Diagnosis of prostate cancer do not just have a negative impact on the man involved. It could also be distressing to the man’s family and loved ones, particularly his partner. Here at our prostate cancer detection and treatment center, we do not just empower our male patients, we also aim to empower partners, loved ones, and support systems.
Below is a quick guide for partners on how to talk (and listen!) to a partner who is living with prostate cancer.
1. First of all, understand that times of crisis require great (not just good!) communication between your and your partner. You should make an effort and allot time for such type of communication to occur.
2. Reflect on your thoughts concerning the diagnosis.
3. Find the time to talk to each other and be proactive. Treat conversations as an appointment or a meeting that needs to be done. Distractions should be minimal so turn off the television or go offline.
4. If there’s a problem or major issue that you want to talk with your partner, identify it first thing in the conversation rather than avoiding it.
5. Use “I” rather than “you” in statements. Starting your statements with a “you” will make someone feel being picked on and make them feel defensive. “I feel helpless when you don’t tell me how you’re exactly feeling after taking your medications.” sounds better than “You make me feel unimportant or undervalued when you do not share your feelings or thoughts to me.”
6. Avoid nitpicking as much as possible. Focus on the larger issues instead.
7. Lastly, listen. Your partner may be just waiting for you to let him do the talking.
Prostate Cancer Detection and Treatment in Florida
Dan Sperling, MD is a premier authority and pioneer in the use of MRI-Guided prostate imaging. His groundbreaking work at The Sperling Prostate Center represents a new paradigm in both the detection and treatment of prostate cancer.
Call us now at 877-605-2737 or fill out this contact form to request a consultation. We look forward to helping you get the most suitable treatment following your diagnosis of prostate cancer.
About Dr. Dan Sperling
Dan Sperling, MD, DABR, is a board certified radiologist who is globally recognized as a leader in multiparametric MRI for the detection and diagnosis of a range of disease conditions. As Medical Director of the Sperling Prostate Center, Sperling Medical Group and Sperling Neurosurgery Associates, he and his team are on the leading edge of significant change in medical practice. He is the co-author of the new patient book Redefining Prostate Cancer, and is a contributing author on over 25 published studies. For more information, contact the Sperling Prostate Center.
