PURPOSE: In this article, the authors describe the experiences of men with
prostate cancer and their spouses between diagnosis and surgery.
DESCRIPTION: As part of a longitudinal qualitative study, semistructured in
terviews were held with 34 prostate cancer patients who were waiting for su
rgery. Separate interviews were held with their spouses.
RESULTS: Six main components of experience were evident from the analysis o
f transcripts related to the presurgery period; 1) the news of a diagnosis
of prostate cancer came initially as a shock for both partners, the impact
of which lessened over time; 2) the new reality of illness necessitated rea
ddressing the marital relationship, most often resulting in a sense of rene
wed connection and commitment; 3) the illness crisis precipitated a search
for information to guide decisions about treatment; 4) there was a need for
couples to decide who to inform about the cancer diagnosis and how much to
say about it; 5) couples attempted to seek a semblance of normality in the
ir lives, especially after treatment decisions had been made; and 6) despit
e attempts to minimize the potential impact of upcoming surgery, anxiety wa
s typically experienced at least intermittently by one or both partners.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Physicians, nurses, social workers, and other health
professionals need to facilitate attempts by the patient to gather and syn
thesize information. Cancer specialists can play a positive role in reducin
g distress in couples, and, thus, the attention of the specialists to commu
nication issues is critical. The strain of waiting for surgery must be cons
idered when treatment recommendations are made; watchful waiting protocols
require further study from a psychological perspective. Clinicians need to
be alert to the balance between being positive and carrying on as normal, a
nd acknowledging and dealing with the distress that arises.