During treatment, you may be coping with many physically and emotionally demanding situations. Relaxation techniques, and maybe even meditation, will help you cope better with fatigue, pain, and depression. Having a good support network is also an important aspect of taking charge of your treatment.
Some side effects of treatment, such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence, may be particularly difficult to talk about, but it's important to tell your doctor. Your doctor may be able to change your treatment or suggest ways to help you manage these side effects.
Unfortunately, results of treatment are not always what we hoped for. The cancer may be too advanced or aggressive, or treatment may not work for some other reason. Pain can be effectively managed but it's important to know how to describe your pain and what options are available. Times like these are difficult for everyone; grief can be very difficult to deal with. Talking about grief and death can be difficult for anyone, but sometimes, this is just what friends and family need.