by drannekatz | May 7, 2018 | Uncategorized
In my work at a busy prostate cancer clinic, I discuss all available treatment options with men who are experiencing erectile problems after surgery or radiation therapy. The discussion proceeds in an orderly fashion, with the oral agents described first, then the...
by drannekatz | May 7, 2018 | Uncategorized
Every month or two I see a patient, usually a man with prostate cancer, who is concerned that if he has intercourse with his spouse, he will give her cancer. The question is asked with sincerity and I can see the worry in the man’s eyes. His spouse is often equally...
by drannekatz | May 7, 2018 | Uncategorized
I run a dilator program for women with rectal or anal cancer where I educate patients about the need for and correct use of vaginal dilators to mitigate the effects of radiation on the vaginal wall. Many women don’t understand the need for dilators after radiation for...
by drannekatz | May 7, 2018 | Uncategorized
When is an advocate not an advocate? When should a spouse step back and let the husband make a treatment decision? When should an adult child of a man with prostate cancer let their father decide what is best for him? These are questions that, fortunately, I don’t...
by drannekatz | May 7, 2018 | Uncategorized
We have all seen patients whose distress is off the charts, or off the Distress Thermometer (NCCN). They sit in our offices, dazed and seemingly so depressed that we ask the mandatory question: “Are you thinking of hurting yourself?” Some patients just shake their...
by drannekatz | May 7, 2018 | Uncategorized
I have written about the support that a partner/spouse provides to someone living with cancer—with prostate cancer and for young adults with cancer—and I always include the partner in discussions about treatment choice or sexual difficulties. But a number of my older...
