Living after radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer. A qualitative analysis of patient narratives

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to illuminate the experience of living after radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized prostate cancer (LPC). Ten men were interviewed after RP. The interview text was qualitatively analyzed using the content analysis. The men suffered from worry, anxiety, and distress, and longed for life as they had lived it before the diagnosis. Changes in bodily functions after RP include urine incontinence (UI) and/or erectile dysfunction (ED) making the patient feel like a changed man with a lost sex life, with changes in his intimate relations with his wife, and with lowered self-esteem. Most men choose to cope on their own. Coping strategies in our study population included finding new areas of interest and a new focus in the present. In the present study, living after RP meant striving to gain control over, and become reconciled with, the new life situation as a changed man living with an altered self.

Counseling patients about sexual health when considering post-prostatectomy radiation treatment

“…In Sanda's study, partners also report being bothered with regard to men's sexual changes. Wei's and Sanda's results are supported by Hedestig, 33 Bokhour, 34 Katz 35 and colleagues, who show that men feel demoralized and emasculated by loss of sexual functioning after prostate cancer treatment. If, as suggested by Moinpour et al, after 5 years, men report an overall high-health QOL, we may assume that they have found a way to cope with the loss of erection.…”

The psychosocial aspects of sexual recovery after prostate cancer treatment

“…36,39 Several qualitative studies described patient reports of loss of manhood and loss of familiar self that can come with the sexual side effects of prostate Sexual recovery after prostate cancer D Wittmann et al cancer treatment. 35,40 Men also experienced loss of the capacity to respond to sexual cues, sexual fantasies, and spoke with nostalgia about past sexuality and loss of self-worth. Some men avoided sexual encounters for fear of failure or embarrassment.…”

Psychological and Social Factors influencing Patients’ Treatment Selection for Localised Prostate Cancer

“…Qualitative studies have provided some insight into the experiences of living with prostate cancer. For instance, Hedestig et al [14] conducted interviews with patient with untreated LPCa and analysed the interview transcripts using in-depth qualitative narrative analysis. Their findings revealed that men perceived their disease as life-threatening, experienced uncertainty, fear and worry about their cancer progression, and a repressed sense of manhood due to sexual dysfunctions.…”