PC RESOURCES & ARTICLES
![Happy Couple](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ee10b1adf6fc425d97aae6280cbe1745.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_272,w_5127,h_2874/fill/w_555,h_300,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Happy%20Couple.jpg)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/41d000_1fb5335cb8b1b79c0bd659958f6ea823.png/v1/crop/x_0,y_27,w_241,h_268/fill/w_31,h_33,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/41d000_1fb5335cb8b1b79c0bd659958f6ea823.png)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/41d000_e75f0ceccc32d473b73b0cb1bac39f09.png/v1/fill/w_41,h_46,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/41d000_e75f0ceccc32d473b73b0cb1bac39f09.png)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/41d000_21c47463e1238ab1a26dca04d94e446a.png/v1/fill/w_32,h_24,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/41d000_21c47463e1238ab1a26dca04d94e446a.png)
RESOURCES:
Below you'll find a collection of PC organizations and support groups.
CANCER ORGANIZATIONS:
PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION
ZERO CANCER
CALIFORNIA PROSTATE CANCER COALITION
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
PROSTATE HEALTH EDUCATION NETWORK
PROSTATE MATTERS
https://
MAYO CLINIC
TRUE NORTH
https://truenorth.movember.com/en
FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUPS:
PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
https://https://www.pcf.org/patient-resources/patient-navigation/support-groups/
PROSTATE CANCER WIVES
https://https://www.facebook.com/groups/Prostatecancerpartnerstalksupport/
PROSTATE CANCER NON-SURGERY
TREATMENTS GROUP
https://https://www.facebook.com/groups/PCNonSurgicalSupport/
CANCER ARTICLES:
Below you'll find a collection of web based articles related to prostate cancer & recovery, organized under the following headers:
***
Other great places for dedicated Prostate information and answers:
FACEBOOK:
Prostate Cancer Survivors and Caregivers Network
Prostate Cancer Wives - Talk & Support Group
Prostate Cancer Support Group
PODCAST:
Mr. 80 Percent- Sexual Dysfunction
***
I. CANCER TREATMENTS
II. DYSFUNCTION: Bladder / Bowel /Sex
III. CATHETER/ CATHETER MANAGEMENT
IV. AFTER SURGERY CARE
V. COMPLICATIONS/PAIN
VI. CAREGIVERS/HOME PREPARATION
VII. HEALTH/EXERCISE
VIII. STRESS/PHSYCOLOGY/HOLISTIC
IX. CANCER FORUMS & CHAT
X. GENERAL
The following insights, sourced from fellow prostate cancer patients, are meant to serve as guide posts to help you mentally prepare for your recovery journey ahead.
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING TREATMENT: 'Do not get carried away by doing too much the first day. You will feel limited pain because some of the pain medication from surgery is still active in your system. If you do too much the first day, you may pay in the days that follow, after the meds leave your system.'
HYDRATION IS CRITICAL: The first few days after surgery you need lots of water to allow your system to work through the immediate side effects of treatment. Your first recovery mantra should be Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
HYGIENE: Maintaining good hygiene is critical to progressing swiftly toward full recovery. Adequately preparing your living space before treatment will help make this more attainable. Review the Recovery Checklist for more detail
EXPECT PLUMBING ISSUES: 'Once the catheter is removed the ability for you to resume bladder and sexual function will be greatly compromised and troublesome. Resuming normal bladder and sexual control will be among the most challenging obstacles to overcome during your recovery process. The level of dysfunction and recovery will vary greatly from one patient to another.'
INCONTINENCE, EXPLAINED IN LAYMEN'S TERMS: 'Articles written by the medical community or advertisers regarding bladder control use simple words like ‘incontinence, leakage or urinary incontinence’ to categorize the issue.
Medical explanation: ‘it is totally normal to have difficulty holding your urine after the catheter is removed. This is called urinary incontinence and may last for up to one year. Most patients use pads or adult diapers to control leaking urine’.
The truth is: in most cases, you will positively experience some level of dysfunction in holding your urine after treatment. Your bladder will have gone rogue. This is mainly due to the proximity of the prostate gland to the bladder, urinary tract bowel system, nerves and muscles. Not being able to control your bladder may be "normal" to the medical community, but not being able to pee is anything but normal. The issue of bladder dysfunction will become the most difficult element to manage throughout the recovery process.'
POST SURGERY CONSTIPATION: 'It will take from 4-6 days after surgery until your body is ready to allow you to have a bowel movement. The first and second bowel movements will most likely be hard as a rock. Make sure you take the stool softeners daily. Bowel movements will get easier after a while. You may experience a watery stool a few times, but this is nothing to worry about.'
THIS TOO WILL PASS: 'The bowel movement issues will be impacted by treatment, but not nearly as challenging as the urinary and sexual dysfunction. The bowel and urine systems are so close together, they are like siblings that live together in the same house competing for attention after the surgery. Both systems will flex their muscles until they work out their problems and agree on ways to coexist.'
KEGELS ARE KEY: 'If you are not familiar with Kegel Exercises, you need to not only become aware of them, but you should add them to your daily routine immediately. When you cannot control your urine, the urgency in mastering these exercises will become very apparent.'
CATHETER & GRAVITY: 'The catheter is constructed to always flow into the bag. As long as the bag is lower than your body there will be no problem. The hose can even be in a U shape!'
SECURE THE BAG: 'You'll want to avoid allowing the catheter to come loose when putting on your clothes or moving around. If it slips, be prepared for short term (pain) and long term consequences (rash, chafing, etc.).'
STRAPS, STRINGS, ETC - The MacGyver Approach: 'I did not have any information regarding how to stabilize my catheter, so I attached a string or shoulder strap onto the hose just under the lowest hose regulator valve. The string limits the pulling down of the tube on your penis. You can easily slip the string on and off. Most likely I wouldn't need to go the string route had I known about purchasing a Catheter strap, Velcro strips and/or ACE bandage.
YEAST INFECTION MAY OCCUR: 'Once the catheter is removed, frequent monitoring and changing of diapers whenever it necessary is critical. The combination of leakage and a humid diaper can lead to yeast infection.' (See Post-Catheter Recovery)
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY - STRESS IS REAL: 'Your body has defense mechanisms at work 24/7 to protect us, even when we are unaware of the tension building up within us. Be aware that actual and subconscious stress is a normal response to having cancer, and the trauma caused by the treatments can result in a wide variety of stress symptoms. You and your caregiver need to monitor your body reactions to alleviate any negative reactions.'
SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION: 'For many patients recovering from a prostate cancer treatment, the inability to perform is often the most complex element of the recovery process. It not only impacts the patient in the most private arena of their personal life, it also deeply affects the relationship with another person. The physiology and psychology of the sex drive is already complicated enough without adding the dysfunction into the mix. The medical community offers a range of counseling and support services for patients. Don't be afraid to look into these options if you can use the support.'
RELEVANT RESOURCES
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION FOUND ON THIS WEBSITE IS NEITHER WRITTEN BY MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS, NOR DOES IT CLAIM TO BE QUALIFIED MEDICAL ADVICE. All content is written by fellow Cancer Patients that have gone through their own cancer recovery process. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
I. PROSTATE CANCER OVERVIEW & TREATMENTS
Prostate Cancer: Types of Treatment
Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 11/2019
Learn about the different types of treatments doctors use for men with prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer Overview and Resources
From the NIH - National Cancer Institute, explore the links on this page to learn about prostate cancer treatment, prevention, screening, statistics, research, and more.
What to know about prostate cancer
Medical News Today provides MD reviewed information on prostate cancer:
Diagnosis - PSA- Second Opinion
ARTICLES - PODCASTS – YOUTUBE
-
What to know in detail about PC
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150086.php
-
Getting a second opinion.
https://news.cancerconnect.com/newly-diagnosed/the-importance-of-getting-a-second-opinion
-
Early detection screening for PC
https://news.cancerconnect.com/prostate-cancer/psa-early-detection-screening-prevention-of-prostate-cancer
-
Importance of getting a PSA
https://www.urologyspecialistsnc.com/importance-getting-psa-screening/
-
Prostate Cancer & You Podcast
https://masspcc.org › page › podcast
-
What happens after a prostate cancer diagnosis? - YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nY0jYIj4r1I
Information from the American Cancer Society on common prostate cancer surgery approaches.
Southern Illinois University has compiled this helpful Q&A on radial prostatectomy.
Cancer Treatment Centers of America shares information on radiation treatment, clinical trials, risk and common side effects.
Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Information from the American Cancer Society on hormone therapy treatment, potential side effects and more.
Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer
More information and detail from the Mayo Clinic regarding hormone therapy treatment.
Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer
Information from the American Cancer Society on chemotherapy, potential side effects and more.
From the Prostate Cancer Foundation, information on common side effects associated with prostate cancer treatment, as well as specific treatment related side effects.
Discharge information from Dr. Misop Han at John's Hopkins
Overview of the four (4) phases of the prostate cancer treatment journey:
1. Surgery
2. The catheter
3. Continence
4. Erectile functionality.
Also provides a table of symptoms, issues, and resolutions
Finding and Paying for Treatment
The American Cancer Society provides insight into the practical aspects of starting treatment for your cancer, such as finding the right health care team and dealing with financial and insurance issues. You'll also find lists of questions you should ask, as well as interactive tools you can use to learn how cancers like yours are typically treated.
II. DYSFUNCTION: Bladder/Bowel/Sex
Prostate Cancer: Urinary Incontinence
From WebMD:
-
Why Do Prostate Cancer Treatments Cause Urinary Incontinence?
-
Are There New Techniques That Reduce the Chance of Becoming Incontinent?
-
What Can Be Done to Treat Urinary Incontinence after Prostate Cancer Treatment?
This Vanderbuilt Medical Center resource provides information on walking, controlling pain, bowel slowdown, heartburn, spasms & swelling and driving restrictions after a prostatectomy, as wells as a helpful guide to managing a Foley catheter, including functional diagrams.
SMSNA/AUA 2016 - Center for Reconstructive Urology and Men's Health, University of Utah
Continence and Prostate: Continence management following surgery for prostate cancer
Continence NZ explains urinary incontinence resulting from prostate cancer treatment, the pelvic floor and introduces pelvic floor muscle training (Kegel Exercises)
Urinary problems after prostate cancer treatment
From Prostate Cancer UK:
Depending on the type of problems you’re having, ways to manage them can include lifestyle changes, pelvic floor muscle exercises, bladder retraining, medicines or surgery.
For practical tips read our How to manage urinary problems guide.
Watch Paul's story for one man's experience of managing urinary problems after prostate cancer treatment.
Managing bowel issues after prostate cancer diagnosis
According to this article from the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, bowel symptoms are not an expected side effect of prostate cancer surgery. However, for some men, the side effects of treatment involving the bowel will require further support and help.
This Prostate Cancer Foundation post gives basic information on bowel dysfunction related to prostatectomy and radiation therapy.
A Healthy Sex Life After Prostate Cancer
From WebMD: What to expect, penis rehab, medical treatments, healthy habits and your approach.
Viagra useful for impotence following Prostate Surgery
From the WebMD archives (1999)
III. CATHETER/ CATHETER MANAGEMENT
Foley Catheter Placement and Care
A medically reviewed article from Drugs.com with clear and succinct information on the Foley catheter, managing the equipment and how to handle issues that may come up.
Foley Catheter: Home Instructions
Helpful fact sheet for patients and caregivers from Intermountain Healthcare.
Urine Drainage Bag and Leg Bag Care
From Cleveland Clinic, this article describes the process for attaching, removing, and cleaning urine drainage and leg bags.
Tips for Holding your Catheter in Place
Good catheter management information from the Western Australian Department of Health.
IV. AFTER SURGERY CARE
Common Complications and Concerns After Surgery
This article from VeryWellHealth highlights potential problems to be on the look out post-treatment.
Discharge information from Dr. Misop Han at John's Hopkins
Overview of the phases of the prostate cancer treatment journey, plus a table of symptoms, issues, and resolutions.
Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: What to Expect at Home
A quality overview of what to prepare for after surgery, from Alberta Health Services, including a good primer on icing.
After a Prosectomy: Post Operative Care
From UC Irvine's Dr. Thomas E. Ahlering, this article on post-op care includes information on leaving the hospital, when you get home and a good list of things you might encounter after surgery.
Incontinence after Catheter Removal
This blog thread from Cancer Research UK gives a few different perspectives on what to expect after your catheter is removed.
V. COMPLICATIONS / PAIN
Potential urinary and sexual side effects of prostate cancer treatment
This Seattle Cancer Care Alliance resource gives an overview of the side effects of prostate cancer treatment.
Prostate Surgery Complications: What Patients Should Know
James Eastham, Chief of Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Urology Service, explains the side effects of prostate cancer surgery and clarifies how a number of factors specific to each patient affect his overall risk of complications.
Treating Prostate Cancer That Doesn’t Go Away or Comes Back After Treatment
The American Cancer Society explains what options are out there for patients whose initial treatment did not result in a full cure or who are dealing with recurrence.
WebMD gives a valuable rundown on various fungal infection types, symptoms and treatment.
Clotrimazole for treating penis / scrotum fungal infection
WebMD provides an overview of Clotrimazole (brand name Lotramin) -- commonly used to treat skin infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and other fungal skin infections (candidiasis).
Identifying and Treating a Yeast Diaper Rash
This Healthline article helps patients identify diaper rash and provides treatment & recovery advice.
This follow-up article from healthline provides an overview of diaper rash symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention.
Health Boards - Prostate Cancer Message Board
Contributors discuss a wire range of prostate cancer related issues.
VI. CAREGIVERS/HOME PREPARATION
Prostate Cancer: A Caregiver’s Guide
From the Urology Care Foundation, this guide provides stories and insight to support caregivers support as they accompany patients on their prostate cancer journey.
Making Health Decisions as a Cancer Caregiver
This Cancer.org resource helps loved ones and caregivers navigate the sometimes challenging decision making landscape.
Understanding the Cancer Experience When You’re a Caregiver
This Cancer.org resource helps you understand the disease process and provides guidance on the first questions that you and the patient should be asking the doctor and/or the cancer care team.
Valuable resources, information and support for caregivers from Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
VII. HEALTH / EXERCISE / WALKING / DIET / KEGELS
The Value of Early Walking after Surgery
UW Health outlines the importance of walking early after surgery.
Exercise After Prostate Removal
Virginia Mason delves into why exercise important after prostate surgery.
Tracking Your Walks
Walking Logs, Journals, Calendars, and Apps to Keep You Moving Forward
Does Diet Affect Your Prostate Cancer Outlook?
From Healthline: There’s some research to suggest that diet may help prevent prostate cancer. This article seeks to answer the question - what effects do the foods you eat have on people already living with prostate cancer?
Kegel exercises for men: Understand the benefits
The Mayo Clinic illuminates the benefits of Kegel exercises and a guide to doing them correctly.
From MedicineNet:
How to do Kegel Exercises for Men
This WikiHow article provides a step by step overview of how to approach Kegel exercises.
Health Benefits Of Regular Stretching
HealthPrep offers an rundown on why stretching on a regular basis can make a difference.
VIII. STRESS / PSYCHOLOGY / HOLISTIC HEALING
How to handle a relapse after treatment for prostate cancer
Marc B. Garnick, M.D., discusses what biochemical recurrence means and what your options are on the Harvard Health Blog.
Emotional and Psychological Distress Associated With Prostate Cancer
A brief article from ASCO Post / American Society of Clinical Oncology with information on prostate cancer treatment, stress and coping strategies.
Men and Prostate Cancer: The Emotional Impact
The City of Hope blog provides patients a succinct overview of the adverse effects of prostate cancer / treatment, as well as and avenues available to address these impacts.
Psychological Aspects of Prostate Cancer: a clinical review
General psychological issues in prostate cancer
An overview of anxiety and depression in prostate cancer
Psychosexual issues in prostate cancer
Psychological issues in prostate cancer related to developmental life stages and QOL
From ActiveBeat.com:
Subtle Symptoms of Chronic Stress- 15 chronic stress indicators
10 Effects of Chronic Stress on Your Health
Holistic Techniques for Stress Management and Chronic Disease
Article from Naturopathic Doctor News and Reviews (NDNR) explains stress and stress management techniques.
What Holistic Therapies and Practices Help with Anxiety and Depression?
From the University of Minnesota, Earl E. Bakken Center for Sprituality and Healing, this article gives a broad overview of alternative therapy approaches.
Gentle Yoga for Stiff Neck & Tight Shoulders
This Youtube guide provides a short & simple gentle yoga practice that can help relieve neck and shoulder stiffness.
Meditation Mindfulness and Cancer - Can Meditation help cure cancer?
From the Headspace blog (guided meditation app), this post gives an overview of the potential benefits of a establishing a mindfulness practice and tips for practicing.
Meditation for People With Cancer
This VeryWellHealth articles gives a succinct definition of meditation and highlights the potential benefits for patients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, chronic pain or other adverse side effects.
Guided Meditation for Cancer Patients
Health Journeys - an online resource providing guided meditation for cancer patients - discusses the power of meditation, yoga and mindfulness in helping cancer patients manage side effects, fears, and distress and support their bodies’ built-in, self-healing abilities.
Guided Meditations to Help Fight Cancer
From DoYogaWithMe.com, this prostate cancer specific track is one of many resources available for patients to explore and utilize in their recovery process.
Anxiety Relief Scripts for Relaxation
This post from InnerHealthStudio.com provides links to a variety of readable narratives which aim to decrease anxiety, manage anxiety symptoms, and cope with panic attacks.
IX. CANCER FORUMS / CHAT
Chat thread: Anyone been there and done that?
This chat thread from CancerResearchUK offers insight into the prostate cancer treatment recovery experience from a range of patients who have been there.
This chat thread from CancerResearchUK offers insight and support related to the caregiver experience.
HealingWell's Prostate Cancer Support Forum: Newly diagnosed with PC? – read this thread first
HealthBoards - Prostate Cancer Message Board
Cancer Compass - Prostate Cancer Discussions
American Cancer Society - Prostate Cancer Surivovrs Network
MacMillan Cancer Support - Prostate Cancer Forum
6 Top Health Forums Online for Expert Support
This article from MakeUseOf.com provides links to a short list of websites and forums with contributions from medical professionals.
X. GENERAL:
The Miracle of You: How Does the Body Itself After Surgery?
From Advanced Tissue: surgical wound healing is a complex process that you can take steps to improve throughout your recovery.
Medical Illustrations - Picture of Prostate from eMedicineHealth
Anesthesia: Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful FAQ rundown from Georgia Anesthesiologists.