Living with prostate cancer has been a challenging journey, but taking abiraterone has helped manage my condition. The drug has worked significantly in slowing down the progression of the disease, reducing the severity of the symptoms and improving my overall quality of life. However, it's not without its side effects, which include fatigue and high blood pressure. But in my battle with prostate cancer, it's a small price to pay. Overall, my experience with abiraterone has been positive, and it has given me hope in my fight against this disease.
Living with cancer: practical help for everyday life
Living with cancer changes a lot — energy levels, routines, even how you plan a week. You don’t need big life overhauls. Small, specific steps often make the biggest difference. Below are clear, usable tips you can try this week.
Daily care and symptom management
Fatigue is one of the most common problems. Try breaking tasks into 20–30 minute chunks and rest between them. Prioritize what truly needs doing and let low-priority chores wait. Use a simple checklist so you don’t waste energy remembering everything.
For nausea, keep bland snacks nearby (crackers, applesauce) and sip small amounts of clear fluids. If you’re getting mouth sores from treatment, rinse with a mild salt-and-baking-soda mix after eating — ask your care team for exact ratios. Track pain, nausea, bowel changes, and fever in a notebook so you can spot patterns and report them clearly to your doctor.
Sleep often gets disrupted. Keep a short, calm pre-bed routine: dim lights, no screens 30 minutes before bed, and a light snack if needed. If anxiety keeps you up, write down the top three worries and one small step you can take about each tomorrow.
Medications, appointments, and practical services
Keep a single medication list with doses and times — include prescriptions, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs. Bring that list to every appointment. If side effects start, call your oncology nurse before deciding to stop a drug; many effects can be managed without stopping treatment.
When buying meds online, be careful. Use licensed pharmacies and require a prescription. Look for clear contact info, pharmacy license numbers, and secure payment pages. If you use a Canadian online pharmacy, verify it serves your region and accepts prescriptions. Our site covers safe options and red flags to avoid.
Set up routine appointment reminders on your phone or with a caregiver. For complex visits, write one short question list so you get answers on the spot. Ask for simple explanations — you have the right to plain-language answers about risks, side effects, and expected timelines.
Mental health matters. Talk therapy, support groups, or brief online counseling can help you process fear and loss of control. If medication for mood or sleep is suggested, discuss drug interactions with your oncology team.
Practical help reduces stress: meals, rides, or household chores. Accept offers and say exactly what you need: “Can you pick up my meds Thursday?” is more useful than a general “help.”
Finally, plan for the paperwork: insurance calls, disability forms, and medical leave can pile up. Keep copies of key medical records and a short summary of your diagnosis and treatment. That makes calls and claims faster and less draining.
If you want, browse trusted articles and pharmacy guides on CanadaDrugStore for more on medication safety and symptom tips. And remember — small, practical moves add up. Try one change this week and see how it helps.
