How has prostate cancer affected your family?
It's not easy for a family to receive a cancer diagnosis. How have family dynamics changed through your experience with prostate cancer?
It has traumatized my wife who always has had anxiety about the future despite having had a wonderful adult life. So the idea of losing me and having to start working about being a home maker for 30 years terrifies her. So I need to stay alive for as long as I can. 😉
My 29 years old son is like me and does not talk about his feelings much. We rarely bring it up unless I need to go for a test or radiation.
My 22 years old daughter got a tattoo that made me cry when I saw it even though I am not a fan of tattoos. I've attached the picture of the tattoo as well as the original picture of her and I when she was a kid that she based the tattoo on. It says: "Your battle is my battle".
That covers the family that is under my roof.
Nobody else in my greater family is even aware that I have stage 4 prostate cancer. My dad is pretty much deaf since his stroke and it would be too much trouble to try to explain the situation to him. So by telling no one in the family, I am making certain that no one can slip and create any worries for him.
There are 5 brothers in my town all of whom until just recently were unaware that each one was dealing with a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Sharing information with other family is always a personal decision.
At this point, I have been dealing with an aggressive cancer for 11 years so everyone is aware of my situation. Wishing you well on your journey. Dennis(ProstateCancer.net TEAM)
Weird. I let a reply to this yesterday but it is gone now. Not sure I wish to retype it all and see it vanish again.
since you attached a picture, we had to approve it first before it posted. As you will see above, I was able to publish your comment. Thank you for sharing so openly and honestly with us. The picture of you and your daughter is precious and the tattoo artist did a great job to demonstrate the love you have for each other. Sending you and your family lots of strength. Jill (team member)
Hi
, thank you for clarifying why the reply was momentarily hidden. It helps as I really try to ensure that whatever I write is never intentionally offensive or harmful in any way. Even the picture itself I would not have put up if my daughter was still a child rather than a lovely young woman who still tugs at her father's heartstrings 😀 of course! Thank you again for sharing the beautiful picture and your story. Jill (team member)
