Emotional Support and Self-Care for Prostate Cancer Patients and Caregivers

Corliss Quinn, LPCMind Body Therapist

Cancer Treatment Centers of America

The Emotional Side of Prostate Cancer

• Many people have reactions to stress, cancer, side effects, treatment, healthcare, hospitals, or support

• Being diagnosed with prostate cancer:– Can be a traumatic experience for many men– Has been reported to result in major depression in up to 25% of patients– Up to 45% of cancer patients are known to experience anxiety and distress at

some point after diagnosis– Less than 10% are referred for psychosocial intervention

The Emotional Side of Prostate Cancer

Physical

• Headache• Muscle tension or pain• Chest pain• Low energy• Unexplained soreness in

mouth• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Behavioral

• Increased/Decreased appetite• Weight gain/loss• Difficulty with sleep• Self-medicating• Social withdrawal• Restlessness• Dynamic shifts in relationships• Changes in sexual functioning

The Emotional Side of Prostate Cancer

Cognitive

• Difficulty concentrating• Confusion• Perceived memory loss

Affective/Emotional

• Fear/Worry• Irritability• Guilt• Anger• Intense Sadness• Hopelessness

The Emotional Side of Prostate Cancer

Spiritual/Existential

• Does God love me?• Am I being punished?• What does this mean?• Is there purpose for my life?

Caregivers are a part of the picture too

• Caregivers may be heavily involved in the patients decision making, as well as how patients cope and adapt to their illness and treatment

• Caregivers reported higher levels of psychological distress and cancer-specific intrusive worries than the patients

• Caregivers’ distress centered around their own quality of life as well their ability to be of emotional and practical support to patients

What is Stress??

To the body, stress…

Is a perceived threat to survival - Not something out there, but our RESPONSE to something out there!

Produces a massive systemic stress response

Elicits reflexive chemical shifts (1400+) in the body to maximize chance of survival

Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic

Cortisol vs. DHEA Production

• Cortisol– Decreases muscle mass– Increases bone loss and osteoporosis– Decreases memory and learning– Increases fat production around waist– Decreases wound repair– Decreases levels of circulating immune cells– Accelerates the aging process

• DHEA– Promotes health-related functions– Has anti-aging properties – promotes longevity– Promotes healing and growth of new cells

Which would you rather have?

The body doesn’t assess the validity of a stressor before activating a system-wide response. We must ask ourselves:

Is my life really threatened at this moment from this perceived stressor or not ?

Are my perceptions accurate?

THERE IS HOPE!!

There are many ways to take care of yourself …

3 Kinds of Support:

1. Information/Educational - Medical details about prostate cancer; personalized treatment plan; mechanics of sexual functioning

2. Instrumental – financial/material support

3. Emotional – One of the best ways to take care of yourself is through healthy, supportive relationships. Whenever you share your thoughts and experiences it is very beneficial for your physical and emotional health.

Intimacy with Impotence: The Couple’s Guide to Better Sex after Prostate Disease – By Ralph and Barbara Alterowitz

Key Points

• The most important sexual organ is between the ears• Erectile dysfunction means change and an opportunity to revitalize a couple’s

relationship and lovemaking• Sex is more than intercourse• Both partners can reach orgasm without an erection• Both partners must work together to create a mutually satisfying experience• COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE!!

Intimacy with Impotence: The Couple’s Guide to Better Sex after Prostate Disease – By Ralph and Barbara Alterowitz

Step 1 – Quality of the Relationship

Step 2 – Getting in Shape – Diet & Exercise

Step 3 – Creating a Loving Environment

Step 4 – Relearning Loving

Step 5 – Warming Up for Loving

Step 6 - Sex

What can you expect by going to a therapist?

Find deep satisfaction by taking the time to understand what is most deeply meaningful to you and making your life a harmonious expression of that meaning.

Focus on working together to understand:• how you want your life constructed• what obstacles prevent you from pursuing or achieving your ideals• what needs to happen so that you can see your life well lived.

Mind Body Practices

Runs interference with stress response and helps engage in self-care. Includes, but not limited to:

Deep/Mindful BreathingMeditationLaughter/VibrationEnergy MedicineYogaBiofeedbackStress BustersPhysical Exercise/Movement

Creating Successful Self-Care

Self inquiry - Assess each area of your life - Acknowledge strengths and challenges - Assess readiness for change

Finding resources and support

Questions to ask myself - How am I taking care of myself?- How would I want to take care of myself?

Making self-care a priority

Questions??