Coping with cancer this festive season

04 December 2024

The festive season is well and truly here and while Christmas and New Year can be a time of joy and celebration for many, for those dealing with the impacts of prostate cancer, it can also be a challenge.

Expectations can be overwhelming, and the excitement of this time can be overshadowed by feelings of sadness, isolation, and loss, as familiar traditions become painful reminders of how much life has changed.

This month, our Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses have shared their tips and strategies to help you prepare for and navigate this season with greater confidence.

Maintaining healthy habits helps manage stress and emotions

Try to exercise if you can. This will help improve your mood, sleep better, and relieve stress.
Eat in moderation and keep hydrated.
Be realistic about your energy levels and plan activity when you feel at your best.
Prioritise sleep when you need it.

Manage your connections and expectations

Delegate tasks and preparations to others.
Plan and discuss your needs and limitations with others.
Divide up your activities and plans over days.
Accept offers of help from others.
Explore options that save time, energy, and finances if you are exchanging gifts.
Set some boundaries. It’s ok to say no to some planned events during the festive season.
Have an alternative plan if things become overwhelming for you on the day.
If you can’t manage face to face events, connect virtually or by phone.

Taking care of yourself emotionally and conserving your energy will allow you to find enjoyment in however you choose to spend the festive season.

Being prepared during the holiday break can also help relieve some of the stress created by the holiday period.

If you’re taking leave, ensure you have enough medications to get you through the holidays or periods of leave. And make sure you book your follow up appointments for blood tests, reviews or check-ups in advance to avoid closure of service periods.

Know where to find support

Have a chat with your treating team or your local Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse about arrangements for support during holiday periods. You can ask them:

Who to contact if you need assistance after your treatment or with a side effect.
When you have a question who can help you find the care and support you need if issues arise.
If you’ve recently had surgery, confirm with your treating team, doctors and nurse or hospital who to call if you have a complication or need assistance with wounds, catheters, infections, or other concerns.

PCFA’s Telenursing team will also be available to provide support Monday to Friday (9am- 5pm AEDT) except public holidays.

To speak with one of our specialist nursing and counselling team please call 1800 22 00 99 or email us requesting a call-back via telenurse@pcfa.org.au or counselling@pcfa.org.au.

Alternatively, visit our Survivorship toolkit to read more about surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy and other aspects of prostate cancer.

Crisis support

If you need crisis support, please contact your GP or one of the following organisations for who have 24-hour 7 -ay a week helplines:

Lifeline 131114

MensLine 1300 78 99 78

Beyond Blue 1300 2246 36

In the event of an emergency, always dial 000.

If you need medical advice 24/7, you can also contact Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. They can provide answers to many questions and advise you when to seek urgent care and how to handle immediate issues when your treating is not available.

Most importantly, be kind and compassionate to yourself this Christmas. This is the best gift you can give yourself, whether you’re feeling in the festive spirit or simply prefer to relax and rest.

Reach out if you need us, we are here to help.