TY - JOUR
T1 - Everyday life after a radical prostatectomy – A qualitative study of men under 65 years of age
AU - Wennick, Anne
AU - Jönsson, Ann Kristin
AU - Bratt, Ola
AU - Stenzelius, Karin
PY - 2017/10/1
Y1 - 2017/10/1
N2 - Purpose The purpose of this study was to illuminate how men under 65 years of age experience their everyday Life one year or more after a radical prostatectomy for localised prostate cancer. Method Interviews with 19 men aged under 65 were performed 12–18 months after their radical prostatectomy. The interviews were analysed using a thematic content analysis. Results The analysis of the interviews revealed three categories of experiences: ‘Paying a price for survival’, ‘Feeling sidestepped’ and ‘Living with death lurking around the corner’. The side effects of the prostatectomy, such as sexual dysfunction, resulted in a changed self-image with a loss of manliness and reduced self-esteem. The men felt sidestepped and that they did not receive enough support. Prostate cancer was experienced as an embarrassing disease and the men felt their fundamental needs could not be openly discussed. Having cancer was associated with death. Thoughts about death faded away during recovery after the operation, but grew stronger in certain situations and reminded the men about their cancer. Returning to work and to previous activities helped them cope with the thoughts about death. Conclusions Our study suggests a need for improved rehabilitation after a radical prostatectomy, including more structured sexual rehabilitation, and involving the partner. Sharing the experiences of other men who have undergone prostate cancer surgery may also be beneficial.
AB - Purpose The purpose of this study was to illuminate how men under 65 years of age experience their everyday Life one year or more after a radical prostatectomy for localised prostate cancer. Method Interviews with 19 men aged under 65 were performed 12–18 months after their radical prostatectomy. The interviews were analysed using a thematic content analysis. Results The analysis of the interviews revealed three categories of experiences: ‘Paying a price for survival’, ‘Feeling sidestepped’ and ‘Living with death lurking around the corner’. The side effects of the prostatectomy, such as sexual dysfunction, resulted in a changed self-image with a loss of manliness and reduced self-esteem. The men felt sidestepped and that they did not receive enough support. Prostate cancer was experienced as an embarrassing disease and the men felt their fundamental needs could not be openly discussed. Having cancer was associated with death. Thoughts about death faded away during recovery after the operation, but grew stronger in certain situations and reminded the men about their cancer. Returning to work and to previous activities helped them cope with the thoughts about death. Conclusions Our study suggests a need for improved rehabilitation after a radical prostatectomy, including more structured sexual rehabilitation, and involving the partner. Sharing the experiences of other men who have undergone prostate cancer surgery may also be beneficial.
KW - Coping
KW - Daily life
KW - Interview
KW - Prostate neoplasm
KW - Qualitative research
KW - Quality of life
KW - Radical prostatectomy
U2 - 10.1016/j.ejon.2017.08.008
DO - 10.1016/j.ejon.2017.08.008
M3 - Article
C2 - 29031306
AN - SCOPUS:85028976157
SN - 1462-3889
VL - 30
SP - 107
EP - 112
JO - European Journal of Oncology Nursing
JF - European Journal of Oncology Nursing
ER -