Quality Of Life

I hear this term bantered around and I wonder how many doctors actually take this into account when prescribing a treatment.  When patients are diagnosed with prostate cancer, they depend on their doctors to help them answer questions. Unfortunately, as patients,we are at our most vulnerable. Hopefully, you have a partner who is more objective, but the news hits all involved. I have recently become aware of patients treated by ADT (Androgen Deprived Therapy) which lowers testosterone to castration levels. This treatment is usually prescribed for patients who have been unsuccessful with surgery and radiation. Others have learned that their cancer has metastasized. According to an article, Beyond the Abstract, by Cushman, Phillips, and Wassersug, The Language of Emasculation: Implications for Cancer Patients, approximately a half a million men in North America are on these drugs. The authors suggest words such as castration, neutered, and impotence are almost always used negatively and faults the patient. To me, this only adds to feelings of shame and guilt. The article goes on to say men suffer various side effects from medical emasculation that affects their quality of life and also those of their partners. ED drugs have usually proved ineffective. The cancer may or may not have been halted but what about quality of life. Dr. Peter Scardino's Prostate Book also deals with this issue. Regardless of your current condition, it is important to live in the now and try to enjoy each and every moment. Luckily, there are support groups and concerned individuals willing to help and share their experiences.  Don't be afraid to use them.  What do you use to help get through the day?  Right now, I have a pug napping next to me snoring away.