Testimony

[ShipModeler]

Men are strange beasties. We have to always appear strong and to keep our emotion in check. Our doctors diagnose and treat our cancer, but cannot know its emotional toll on us. Our family offers sympathy and concern, but they too do not understand the emotion toll our cancer has on us. It’s this website, comprised of men who have lived with or are living with Prostate cancer, that provides us with the much needed emotional support we might not otherwise get.

[Javelin18]

Thanks for posting this. There is the emotional side to this that isn't discussed as much as the treatment side. I also find this site a comfort.

[ARIES29 in reply to Javelin18]

Yes the emotional side? I can not explain the feeling when I was first told I have cancer. There should be some support for this huge emotional stress when told this.I could go on but we here know what I am talking about.

[Javelin18 in reply to ARIES29]

After a while I realized I needed someone to talk to, so UCLA set me up with a counselor. It has made a big difference for me being able to come to terms with my diagnosis and prognosis.

[d3is4me]

Thanks ShipModelerOther replies are so true ,reading this site every day is very supportive

[Aodh]

I have found this Malecare site to be an emotional life saver as well as all the knowledge and support; mind blowing.

Hugh

[DenDoc]

This is a problem for men in general. Women network and can talk about very sensitive issues almost naturally. Men do not allow themselves this option in general. This site is good for some who are isolated. Better yet is a well managed prostate cancer support group. There are some in bigger metropolitan areas where it is safe to talk about the emotional side. The best are moderated by a social worker, mental health provider, skilled facilitator, etc.

In the 1990's following the Women's Movement, Robert Bly wrote the book Iron John. Following that a Men's movement began. I feel very fortunate to be in a Men's Group which has been meeting for over 30 years. Our core group is about 15 men and they are very good at giving individual support to each other when difficult items are addressed. They have been with me on my 25 year prostate cancer journey through all the peaks and valleys.

If you hear of another man newly diagnosed or with progressing disease reach out to him and meet together personally. It is very effective and it also okay to shed a tear or two when there is bad news. Men just need to open the door. An email or even a phone call is not the same. Sometimes even a good solid hug helps just to say "you are not alone".

[TylexGP in reply to DenDoc]

I agree, I use this group, a mental health professional and a friend that has PCA. We touch base train our dogs and check to see how the other is doing.

[SteveTheJ]

You can also have some inner strength; if you don't have that you'll go down the drain eventually.

[j-o-h-n]

L A U G H T E R....................

Men don't have any emotional baggage, they use a grief-case...

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Sunday 05/15/2022 7:01 PM DST

[tsim in reply to j-o-h-n]

If I had a drum here I've give you a rim shot

[j-o-h-n]

Thank you, here's one for you......

youtube.com/watch?v=9CdVTCD...(Not working as expected?)

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday 05/16/2022 11:43 AM DST