Your Role As a Caregiver

For caregivers

Just as every prostate cancer patient is different, so is every caregiver. Give yourself permission to be whomever you are in his journey.

“I used to run ahead with an idea, or a decision… and then just wait for my husband to catch up with me. He always did, but understanding this helped me to be patient, and even laugh.”

Jan Manarite, Prostate Cancer International

Tips and tools

Think about when to lead and when to let the patient lead. This is something that shifts constantly, but being aware of it can be helpful.

Make sure you get your own copies of his test results and medical records. Although they are full of medical words, you will find they can enlighten you on your research, and your development of questions for the next doctor appointment. Most doctors’ offices have online medical record portals. Ask the receptionist when you check in.

Learn about and use the term “shared decision making. ”It is the current thinking in medicine in general, and a newer way to say “patient empowerment.” This means the doctor shares the treatment decisions with the patient and caregiver, and vice-versa.

Utilize these additional resources on cancer and caregiving:

• Caregiver Action Network

  The Caregiver Action Network is the nation’s leading family caregiver organization working to improve quality of life for the more than 90 million Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age.

  Visit site

• Hope Connections for Cancer Support

  A helpful resource that offers education and support for individuals with cancer and their caregivers.

  Visit site

• The “New” Prostate Cancer InfoLink Social Network

  A service of Prostate Cancer International that welcomes patients, family members, physicians, researchers, and anyone else who is seeking information about what's happening on Planet Prostate Cancer.

  Visit site

• USToo

  Offers support for spouses, partners, family, and caregivers of men with prostate cancer.

  Visit site

Help make the most of his doctor’s appointments

• For patients taking PROVENGE, it’s important to keep all scheduled treatment appointments and arrive prepared
• Each dose of PROVENGE is custom made and manufactured specifically for your loved one from his own cells in a state-of-the-art facility. His specialized dose is delivered directly to his urologist or oncologist’s office. Rain or shine, by plane, train, or automobile, Dendreon strives to deliver his PROVENGE treatment on time
• Each dose of PROVENGE has a short shelf life. If he misses an infusion appointment, his personal dose of PROVENGE will expire and can no longer be used
• Set appointment reminders on your calendar

Help him to stay positive

• Encourage him to discuss his concerns, any pain, and any symptoms with his doctors and nurses. If he does choose PROVENGE, he will probably be introduced to a new nurse or 2 throughout the process. Nurses are great resources
• Suggest he try out a support group so he can talk with other men living with prostate cancer. Some support groups are online, and he can participate from the comfort of his own home and computer. Remind him he can sign up anonymously for most discussion groups
• Ask him to consider seeing a counselor or therapist who can provide support

Take time for yourself

• Your health and happiness can go a long way toward your loved one’s well-being
• Don’t forget to set aside time to do the things you love
• Ask about resources for caregivers in the doctor’s office, in addition to resources for your loved one
• Remember that you can also connect with others online from the comfort of your own home and computer