Patients aren’t the only ones affected by prostate cancer. The disease can also have a profound impact on those closest to them. The disease and its treatment can have a significant effect on lifestyle, quality of life and emotional well-being. If someone you love has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you probably have many questions about what the best course of treatment is and how to best support them in their fight against the disease. It’s important to take charge of managing the disease and to recognize that having knowledge is power. This can help to greatly reduce some of the anxiety and confusion that comes with a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Here are some suggestions and resources to empower you to be a positive and active participant in their journey with prostate cancer.
Learn As Much As You Can About Prostate Cancer
Since prostate cancer differs greatly from one person to another, it is important to educate yourself about the disease. Understanding their diagnosis will help you to be supportive and understand what your loved one is going through.
Plan For The Future
You may think there is nothing that you can do to prepare yourself for prostate cancer. Although you may not be able to prepare yourself emotionally, there are some legal and financial issues that can be planned in advance.
Communicate
It is easy for someone with a diagnosis of prostate cancer to become depressed, or to be in a state of denial. It is also normal for you to be sad, angry, or in denial of the diagnosis. Open communication is critical during a stressful time like this. Strengthen your relationship by talking about how you feel.
Participate In His Treatment
Show an interest in what they are going through with prostate cancer. Go to their doctor’s appointments and tests and take notes during the appointments so that you don’t miss any important information. Find out what the available treatment options are, and look at the pros and cons of each. Ask questions and then get a second opinion. Once a course of treatment has been chosen, help them to follow it as closely as possible.
Find Support
Meeting with others who have already gone through what you are going through is one of the best ways to alleviate feelings of helplessness and isolation. Many hospitals offer support groups for prostate cancer patients and their family members. Plus, listening to others’ experiences may provide you with new insights and coping strategies.
Take Care Of Yourself
Remember to take care of yourself as you and your loved one face this challenging time. Staying healthy and emotionally balanced will allow you to provide the kind of support your loved one needs. Get enough sleep, eat well, exercise, and seek out support from friends and family. Maintain a positive outlook and provide your loved one with a sense of strength and security.
Lastly, sometimes just being there for some men is enough. You don’t have to always talk about prostate cancer or their treatment. Just chatting about normal things and engaging in some everyday activities together can help them to cope. Encourage them to see family and friends and to keep up with social activities and hobbies. The road to dealing with prostate cancer can be a long one and support of any kind is always welcome.
