Prostate Cancer, Advanced or Metastatic

During medical care for any stage of prostate cancer, there are things you can do at home to help manage symptoms of prostate cancer or side effects of treatment:

• Reference Nausea or vomiting. After vomiting has stopped for 1 hour, sip a Reference rehydration drink Opens New Window to restore lost fluids and nutrients. Watch for and treat early signs of Reference dehydration Opens New Window. Older adults can quickly become dehydrated from vomiting. Your doctor may also prescribe Reference medicines to control nausea and vomiting. For more information on how to deal with these side effects, see:

  Reference Reference Cancer: Controlling Nausea and Vomiting From Chemotherapy.

• Reference Pain. For pain, talk to your doctor about using aspirin, acetaminophen (such as Tylenol), or another type of Reference nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Or ask about a Reference narcotic medicine Opens New Window. You can also try an alternative therapy such as Reference biofeedback Opens New Window. Be sure to discuss with your doctor any home treatment you use for pain.
• Reference Diarrhea. Don't eat until you are feeling better. Take frequent, small sips of water or a rehydration drink and small bites of salty crackers. Begin eating mild foods (such as rice, dry toast or crackers, bananas, broth, and applesauce) the next day or sooner, depending on how you feel.
• Reference Constipation. Make sure you drink enough fluids. Most adults should drink between 8 and 10 glasses of water or noncaffeinated beverages each day. Include fruits, vegetables, and fiber in your diet each day.
• Reference Sleep problems. Often, simple measures such as having a regular bedtime, getting some exercise during the day, and avoiding caffeine late in the day can relieve sleep problems.
• Reference Urinary problems. Home treatment for urinary incontinence includes eliminating caffeinated drinks from your diet and establishing a schedule of urinating every 3 to 4 hours, regardless of whether you feel the need. You may also try doing Reference pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles.

During medical treatment for prostate cancer, you may experience emotional problems. See the following tips for managing:

• Reference Stress. Expressing your feelings to others may help you understand and cope with them. Learning relaxation techniques may also be helpful.
• Reference Body image and sexuality. Your feelings about your body and your sexuality may change after treatment for cancer. Prostate cancer treatments have side effects that almost always affect a man's sexual function, such as loss of sexual desire and the inability to have erections. Treatments can also cause shrinking of the penis and testicles. Talk openly with your partner about your concerns. And discuss with your doctor your concerns about any sexual problems.

Having cancer can change your life in many ways. For help with managing these changes, see the topic: Reference Getting Support When You Have Cancer.

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