Support Networks & Resources
At Chesapeake Urology, you will not go through your cancer journey alone. You are now part of a team that is dedicated to supporting you. In addition to our patient navigator, our array of resources include:
- Prostate Cancer Support Group
- Nutrition and Wellness Program
- The Erectile Dysfunction/Penile Rehabilitation Program
- Counseling
- Recommended Websites for More Information
Chesapeake Prostate Cancer Support Group
The group provides a safe place for men to express their feelings about prostate cancer and share information about their diagnosis and treatment with other prostate cancer patients and survivors. Chesapeake Urology has created a unique, relaxed and friendly atmosphere in these groups, along with providing educational medical information. All levels and stages of cancer patients attend.
Our Chesapeake Prostate Cancer Support Group also includes a Spousal Support Network. Spouses are encouraged to attend the Prostate Cancer Support Group meetings to learn more about prostate cancer and to meet with other spouses who have been through the prostate cancer experience.
Nutrition and Wellness Program
Nutrition is an important part of your care. A healthy diet can help your body fight cancer. Good nutrition provides your body with the best nutrients, helps builds your immune system, and helps keep up your strength and energy to supplement your cancer treatment. Our staff will advise you about eating a healthy diet, but we've listed some basic guidelines below.
- Eat foods high in antioxidants, which may contribute to reducing cancer and heart disease. These include:
- Beta-carotene found in sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe and squash
- Lycopene found in tomatoes, watermelon, guava, papaya and apricots
- Vitamin C found in certain fruits and vegetables, cereals, beef, poultry and fish
- Reduce sugar and fat
- Eat more deep-water fish, such as yellow tuna, sardines, cod or haddock
- Reduce your consumption of red meat
Chesapeake Urology offers a nutrition and wellness program to help prevent disease and boost healthy living. This comprehensive program integrates low-glycemic eating with exercise and behavior modification. The program covers healthy eating to optimize fat loss; detoxification; good fats versus bad fats; inflammation and oxidation as contributors to disease; the importance of adequate sleep; regular exercise to support lean muscle mass; stress reduction and proper supplementation. Ask one of our patient navigators for more information about the program.
The Erectile Dysfunction/Penile Rehabilitation Program
Under the direction of urologist Dr. David Fenig, the
penile rehabilitation program provides a wide range of customized, state-of-the-art treatments for men
who experience impotence after prostate cancer treatment. Erectile dysfunction
(ED) can be treated in the vast majority of cases.
If nerve bundles are not damaged, treatment may include medications, such as Viagra and Cialis. For other patients, suppositories, a variety of penile implants and vacuum devices are available. Our staff will meet your needs with sensitivity and privacy. Following radiation therapy or surgery, between 30 to 70 percent of patients experience some degree of impotence. However, the ED specialists at Chesapeake Urology are highly experienced at counseling patients and providing effective solutions.
In addition, expert physical therapists work with patients who experience incontinence to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles through exercise.
Counseling
Your well-being is our priority. If you or your family feel as if you need further counseling services in addition to our nurse navigator and other support services, we will be happy to refer you to a third party professional.