If you just found out your loved one has prostate cancer, the diagnosis can be difficult for both of you to come to terms with. As you navigate the diagnosis with your loved one, you may find yourself wondering how you can be supportive and helpful during this time. Whether you are the primary caregiver, friend, or relative, here are some tips you can use to help a person with prostate cancer.
Get Educated About Prostate Cancer
As with any medical condition, there is a lot to learn about the disease itself and the care required to treat it. You can help your loved ones by reading about their diagnosis, so you can better understand them when they talk with you about it. If you are the caregiver, getting educated about all aspects of the disease will make it easier for you to help them.
Attend Appointments With Your Loved One
Attending appointments after a cancer diagnosis can be scary and overwhelming. When you attend a doctor’s appointment with your loved one, you are there for them emotionally, and you can help them retain all the information they are receiving about the diagnosis. Navigating Cancer is always easier with the love and support of a friend or family member.
Respect Their Boundaries
Your loved one may not want to talk about their condition as much as you want them to. While talking can be helpful, it’s important to respect their boundaries and let them open up to you naturally. Don’t force them to talk about their diagnosis. Instead, let them do what feels right for them. If you feel like you need to talk about it to ease your worry and fear, you may want to join a caregiver support group or simply phone a friend to chat.
Take Care of You
Finding out your loved one has cancer can be heartbreaking, and being a caregiver brings a new routine and list of responsibilities. As you and your loved one navigate the diagnosis, it’s incredibly important that you maintain your identity. Keep up with your mental and physical health. Schedule a massage or have lunch with a friend. Don’t stop attending social activities and hide away at home. While you may have to adjust your routine and lifestyle, it’s important to maintain your personal time, so you can rest and stay well.
Supporting a loved one who has cancer involves getting educated, being there on the hard days, and respecting their boundaries. Be sure to take care of yourself as you and your loved one walk the path to recovery together.