Why It Can be Good to Have a Positive Mindset

So, what happens next after being diagnosed with prostate cancer? Furthermore, what if the doctor tells you that they don’t know what the outcome is going to be?

I know that with my father he had considered returning home and organizing his life in preparation for the unthinkable. He even told the doctor that he could manage this on his own.

Finding support after a diagnosis

I didn't want him to fall deeply into anxiety and sadness or start feeling sorry for himself. In my mind, he was regretting why he did certain things in his life. No matter how strong or confident you are, learning of an illness with a capital "C" (Cancer) can make you feel sorry for yourself. Why me? My father was diagnosed with two cancers (prostate cancer being one of them) at once. There were times when he felt sorry for himself.

What counts, I think, is how you handle the news of your diagnosis, the support you receive from those around you, and your perspective.

I made sure to surround ourselves with people who could help us overcome our negative thoughts and self-pity. It was important to have a team of competent and confident doctors and nurses who have extensive experience dealing with these things. We had to rely on strong family members, with optimistic thinking. Overall, I just wanted them to tell us that everything would be okay. My father and I both wanted to hear that his life was not ending soon.

How others helped us get through it

Our team of experts and confident caregivers assured us that we were getting the best quality care. This helped both of us maintain our spirit and well-being. I think it's important to have positive and encouraging family and friends. They can help us navigate the treatment journey. We were provided support during and after treatment for me and my father.

We had to have hope, in addition to the support of doctors. This was essential for me. I had my father attend a therapy meeting with me. The one thing I remember the therapist saying is that without hope, the treatments he undergoes could be in vain. The therapist also said that believing in our healthcare team and knowing they're doing their best could help with healing.

I know for my father that his efforts during and after therapy helped him to a quicker healing process. Listening to his doctors and following their instructions helped him recover.

Looking forward

Whether you have recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer or another life-threatening disease, I think having a good healthcare team is important. Your mindset can play a role. And your decisions can play an important role in keeping you going during this process.

My father got prostate cancer at the age of 72 along with throat cancer. He is now 90 and gets up every morning and takes his walk.

We are all in this together.