Home Treatment

During any stage of prostate cancer, there are things you can do at home to help manage the side effects of cancer or treatment. See the following tips for managing:

• Nausea or vomiting. After vomiting has stopped for 1 hour, sip a rehydration drink to restore lost fluids and nutrients. Watch for and treat early signs of dehydration. Older adults can quickly become dehydrated from vomiting. Your doctor may also prescribe medicines to control nausea and vomiting.
• Pain. You may wish to try taking aspirin or similar drugs or an alternative therapy such as biofeedback to help relieve your pain. Be sure to discuss with your doctor any home treatments you use for pain.
• Diarrhea. Do not eat until you are feeling better. Take small sips of water or a rehydration drink often 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.
• Constipation. Make sure you drink enough liquids. Most adults should drink 8 to 10 glasses of water, or noncaffeinated beverages each day. Include fruits, vegetables, and fiber in your diet each day.
• Sleep problems. Often, simple measures such as having a regular bedtime, getting some exercise during the day, and having no caffeine late in the day can help with sleep problems.
• Urinary problems. Home treatment for urinary incontinence includes eliminating caffeinated drinks from your diet and setting a schedule of urinating every 3 to 4 hours, regardless of whether you feel the need. Try doing pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles.

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

• Stress. Expressing your feelings to others may help you understand and cope with them. Learning relaxation techniques may also be helpful.
• Poor body image. Your feelings about your body may change after treatment for cancer. Talk openly about your concerns with your partner, and discuss your feelings with your doctor, who may also be able to refer you to organizations that can offer additional support and information.

Healthy habits such as eating right and getting enough sleep and exercise can help control your symptoms.

You should not have to accept pain as part of having cancer treatment or having cancer. For tips on pain management, see:

Cancer: Controlling cancer pain.