep on Moving
Aside from reducing stress, frequent exercise could also help in strengthening your bones and lower your risk of developing fractures. If you want to start an exercise regimen or are already active, make certain to discuss your plans with your doctor to avoid further irritation to areas where the cancer has already spread. It’s also a good idea to work with a physical therapist or personal trainer with experience in prostate cancer cases.
Do Away With Stress
Did you know that how you experience pain is significantly influenced by your emotional and mental state? With that said, work with your family members and loved one to keep your stress level low since less stress can also help reduce pain.
Although it’s impossible to avoid stress completely, staying active, practicing relaxation techniques, eating healthy foods, doing things that you love, and getting a massage could keep your stress level at a minimum.
Yes, having advanced prostate cancer is painful. The good news is that you can take charge of your pain and enjoy whatever time you have left with as less discomfort as possible.