10 Things You Should Know Before Getting Surgery For Prostate Cancer

The surgery to remove a cancerous prostate is one of the most common surgeries that men have.

In fact, it’s so common that more than 300,000 men undergo this surgery every year.

If you’re at all familiar with the symptoms of prostate cancer and have been thinking about getting checked out, or if you’ve already been diagnosed and are looking for a way to fight back against your disease, then read on as we cover things you need to know before having surgery. 

10 Things You Should Know Before Getting Surgery For Prostate Cancer

1. There are alternatives out there to surgery

Not all men have surgery when they are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and you might want to consider other options before going under the knife.

You should know that your doctor will probably recommend it if he or she believes that the cancer is large enough and has spread far enough around the body. 

2. Surgery can take time

Surgery is not an overnight deal. The surgery to remove the prostate takes longer than other types of surgeries to complete, so you should plan on at least staying in the hospital for one to five days depending on how complex your procedure is. You can also expect your recovery period to be anywhere from two weeks to six weeks, and you may be sore for some time after the surgery even though your doctor gives you pain medication.

3. The alternatives aren’t as bad as you might think

The alternative options to prostate surgery include

(1) radiation therapy

(2) brachytherapy

(3) cryotherapy and

(4) radioactive seeds.

Of these options, the seeds and brachytherapy offer the best courses of treatment with fewer side effects than surgery and radiation.

However, you should also know that any form of treatment results in some side effects such as:

(1) rectal pain

(2) increased urination

(3) urgency

(4) incontinence and

(5) impotence.

4. You’ll need to be checked for impotence

Getting surgery can lead to impotence, or erectile dysfunction, which is one of the biggest side effects that come from this type of treatment.

If you’re a man looking at surgical options for cancer in your prostate gland, then there’s a good chance you’re going to have to deal with erectile dysfunction.

However, on the upside, there are many different medicines and pills you can take to help fight your impotence, so if it happens to you, don’t despair–there is hope.

5. Your prostate outlook may not be what your doctor says it is

There are many factors that affect an individual’s response to treatment, so doctors can’t give patients a definite answer on whether their cancer will be gone after the treatment has run its course. The size of the tumor and how far it has spread through the body determines just how successful your treatment will be.

6. Surgery takes a toll on your body, so you should take care of yourself

You know that surgery is going to have a major effect on your well-being because it will put stress on all parts of your body as they go through the healing process.  For this reason, you need to follow these tips for a speedy recovery:

• Get moving as soon as you can. Continue to do your aerobic exercises three times a week and strength-building exercises four times a week for the best results.
• Eat well. The surgery used to treat prostate cancer is an intensive one, so you need to fuel yourself with the right kinds of foods before, during, and after your treatment.
• Stay on top of it. Depending on the type of treatment you receive for prostate cancer, you may need to go back into a hospital again.  So make sure you’re always informed about your condition.
• Watch what you eat if you’re taking medication. There are certain foods that can interact with your medications and bring on side effects, so make sure you’re aware of what you can and cannot eat.

7. You’ll feel better if you’re prepared for the changes in your body

If you know ahead of time what to expect after surgery, then it will be easier getting used to the changes in your body.  Start by talking to other people who have experienced prostate surgery and start working out a routine with your doctor on what you should expect.

8. You’ll live longer if you get help from home health care services

Because prostate cancer treatments can be invasive and intensive, many men opt for post-treatment assistance from home health care services to help them get back on their feet.  Whether it’s assistance with dressing or making sure someone is there when you have your medication, this type of support can go a long way in the healing process.

9. Prostate cancer doesn’t have to define who you are

As mentioned earlier, prostate cancer doesn’t have to define who you are. In fact, it can be a probable stepping stone in your life where you just want to enjoy life instead of worrying about the risk of developing cancer again.

10. You’re not alone

There are many people who share the same experience as you do when it comes to prostate cancer treatments and living with the disease.  So if you find yourself struggling to find information, make sure your doctor is aware of what you need and where to go for help.

The treatment that’s right for you will depend on your age, overall health, preferences, and tumor stage.

You’ll feel much better if you maintain a good diet throughout your treatment period because it can reduce the chances of you catching an infection or easily fatiguing during this time.  Your doctor may recommend light meals with plenty of carbohydrate-rich foods, whole grains, and lean proteins to provide you with the energy you need for day-to-day living.

Some of the side effects that men experience after surgery or radiation treatment include loss of bladder control, an increased urge to urinate during the night as well as a decreased urge to urinate throughout the day, a loss of sexual desire, and the inability to have an erection, a lack of interest in sex, and a painful or burning sensation when passing urine.

Frequent urination is one of the most common side effects that men experience after surgery. It’s because during this time your urethra is healing from the inside out, so you’ll have to urinate more frequently to flush out the healing tissues and prevent an infection from setting in.