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The Human Side of Prostate CancerIt’s normal to feel embarrassed. But keep talking to your doctor and family members. They’ll understand. It is normal to feel like prostate cancer will make you less of a man. It’s not true, but it’s normal to feel that way. Your prostate controls your sexual performance. Of course you feel like your manhood is threatened. Especially since impotence can be a side effect of some (but not all) of the treatments. It’s normal to feel embarrassed. You probably never had to talk about any of this before. But it’s really important to get over your embarrassment and take control of the situation. This is your life. Talk with your spouse or partner, your family and your doctor. Make sure everyone understands how you personally feel about this diagnosis and how treatment could change your life. Men are good at hiding their feelings. This is a bad time to hide your feelings. Even if you don’t want to talk about it, talk about it.
It’s okay to get a second opinionYour doctor won’t be surprised or offended. A second opinion can give you a different perspective and help you make decisions.It’s okay to ask for helpOne kind of help is a support group. Men Facing Cancer is a support group at Lehigh Valley Hospital. It can help a lot to talk about and hear the truth from other men who have been there. You can even bring your wife, partner or a friend with you.In fact, your family and friends are your best source of support now. And they’re hurting, too. Your diagnosis worries them. Talking about how you all feel can help all of you. Your family can also help by keeping all your medical records. They can keep a notebook of all appointments, tests, doctor visits and treatment, and can keep copies of all your test results. Be sure to bring someone with you to your doctor visits. They can take notes, and they might think to ask questions that you don’t. This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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I wouldn’t have to lose my breast.“Saving my life was the most important thing to me. But it was very appealing when Dr. Harper said I wouldn’t have to lose my breast.”
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