Sept 5th 2017 - Prostate Cancer - Dealing with Loss

Today we talk with Dr. David Foreman about prostate cancer, and we talk with Robin Perry Braun about dealing with loss.Dr. David Foreman, also known as "The Herbal Pharmacist", talks about prostate cancer. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month and a majority of men over the age of 40 deal with some pretty uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms brought on by prostate related issues, even if they do not have prostate cancer.Women, especially, should listen up, as most men will not talk about this health issue that could be at the root of relationship discontent. David Foreman, RPh, known to audiences as The Herbal Pharmacist, says understanding what a man is going through is half the battle, and discovering some ways to help support him can be truly beneficial to improving romantic relations.Foreman says peace of mind is most important to men who are managing the symptoms associated with BPH or prostatitis and there are actually quite a few plants in herbal medicine that can make a life changing difference. He says these exotic herbs have been around for centuries, used by royalty and natives and may even be growing in your backyard!  An estimated one-third of American men with prostate cancer use at least one form of complementary medicine therapy, including herbs and supplements.Robin Perry Braun talks about the emotional dynamics of having a loved one with cancer. Here are a few questions she answers:

1. Why is cancer so devastating”i. Cancer is becoming epidemic in US and lies in our subconscious as a deep fear.  The latest statistic is that 50 % of all americans will get some form of cancer in their lifetime.ii. It is scary for the patient because of the horror stories of pain and suffering with or without chemo or radiation.iii. The unknown factors are very largeiv. People put their faith in what the doctors say
2. What are some of the overwhelming factors for the loved ones and caretakers?i. They watch the vibrant and energetic person lose weight and waste away – lose hair get sick etc with chemoii. They live in fear of the potential pain they may suffer and not know what level of caretaking they have to offer.iii. It drags out or it doesn’t but no one knows.iv. The caretakers stay in survival mode and can suffer PTSD after death because they had to suspend all their own emotions and needs to care for the sick person.v. Often even after death it takes the caretaker a while to let down because of stahing hypervigilant.vi. It affects the family dynamic often in leaving very difficult dynamics.vii. The costs could have been devastating and not able to recover.

Overall, the helpless feeling is very difficult to stay in this state. The patient has time to plan for the loss – this has an upside and a downside. The upside is that they have time to make amends and heal rifts and conflicts and settle wills and inheritances etc. The downside is that everyone has to live knowing what they believe is an inevitable outcome.

3. Is there a right way to grieve?

i. No, don’t judge – everyone grieves as they are able to grieve and often this is delayed.ii. Give people time, watching someone not only die but become someone different due to disease is an emotional trauma.iii. Allow the feelings and emotions a place to be expressed and be a shoulder for those most affected by the loss.