What To Say To Someone With Prostate Cancer

Humorous Words For Someone With Cancer

While cancer is nothing to joke about, humor is sometimes exactly what someone who is facing a serious illness needs. Make sure the time is right before incorporating humor into your interactions with a cancer patient so that the message will be well received. When things are so serious all of the time, a chuckle or two is exactly what is needed. After all, sometimes just getting your mind off “the Big C” is the best way to fight it.

• More men die of jealousy than cancer.” – Joseph Patrick Kennedy
• Well, you always wondered what smoking weed was like. Now, you can find out!
• We’re going to buy you the most fabulous earrings. Bald is beautiful, girl.
• On the bright side, you wont have any bad hair days for a while!
• Guess what? You officially have a “get out of jail free” card for all those lunches you try to avoid with your in-laws!
• Youve always wanted a good reason to get out of hosting Thanksgiving at your house. Now you have one.
• Cancer didnt know what it was in for when it decided to hassle you!
• Laughter may have some healing properties, but I like the odds of chemo and radiation.
• Remember that year when your number one goal was to survive? Oh yeah, thats right now!
• They say that what doesnt kill you makes you stronger? Im betting on stronger.

Prostate Cancer Survivors: What Advice Would You Give The Newly Diagnosed

The best advice about prostate cancer from the men & families whove already gone through it.

Recently, we asked the members of our private Prostate Cancer Survivors Facebook group what advice they would give to those who had recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The response by the members of this group, and from some of their support/caregivers, was overwhelming and covered a variety of topics including education, prostate cancer treatments, support and how to live life with prostate cancer.

One of the first and foremost pieces of advice that respondents offered was: dont panic!

Elizabeth: Breathe.Do not make panic-based decisions

Alan: STAY CALM, DONT PANIC

Donna: Breathe!

And to continue to stay strong in the face of a prostate cancer diagnosis

Warren: Youre at the beginning of a journey, time to become a warrior! Prepare to battle with as much information and support you can get!

Many other prostate cancer survivors offered up a lot of specific advice on making sure that you find the best and most up-to-date prostate cancer research and information available to educate yourself. This includes finding the right prostate cancer doctor:

Kevin: Educate yourself!

Christo: Do your own research. There are many options. Find a strong support structure in friends and family. Ppl who love you unconditionally. Find coping mechanisms for the dark days. They sure do come we all are different. Love yourself unconditionally.

• Copied

Did You See The Latest Episode

This isnt a specific sayingits a reminder to talk about something else other than cancer. Cancer patients spend plenty of time discussing treatment, symptoms and prognosis. Your loved one will appreciate those who can find something brighter to talk about. Whatever the topic, getting their mind off their illness will be refreshing.

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Most Encouraging Words For Someone With Cancer

A diagnosis of cancer can make a person feel removed from everyday life. It can be a time of awful, overwhelming loneliness paired with feeling out of control. Sometimes the most moving words the sufferer will hear are the most basic: “I’m here for you. Let me know what you need.” Saying that and meaning it may be the most incredibly important act of kindness you’ll ever do for your loved one. Discover a number of sayings that can comfort and inspire someone who has cancer.

Positive Messages For Someone With Cancer

Lending support is great, but cancer patients can also benefit from positive messages. Be sure to find ways to encourage your friend or loved one with some upbeat and inspirational things to say to someone with cancer. Your words may be exactly what it takes to motivate someone through cancer to get through another day of treatment, one day at a time.

Also Check: How To Treat Prostate Cancer That Has Spread To Bones

Communicate And Work Together

Even prostate cancer cannot destroy the bond between you and your loved one. You are stronger when you work as a team and open up to each other. It is important to communicate and support each other throughout the journey. Talk about your concerns with your loved one and show that you care.

Be there with your loved one at the doctor appointments. He may need you to remind him what questions to ask, to keep notes for him, or simply to hold his hand. It may help you feel empowered and prepared for the future to make a treatment plan together.

The Manual: How To Support A Man With Prostate Cancer

When you are close to a man with prostate cancer, the diagnosis can affect you just as much as him. As well as affecting how you feel, it may also change your relationship with him as your plans and priorities change. Below, our Specialist Nurse Meg Burgess answers your questions about supporting a man with prostate cancer.

When you are close to a man with prostate cancer, the diagnosis can affect you just as much as him. As well as affecting how you feel, it may also change your relationship with him as your plans and priorities change. Below, our Specialist Nurse Meg Burgess answers your questions about supporting a man with prostate cancer.

Also Check: How To Massage A Man’s Prostate

When Someone You Know Has Cancer

Finding out that someone you know has cancer can be difficult. If youre very close to the person, this can be a frightening and stressful time for you, too. If you are not comfortable talking about cancer, you might not be the best person for your friend to talk with at this time. You may need some time to work through your own feelings. You can even explain to your friend that you are having trouble talking about cancer. You might be able to help them find someone who is more comfortable talking about it by helping them look for support groups or connecting with a community or religious leader.

But if you feel you want to be there to help the person in your life with cancer, here are some suggestions for listening to, talking with, and being around this person. Communication and flexibility are the keys to success.

Offer To Help With Daily Tasks

It may be difficult for your friend to ask for help, but Cammarata and Blackler say that some of the most beneficial things you can do are to offer to assist with everyday errands, like grocery shopping, babysitting, picking the kids up from school, or doing laundry. Cammarata suggests making a list of tasks youre willing to do and asking your friend where you can help.

If youre going out to the store for your own family, give your friend a call and see if theres anything else you can pick up, Blackler says.

Read Also: Chemotherapy Drugs For Prostate Cancer

Be An Active Participant In Your Loved Ones Prostate Cancer Treatment

There are many ways an individual can take an active role in a prostate cancer treatment. These include:

• Provide Help Around the House: Help a prostate cancer patient maintain a neat, tidy house and perform assorted day-to-day errands to help this individual focus on what is most important treating his prostate cancer.
• Offer a Ride to the Doctor: Going to a doctor alone may be stressful. By providing a ride to the doctor, an individual may help a prostate cancer patient alleviate some of the stress commonly associated with doctors visits.
• Find Support Groups:US Too, Male Care, Imerman Angels, and other prostate cancer support groups are available nationwide. These groups enable prostate cancer patients and survivors to connect with and support one another throughout treatment and recovery.

Offer support by joining a prostate cancer support group with your loved one

An individual does not have to be a urologist to help a prostate cancer patient achieve the best possible treatment results. If an individual takes an active role in a prostate cancer treatment, he or she can help a patient combat prostate cancer both now and in the future.

Money And Financial Support

If you have to reduce or stop work because of your prostate cancer, you may find it hard to cope financially. If you have prostate cancer or are caring for someone who does, you may be entitled to financial support:

• if you have a job but cannot work because of your illness, you’re entitled to Statutory Sick Pay from your employer
• if you do not have a job and cannot work because of your illness, you may be entitled to Employment and Support Allowance
• if you are caring for someone with cancer, you may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance
• you may be eligible for other benefits if you have children living at home or if you have a low household income

Find out early what help is available to you. Speak to the social worker at your hospital, who can give you the information you need.

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Become A Good Sounding Board

For the patient, a prostate cancer diagnosis may incite anger, sadness, anxiety, depression, and other emotions. As a loved one who cares about a prostate cancer patient, it is crucial to do everything possible to provide this individual with a good sounding board. That way, a prostate cancer patient can express any concerns, fears, or questions to a trusted confidant throughout a prostate cancer treatment.

Becoming a good sounding board is unlikely to happen overnight, and an individual must work diligently to empathize with a prostate cancer patient to ensure he or she can provide emotional support. Fortunately, there are several things an individual can do to become a good sounding board, including:

• Listen and respond. Listen to what your loved one has to say. By doing so, an individual can learn about a prostate cancer patients emotions and respond accordingly.
• Avoid platitudes. Saying things like I know you will do great! to a prostate cancer patient may seem helpful, but these platitudes offer no guarantees. Avoid platitudes, and instead, help your loved one analyze all aspects of his emotions.
• Identify emotional subtext. Keep an eye out for signs of doubt, anger, and other emotions and ask questions to help a prostate cancer patient understand and deal with his emotions.

Questions To Ask About Having Therapy Using Medication

• What type of treatment do you recommend?

• What is the goal of this treatment?

• How will this treatment be given?

• How long will it take to give this treatment?

• Will I receive this treatment at a hospital or clinic? Or will I take it at home?

• What side effects can I expect during treatment?

• Who should I contact about any side effects I experience? And how soon?

• What are the possible long-term effects of having this treatment?

• What can be done to relieve the side effects?

Also Check: Do Girls Have Prostate Glands

Support Caregivers And Other Family Members Too

People are so focused on the patients and how theyre doing that they forget to ask caregivers how theyre doing, Blackler says. Caregivers are stressed out. Theyre trying to juggle their existing roles and take over new responsibilities that the person whos sick used to do.

You can offer to help by babysitting the kids for a night or driving them to soccer practice. Or perhaps helping out just means sitting in the hospital room while the caregiver steps out for a cup of coffee.

What If The Person ‘s Cancer Comes Back

In some cases, a persons cancer will come back and treatment might begin again or a new treatment might be needed. The person with cancer may or may not react the same way they did the first time. Again, communication is key. Most people are quite upset if they learn their cancer is back. They may feel they dont have the emotional or physical reserves to get through it again, they might be empowered to be as strong as possible. They may have expected it to come back, or are simply ready to face it again. By equipping yourself with the knowledge of how best to talk to the person with cancer, you can be most helpful to them.

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What If The Person Refuses Or Stops Cancer Treatment

At some point during a person’s cancer journey, they might refuse or decide to stop cancer treatment. You might feel like they’re giving up, and that can be upsetting or frustrating. You might not agree with their decision, but it is important to support them and give them the space to decide what they feel is best for their health, well-being, and quality of life.

Even after a person refuses cancer treatment or decides to stop their treatment, it’s important to make sure they fully understand their options. You might want to suggest the person to talk with their cancer care team about their decision. Some will and others won’t. After talking to their cancer care team, don’t be surprised if your loved one still decides to stop or refuse treatment. Continue to offer your support.

Palliative care can help anyone with cancer, even those who are sure that they don’t want treatment for the cancer itself. Palliative care is focused on treating or improving symptoms like pain or nausea, and not the cancer itself. It helps the person feel as good as possible for as long as possible.

The person who refuses or stops cancer care may be open to hospice. Hospice care treats a person’s symptoms so their last days may be spent with dignity and quality, surrounded by their loved ones. Hospice care is also family-centered it includes the patient and the family in making decisions.

Continue To Offer Support After The Initial Diagnosis

Its not always at the beginning of the illness that patients need support. They need support along the entire continuum, says Cammarata. Offers of help often flood in at the beginning of the diagnosis and then it begins to trickle, she adds. Its important to remember that the help is not just needed when theyre first diagnosed or in the hospital.

If youre part of a church group or a similar organization, your group might want to consider taking turns helping out so that the support is spread out. Blackler also advises to offer to help more than once but not too frequently. Ask again in a week or two.

Most importantly, keep the person in mind throughout it all. Think about his or her personality and comfort level, likes and dislikes, and needs.

Its about helping without overwhelming, Blackler says. People can do really amazing things that touch the lives of patients.

Are you living with cancer, a survivor, or a caregiver? What advice do you wish had been shared with your community of friends during your experience? What was the most helpful thing that someone did for you or a loved one during cancer treatment? Share with us in the comments section below.

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Respect The Privacy Of Someone Who Has Cancer

If someone tells you that they have cancer, you should never tell anyone else unless they have given you permission. Let them be the one to tell others. If someone else asks you about it, you can say something like, Its not up to me to share this, but Im sure will appreciate your concern. Ill let them know you asked about them.

It might feel awkward if you hear through the grapevine that someone has cancer. You could ask the person who told you if its public information. If its not, you probably shouldnt say anything to the person with cancer. But if it is public information, dont ignore it. You might say, in a caring way, I heard whats happening, and Im sorry.

You may feel angry or hurt if someone whos close to you didnt share the news of a cancer diagnosis with you right away. No matter how close you are, it may take time for the person to adjust to the diagnosis and be ready to tell others. Dont take it personally. Focus on how you can support that person now that you know. For suggestions on how to do this, see How To Be a Friend To Someone With Cancer.

Facing The Final Stages Of Life

When someone’s cancer is no longer responding to treatment, it can also be a scary time for those close to them. No matter how hard it might be, it’s still important to try to be there to give support. Try to follow the cues and stay in the background but be available when they need you.

Some people worry about what to say when a person with cancer talks or asks about dying. Listen to them and be open and honest. Dont try to answer questions that you dont know the answers to. Offer to help them reach out to their health care team. There are no magic words for a person who is dying, but often your presence and support goes a long way.

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Questions To Ask About Choosing A Treatment And Managing Side Effects

• How much experience do you have treating this type of cancer?

• What are my treatment options?

• What clinical trials are available for me? Where are they located, and how do I find out more about them?

• Does this prostate cancer need to be treated? What would happen if I choose not to start treatment now?

• What treatment plan do you recommend? Why?

• What is the goal of each treatment? Is it to eliminate the cancer, help me feel better, or both?

• What are the possible side effects of each treatment, both in the short term and the long term?

• How will treatment affect my emotional well-being?

• Who will be part of my health care team, and what does each member do?

• Who will be leading my overall treatment?

• How will this treatment affect my daily life? Will I be able to work, exercise, and perform my usual activities?

• Will I have difficulty controlling my bladder or bowel function after treatment?

• Could this treatment affect my sex life? If so, how and for how long?

• Could this treatment affect my ability to have children? If so, should I talk with a fertility specialist before cancer treatment begins? Should I consider sperm banking?

• If Im worried about managing the costs of cancer care, who can help me?

• What support services are available to me? To my family?

• If I have questions or problems, who should I call?