Tips on Living With Someone With Prostate Cancer

When someone in your home is diagnosed with prostate cancer, it’s not only their life that’s turned upside-down. As a partner, primary caregiver, or even just a housemate, this diagnosis can disrupt your: 

• Relationship dynamics
• Daily routine
• Finances
• Future plans

It makes sense to feel overwhelmed. Follow these 10 tips to make the adjustment process easier and maintain your own health.   

Educate yourself on the disease and treatments. This will help you understand what your loved one is experiencing and the best ways to help. 

It’ll also help you plan for the future — you’ll have a better idea of what’s coming next. 

Ask your loved one to let you come with them to doctor’s appointments. This way, you can help them remember — and make sense of — all of the information coming their way. 

Usually, your loved one needs to talk to their doctor or nurse, and then you’ll be allowed into the exam room.

Sometimes it's easier to share your feelings with a stranger — especially when you want to spare your loved one from added worry. 

Remember that your mental health matters too. Seek professional help when you need it. 

You may find yourself so busy with your new way of life that you’re tempted to sleep less. But too little sleep will increase your irritation, anger, and frustration. 

You need to consistently get a good night’s rest for your mental and physical health — otherwise, you’ll be too tired to help anyone. 

Everyone needs exercise to feel good — both mentally and physically. 

It’s a great way to clear your mind and give yourself a break from all of the new adjustments in your life.

You’ll be a much better caregiver and friend if you’re in touch with your thoughts and feelings. Meditation and breathing exercises can help you slow down and accomplish this. 

There are many different meditation techniques available — try a few until you find one that works for you.  

Your entire life can start to feel out of control when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. 

Focus on what you can control instead of what you can’t. For example, figure out a routine that works best for you and your loved one and stick to it. 

You might feel like there isn’t a moment to spare for yourself as you rush around trying to care for everyone else. But once a week, you need to get out of the house — even if it’s just a half-hour walk or a trip to the library. 

You’ll be a much better caregiver once you care for yourself.  

It’s okay to process big life changes differently. Both you and your loved one are going through many new experiences. Your feelings might change daily — or even minute by minute. 

You may want to talk about the cancer diagnosis more than your loved one does. Try to not give in to frustration if you both have different coping strategies.   

You need to realize that you can’t handle everything yourself. Know your limits, and don’t feel guilty for enforcing them. 

Prostate cancer can bring family and friends closer together to support their loved ones. Don’t be afraid to ask this community for help — you’ll probably find that they’re eager for ways to contribute.