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A prostate cancer diagnosis is emotionally difficult for the patient, as well as
his family and friends. At the same time you’re needed to provide support, you
will have questions and concerns of your own. The following suggestions may
help you through this challenging time:
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Inform yourself about the disease and treatment options. |
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Stay involved in the patient’s life. |
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Provide encouragement and assistance. |
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Obtain the support you need to help you cope. |
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Visit the American Cancer Society Web site,
www.cancer.org and click on “Patients, Family & Friends” for
additional information. |
It may be comforting to know that if detected early, prostate cancer is very
treatable. And, if cancerous cells have not spread outside the prostate gland,
the patient will not likely receive chemotherapy, which often causes
debilitating side effects associated with cancer treatment.
Spouses and partners, in particular, may have concerns about how treatment may
affect sexual function and quality of life. While these topics are addressed
throughout this Web site, in summary, long-term research, following patients up to 12 years after treatment, indicates brachytherapy with the TheraSeed® device produces results better than or equal to surgery,1 yet it works with a lower risk of incontinence and impotence.2,3
A physician is the only one who can determine whether your loved one is a
candidate for brachytherapy; however, not all physicians perform this
procedure. Furthermore, not all physicians use TheraSeed® treatment
with palladium-based seeds, which have distinct advantages over those with an
iodine base.4 Click here to learn
more about why TheraSeed® treatment offers an excellent chance for a
complete life.
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