If you are caring for a loved one going through prostate cancer treatment, the experts at CyberKnife Center of Miami, a free-standing state-of-the-art prostate cancer treatment center in the heart of Miami, know you will be faced with a unique set of challenges.
That’s because men with prostate cancer often face long-and-short-term issues with intimacy as well as with urinary and bowel functions, and oftentimes those issues impact a caregiver or a partner – especially as a patient adjusts to a new normal, whether temporary or permanently.
But there are ways for you to provide the best possible support for a prostate cancer patient through this trying time.
The Basics of Caring for a Prostate Cancer Patient
The Prostate Cancer Foundation offers this advice:
- Learn about the disease so you and your partner can make informed choices when it comes to treatment and care.
- Be a part of his treatments if the patient will let you. Go to appointments so you will understand the challenges or side effects he may face.
- Take care of yourself. That means getting sleep, eating right and finding support if you are overwhelmed physically or emotionally.
- Make sure you focus on communication. Sometimes that means listening without judging or being extra understanding. And while the patient may not share his concerns or fears, be receptive if and when he does. Many men do not want to talk about prostate cancer because there can be a stigma attached. Prostate Cancer UK suggests giving a prostate cancer patient the space he needs to digest things. When he’s ready to talk, help him think about what he wants rather than telling him what he should do.
Talk to Your Partner About Sex
Sex may not be the same during treatment or for some time after treatment. So, start the conversation early. Even if those talks may be uncomfortable.
Talk about different ways to be intimate instead of telling him that you don’t care if he has issues with erections. And if that seems hard to discuss, seek professional help with a therapist.
Make Sure the Cancer Treatment Center Your Partner Chooses Treats the Whole Family
Finally, make sure the cancer center you choose has the best possible treatment for your loved one. And if his treatment plan calls for radiation – or if he wants a second opinion – talk to the experts at CyberKnife Miami.
CyberKnife Miami uses state-of-the-art image-guided radiosurgery treatments called Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy or SBRT to treat prostate cancer. And CyberKnife, has some distinct advantages for prostate cancer.
- The CyberKnife radiation beams, which target and destroy the tumor, are so precise. That means there is less risk of side effects including impotence and incontinence.
- Treatments can be done in five radiation therapy sessions over 10-to-15 days compared to 42 over three months with other types of radiation treatments.
- It has none of the risks that come with surgery.
- It’s noninvasive.
Plus, CyberKnife has a 98% cure rate for prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Miami
At CyberKnife Miami we tell our patients and their caregivers that we will walk with them through the entire process. And we take that promise very seriously.
CyberKnife Miami patients are not statistics. We spend time talking through options with patients and their caregivers. We provide the resources you need and the compassion you deserve. And we do it better than anyone else.
Our doctors and staff are experts in the field. Our empathy and personalized treatment can be the difference you need when it comes to treating your cancer.
If you would like to find out more about treatment with CyberKnife, and talk to our team call us at 305-279-2900 or go to our prostate cancer website now for more information.