Prostate Gland Problems

Prostate Cancer Support Groups

If you have recently learned you have prostate cancer you know that your life will be completely turned around. Your life and the lives of your family will change and these changes may be hard for you and your family and friends to handle. You will have many different feelings, as your family will. You will have feelings of fright; financial concerns and sometimes these feelings can be confusing.

There may be huge concerns about how you will care for your family, what will happen to your job, and if you will be able to continue your daily routine. There will be worries about testing and treatment procedures, the cost of hospital stays and other medical bills, and possible side effects. It is important to remember not to keep these feelings and thoughts inside. Talk about your concerns and worries with someone you trust. Your doctor and nurse can answer medical questions and concerns. They can answer questions about side effects, how your daily life will be affected and the treatment for your disease.

You may also want to seek out a trained professional to discuss personal feelings and concerns. A social worker, trusted pastor, or a counselor. It is important for you to express your fears and concerns and not keep them bottled up inside. If you are concerned about the financial aspect of prostate cancer, a social worker or counselor can point you to sources for financial aid. They can also recommend sources to help with home care, transportation to treatment and doctor visits, and emotional support.

Your family and friends can make a wonderful support group. Support groups sponsored by the American Cancer Society, and other organizations are also good. You can meet with other prostate cancer patients and their families to help you cope with the problems surrounding this disease. They will share ways of coping with stress, side effects, and emotional problems about this disease. Some groups may meet in person regularly; others may have an online or telephone support group. Your health care team can help you find a support group in your area.

On a more personal note, you may have very strong concerns about the effect prostate cancer will have on your sexual relationship with your partner. You may both have concerns that will need to be addressed. You can talk about your concerns and worries with your doctor. Your health care team can advise you on the side effects you can expect and how long they will last. It is important that you and your spouse or significant other talk about your sexual relationship and both of your concerns. You can discuss ways of being intimate during your treatment and during your recovery time. It may be helpful to talk with a counselor specially trained for dealing with sexual issues and problems.

You can find sources of support and help on the Internet. You can go to http://cancer.gov/Common/popUps/livehelp.aspx and http://cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/support/organizations. You can also receive live help on the phone at 1-800-4-CANCER.



 

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No personal medical advice about prostate problems is intended.