A diagnosis of prostate cancer, mainly at an advanced stage, can modify your relationships with some people of your entourage.
People do not all manage news such as a serious disease in the same way, so some of them can feel uncomfortable to discuss this delicate matter with you. On the other side, it will not change your relationships with some others at all, or you will be even closer to them.
Defining My Expectations
You cannot guess how your entourage will react when facing prostate cancer. Yet, you can express your expectations or your needs regarding some people, that is to say you can indicate them the kind of support you are expecting from them, whether it is a practical help or simply to be listened.
Nothing obliges you to share the details of your situation with everyone either. Thus, when you do not wish to talk about the disease or your treatment, you should mention it straight away to those you are with, since it might be the first subject they will try to discuss. After all, there are thousands of other topics to talk about!
Confiding Myself and Asking for Help
Everyone needs someone to confide themselves, and it is even truer when it comes to facing a hardship such as an advanced prostate cancer. Whether it is your life partner, your best friend or another relative, it is important for you to have someone to talk to about your worries or your feelings, without receiving advices back.
Moreover, other people in your entourage will always be available to help you in different ways. Even if it is difficult for you, do not hesitate to request their help when you feel that you need it, whether it is to accompany you to an appointment, to do your shopping, or to prepare a meal.
Understanding my Relatives
With prostate cancer, your life has changed, but those of your relatives too. They are worried for you and some of them are giving you more time than before while keeping all their other activities, which can make them just as tired as you.
Of course, since these persons wish to support you, they could omit to tell you they do not have the energy to help you today. If possible, try to ask help to different persons for different activities, to avoid to exhaust them. In this way, you will help your relatives to help you better.
If needed, you can also seek for support among resources in your area, for yourself, but also for your friends and family members that accompany you. After all, you are not the only one facing prostate cancer, since your entourage is going through this hardship with you.
