If your partner has just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you have a significant role to play in his recovery journey. Prostate cancer is not a condition that only affects the men—their partners or wives also undergo physical and emotional reactions. During the treatment period, your partner needs as much support as they can get to achieve full recovery. Additionally, after the treatment, they are bound to experience a lot of changes, especially in their sex life. As a lover or partner, you need to brace yourself for these changes and empower your man to recover his health and confidence.
The following are some of the steps that you can take to support your partner during and after prostate cancer treatment.
Learn about prostate cancer
For you to support your partner, you need to learn detailed information about prostate cancer. Which cells of the reproductive system does prostate cancer affect? Is there a risk of it spreading to other parts of the body? What are the risk factors for this condition? Accompany your partner to their consultation appointments so that you can learn as much as you can about this condition. This will not only make your partner feel loved and supported, but it will also help you to understand how you can help them recover fast and get back to their daily life.
Help in lifestyle changes
Whether your partner chooses robotic prostate cancer surgery or radiation as a treatment option, they have to make some lifestyle changes to speed up recovery afterward. For example, if your partner smokes, it is in their best interest to quit. What's more, they need to improve their eating habits by consuming more fruits and vegetables to aid the body in recovery. Regular exercise is also paramount. You have to play a role in instilling these lifestyle changes so that you can both realize peace of mind once treatment is complete.
Be open to conversation
Prostate cancer causes a lot of emotional, physical and psychological changes. Your sex life is one of the areas that will be affected by this condition. Be open to talking to your partner so that no one feels frustrated or neglected. Also, during the treatment and checkups, speak to the physician about these issues and how you can address them to restore romance in your relationship. Open communication is paramount to maintaining your physical and emotional bond during this time.
Follow these tips to help your partner during and after their prostate cancer treatment. This will not only speed recovery but also enhance your relationship.