What to Expect When Saying Goodbye to Your Prostate: A Comprehensive Guide for Men Facing Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States, with an estimated 248,530 new cases and 34,130 deaths in 2023. While the majority of men with prostate cancer will have a favorable prognosis, a significant number will face advanced or aggressive disease that requires more aggressive treatment, including surgery to remove the prostate gland.

"What to Expect When Saying Goodbye to Your Prostate" is a comprehensive guide for men facing prostate cancer surgery. Written by a team of leading urologists and oncologists, this book provides essential information on:

• The different types of prostate cancer surgery
• The risks and benefits of each type of surgery
• How to prepare for surgery
• What to expect during and after surgery
• The long-term side effects of surgery

This book is an invaluable resource for men who are facing prostate cancer surgery. It can help them to understand their options, make informed decisions about their treatment, and prepare for what to expect.

What to Expect When...SAYING GOOD-BYE TO YOUR PROSTATE: How to Beat Prostate Cancer, Ease Your Mind, and Laugh While Doing It

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1043 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	148 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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1. Understanding Prostate Cancer
2. Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer
3. Prostate Cancer Surgery
   • Types of prostate cancer surgery
   • Risks and benefits of each type of surgery
   • How to prepare for surgery
   • What to expect during and after surgery
   • Long-term side effects of surgery
4. Recovery from Prostate Cancer Surgery
   • Physical recovery
   • Emotional recovery
   • Sexual recovery
5. Living with Prostate Cancer
   • Managing side effects
   • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
   • Emotional support

Prostate cancer is a cancer that develops in the prostate gland, a small gland located below the bladder in men. The prostate gland produces the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States, and the second leading cause of cancer death among men after lung cancer. The majority of men with prostate cancer will be diagnosed with early-stage disease that is confined to the prostate gland. However, a significant number of men will face advanced or aggressive disease that requires more aggressive treatment, including surgery to remove the prostate gland.

There are a number of risk factors for prostate cancer, including:

• Age: Prostate cancer is more common in older men. The risk of prostate cancer increases significantly after age 50.
• Race: African-American men are at a higher risk of prostate cancer than men of other races.
• Family history: Men who have a father or brother with prostate cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
• Diet: A diet high in saturated fat and red meat may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
• Obesity: Obese men are at a higher risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer.

There are a number of different treatment options for prostate cancer, including:

• Active surveillance: This option involves monitoring the cancer without treating it. Active surveillance is only appropriate for men with early-stage, low-risk prostate cancer.
• Surgery: Surgery to remove the prostate gland is the most common treatment for prostate cancer. Surgery is typically recommended for men with early-stage or locally advanced prostate cancer.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery, or as a standalone treatment.
• Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy uses drugs to lower the levels of testosterone in the body. Testosterone is a hormone that can fuel the growth of prostate cancer.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used to treat advanced prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

The best treatment option for prostate cancer will vary depending on the individual patient's age, health, and the stage of the cancer.

There are a number of different types of prostate cancer surgery, including:

• Radical prostatectomy: This is the most common type of prostate cancer surgery. Radical prostatectomy involves removing the entire prostate gland, along with some of the surrounding tissue.
• Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy: This is a less invasive type of radical prostatectomy that is performed using a robotic surgical system. Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy is less painful and has a shorter recovery time than traditional radical prostatectomy.
• Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: This is another less invasive type of radical prostatectomy that is performed using a laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera and light on the end. Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is also less painful and has a shorter recovery time than traditional radical prostatectomy.
• Perineal radical prostatectomy: This type of radical prostatectomy is performed through the perineum, the area between the scrotum and the anus. Perineal radical prostatectomy is less common than other types of radical prostatectomy, but it can be an option for men who have certain other medical conditions.

The risks and benefits of each type of prostate cancer surgery will vary depending on the individual patient's age, health, and the stage of the cancer.

Recovery from prostate cancer surgery can take several weeks or months. The recovery process will vary depending on the type of surgery that was performed.

Physical recovery

After prostate cancer surgery, you will likely experience some pain and discomfort. You may also have some swelling and bruising in the area of the surgery. You will need to take pain medication to manage your pain. You will also need to rest and avoid strenuous activity for several weeks after surgery.

Emotional recovery

Prostate cancer surgery can be a life-changing event. You may experience a range of emotions, including anxiety, depression, and anger. It is important to talk to your doctor or a therapist about your feelings. You may also find it helpful to join a support group for men who have had prostate cancer surgery.

Sexual recovery

Prostate cancer surgery can affect your sexual function. You may experience problems with erectile function, ejaculation, and orgasm. These problems can be temporary or permanent. Your doctor can talk to you about ways to manage these problems.

After prostate cancer surgery, you will need to follow up with your doctor regularly to monitor your recovery and check for any signs of recurrence. You may also need to take medication to manage your side effects.

Living with prostate cancer can be challenging, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you cope with the challenges of living with prostate cancer.

Managing side effects

Prostate cancer surgery can have a number of side effects, including:

• Incontinence: This is the inability to control urination. Incontinence can be temporary or permanent. Your doctor can recommend ways to manage incontinence, such as wearing absorbent pads or taking medication.
• Erectile dysfunction: This is the inability to get or maintain an erection. Erectile dysfunction can be temporary or permanent. Your doctor can recommend ways to manage erectile dysfunction, such as taking medication or using a vacuum erection device.
• Ejaculatory dysfunction: This is the inability to ejaculate. Ejaculatory dysfunction is permanent after prostate cancer surgery.
• Lymphedema: This is a swelling of the legs or genitals. Lymphedema can be temporary or permanent. Your doctor can recommend ways to manage lymphedema, such as wearing compression garments or massage.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle

After prostate cancer surgery, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Getting enough sleep
• Managing stress
• Avoiding tobacco smoke and alcohol

Emotional support

Living with prostate cancer can be emotionally challenging. It is important to have a strong support system in place. This can include family, friends, a therapist, or a support group.

"What to Expect When Saying Goodbye to Your Prostate" is a comprehensive guide for men facing prostate cancer surgery. This book provides essential information on the different types of surgery, the risks and benefits of each type of surgery, how to prepare for surgery, what to expect during and after surgery, and the long-term side effects of surgery. This book is an invaluable resource for men who are facing prostate cancer surgery. It can help them to understand their options, make informed decisions about their treatment, and prepare for what to expect.

What to Expect When...SAYING GOOD-BYE TO YOUR PROSTATE: How to Beat Prostate Cancer, Ease Your Mind, and Laugh While Doing It

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1043 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	148 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE