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angry dont know how to handle it

User
Posted 21 Sep 2023 at 18:46

hi my parter is still waiting official results but the radiologist is certain it has escaped  from the prostate and is concerned about a area on my partners hip based on the mri. waiting on biopsy and bone scan . does anyone have any advice how to deal with the anger . People whining about trivial things really gets on my nerves to the point I don't want to see people . I know it's me im just so mad this has happened.  . my partners dad had prostate cancer and his sister and 2 cousins currently are battling breast cancer so he has family history .  he had had pain for a long time at least 18 months in his groin /hip area  . he even asked his gp if he should have a test ages ago but she said they was no point if he has no symptoms.  I don't understand I thought symptoms don't appear till later on so why would she even say that. i just don't know how to process what's happening . I'm 40 and he is 52 we are engaged been together for 11 years I'm sorry if I sound whiney .I have a grown up son and my partner does also . we have told them but I have downplayed the worry .  I don't have any close family just a couple of close friends I can talk to I just feel so alone .  I know people on here are in the same situation just any advice how to handle it is welcome. thank u 

Edited by member 21 Sep 2023 at 20:11  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 21 Sep 2023 at 23:27

I get your anger, sometimes you need to be angry. Trick is to not let it consume you and distract you from supporting your OH. I’d say priority is to get yourself in a good place mentally, that then gives you the capacity to support your loved one.

Think about what most in life gives you that warm calm feeling, and try to find moments to shut yourself off and go there. Everyone is different, and I find late at night on my own, listening to nice music with my headphones on really helps in a sort of mind-numbing way. Temporarily block out life’s challenges.

We wonder why us? Why me? I’ve a few life-threatening health issues. I consider myself a kind considerate person, that has always tried to do the right thing. Do I deserve this? Is there a hidden agenda or plan to each of our intervals on this planet. But of course I also don’t believe in that and approach everything in a logical scientific manner. Maybe a slight reservation at the back of my mind (or hope) with my astonishment at the universe (I’m a keen astronomer), and wonder how can this possibly exist without some existential reason.

Most of my anger is not at my PCa, like you I hate the c word. Its generally anger at a large part of the human race, their evil, arrogance, selfishness, ignorance and disregard for others. Sometimes I wish I could magically disappear large parts of society….extreme I know but it is what it is.

To quote a great film “all of us will entertain our worst fears and concerns”, and I do that daily when I dwell on my health issues. Not suggesting my post will help you, but you are not alone, you really aren’t.

User
Posted 21 Sep 2023 at 22:16

I think the fact you can see you are angry is a step in the right direction. An angry dog doesn't know he's angry, he just wants to bite someone, so taking that step back means you can address the anger, rather than bite someone. 

Yes being a control freak is not going to help you, because you have as good as no control over what is happening now, you will get a little bit more control once you actually know the diagnosis. I think the fact I look at cancer as no different than being dealt a bad hand of cards, helps me understand this isn't something I can control (but hopefully the doctors can). Remember your OH is the person with the disease so make sure you don't start trying to control him.

GPs are fairly reluctant to prescribe anxiety medication, but that is where you will have to start. Consider seeing a different GP to the one involved with the prostate diagnosis, there might be too much baggage there.

Decide whether you need anxiety medication, the doctor may try and change your mind (possibly correctly) so you need to be certain of your decision. I would suggest you spend three days doing this, make a medication decision either YES or NO on day one and then on day two, see whether you still agree with the first decision, and then on day three see if you agree with day two's decision. Only if on all three days you said NO can you be (reasonably) confident you don't need medication. If you said YES, or flipped between the two choices even once, you almost certainly need help, make sure the GP knows you have given this a lot of thought.

Once your OH has a treatment plan in place you will find things get a lot better.

 

Dave

User
Posted 22 Sep 2023 at 08:09

I’m no psychologist but I’m wondering whether trying to channel your anger into positive actions might help?

I was in the gym the other day lifting weights trying to overcome the joint ache caused by HT.  Opposite me was a guy on a treadmill…..well actually it was more like the treadmill was on him! He was a lot younger than me and had obviously ‘let himself go’. He was staggering and swaying and at one point put his left hand on his heart! OMG! I thought he was going to have a heart attack! It was then I had one of my ‘Why Me?’ Anger moments. I keep myself fit…cycling swimming, walking, skiing, gym…and yet I get this f…ng disease!
But instead of dwelling on it I thought what can I do if he collapses, so I looked around for the emergency bell as the gym is often unattended, reminded myself of CPR techniques and decided if he got much worse I’d go and ask him if he was ok. I kept a close eye on him until I left and thankfully he was ok. So, instead of being angry I felt much better because I’d turned my anger into positivea actions.

if you read through ‘My Journey through HT and RT’ I’ve always tried to be proactive in overcoming the many hurdles that you encounter on this so called ‘journey’

so I’m wondering if channeling your anger into helping support your partner might help? Some examples…

Find a support group and both go along or If your partner is not keen go along yourself.
It sounds like you’re already taking an active part in supporting your partner. Do your own research but avoid google at all costs. There is a wealth of information on this site, and as someone else said the Specialists you can phone on here are wonderful.
Do as many things together  as you can that you both like. Even simple things like going out for coffee and a chat.
Be good to yourselves giving yourselves treats.
Organise a break, even a short break away together will help take your mind off your anger and remind you of what normality looks like.
Encourage him to be active and join in with him when you both want. Sometimes it’s just NICE to be on your own with your thoughts…..I find the gym good for that.  Activity is great for the endorphins, Even just go for a brisk walk

I know it’s difficult but I’ve found the more I try, the better I feel.

All the best,

Derek

User
Posted 22 Sep 2023 at 13:05

So sorry to hear about you and your partner’s situation at such a young age.  It is a great shock and such a worrying time for all.  My husband was 66 when he was diagnosed 4 year’s ago.  He visited his GP for confirmation of a hernia and whilst there mentioned his father had had prostate cancer and could he be tested.  His father passed away at the age of 89 but not due to PCa.  The only problem my husband had, and only on one occasion, was pain during ejaculation (which in hindsight might have been a sign).  His PSA was 10 and his biopsy revealed a Gleason result of  3 + 4.  His scans showed a lesion on his right hip.  He wasn’t given a choice of having a prostatectomy due to this supposed spread. His Consultant advised HT, Chemotherapy and then Radiotherapy.  It turned out, after chemotherapy, that as the lesion didn’t change in any way that it was thought to be an old injury (but we will never be certain of this).  After 4 years his PSA is <0.01 and we just keep everything crossed that things stay this way for a very long time.  Everybody’s journey is different and until all the tests have been carried out you will not know which treatment will be recommended/advised.

My very best wishes to you both and to all on this unknown journey.  I’ll keep everything crossed for a good outcome for all.

Angex 

User
Posted 22 Sep 2023 at 13:20

This may be impossible to believe right now, but you will come to terms with a cancer diagnosis, and then it just becomes the "new normal". Unfortunately everyone has to find their own way to get there, but what REALLY helped me was attending some counselling sessions run by Macmillan.

Best wishes,

Chris

 

User
Posted 22 Sep 2023 at 18:40

I echo what Chris says, it will get easier..and if you can find a MacMillan or Maggies Centre for support it will help you come to terms with this disease. I was at my local Maggies this morning and came away from the meeting feeling inspired…then went for lunch with a couple of other members..talking face to face with others with cancer REALLY does help.

Derek

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User
Posted 21 Sep 2023 at 20:36

If you have a Maggies Centre close by, both of you go in and see them, or find some other organisation that can offer you support you need….it really DOES make a difference.

User
Posted 21 Sep 2023 at 20:51

Perhaps call the PC uk nurses on the number, top of page? They will listen, maybe advise.

I feel your worry and headspin; I've  been down that rabbit hole. Close friends are important. 

We are here for you too

P.

User
Posted 21 Sep 2023 at 21:00

I don't know how to answer 'how to deal with anger?' I do understand anger, if someone is mean to somebody else it makes me angry, but that is because person A has a choice about being mean to person B, and person A makes a bad choice. I view cancer as a random event so there is no one to be angry with. If one believes in a god, one might be angry with her, but I don't believe in a god. You can't be angry at nature, because nature doesn't have free will.

I can understand a bit of anger towards the GP, but GPs do not understand prostate cancer has no symptoms til it is too late. That is a training issue, a GP can only use knowledge from their training. You perhaps can be more angry at those who train GPs and this would open up a question about screening (can I beg of our fellow posters to not use this thread for a screening debate, search for old screening threads, read them, and then either post there or start a new thread, this thread should be reserved for 1982 CCC dealing with her anger).

You are right to recognize your anger at people whining about trivia, when matters of life and death are of more concern to you, is a you problem not a them problem.

I've just seen decho's post, yes support groups like Maggie's or indeed online like this can help. Medication (sertraline is common) can relieve anxiety and depression, and these emotions can be contributing to your anger.

I don't know if any of this helps. Just because my outlook on life works for me in this situation, doesn't mean it works for me in other situations, and I don't expect you to change your outlook (is that even possible). All I can hope is that you can see there are different ways of looking at life, and some cause less negative emotions.

 

Dave

User
Posted 21 Sep 2023 at 21:19

thank you for reply dave . im not religious although I sometimes wish I was in this kind of situation it might be of some comfort.  I am  normally a positive outlook person I really am  but I'm really struggling to find a positive here or anything i can do  . I am a massive control freak which probably dosnt help althou I  guess everyone struggles with the lack of control in this situation.it just never crossed my mind it would be this . I can't even say the c word I just feel like I'm in a bad dream which I need to wake up from.  I have thought about trying get some medication help with the anxiety  althou I'm not sure how. looking at my partner I just feel overwhelming sadness. I'm hoping I can threw this and live for the present . 

Edited by member 21 Sep 2023 at 21:25  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 21 Sep 2023 at 22:16

I think the fact you can see you are angry is a step in the right direction. An angry dog doesn't know he's angry, he just wants to bite someone, so taking that step back means you can address the anger, rather than bite someone. 

Yes being a control freak is not going to help you, because you have as good as no control over what is happening now, you will get a little bit more control once you actually know the diagnosis. I think the fact I look at cancer as no different than being dealt a bad hand of cards, helps me understand this isn't something I can control (but hopefully the doctors can). Remember your OH is the person with the disease so make sure you don't start trying to control him.

GPs are fairly reluctant to prescribe anxiety medication, but that is where you will have to start. Consider seeing a different GP to the one involved with the prostate diagnosis, there might be too much baggage there.

Decide whether you need anxiety medication, the doctor may try and change your mind (possibly correctly) so you need to be certain of your decision. I would suggest you spend three days doing this, make a medication decision either YES or NO on day one and then on day two, see whether you still agree with the first decision, and then on day three see if you agree with day two's decision. Only if on all three days you said NO can you be (reasonably) confident you don't need medication. If you said YES, or flipped between the two choices even once, you almost certainly need help, make sure the GP knows you have given this a lot of thought.

Once your OH has a treatment plan in place you will find things get a lot better.

 

Dave

User
Posted 21 Sep 2023 at 23:27

I get your anger, sometimes you need to be angry. Trick is to not let it consume you and distract you from supporting your OH. I’d say priority is to get yourself in a good place mentally, that then gives you the capacity to support your loved one.

Think about what most in life gives you that warm calm feeling, and try to find moments to shut yourself off and go there. Everyone is different, and I find late at night on my own, listening to nice music with my headphones on really helps in a sort of mind-numbing way. Temporarily block out life’s challenges.

We wonder why us? Why me? I’ve a few life-threatening health issues. I consider myself a kind considerate person, that has always tried to do the right thing. Do I deserve this? Is there a hidden agenda or plan to each of our intervals on this planet. But of course I also don’t believe in that and approach everything in a logical scientific manner. Maybe a slight reservation at the back of my mind (or hope) with my astonishment at the universe (I’m a keen astronomer), and wonder how can this possibly exist without some existential reason.

Most of my anger is not at my PCa, like you I hate the c word. Its generally anger at a large part of the human race, their evil, arrogance, selfishness, ignorance and disregard for others. Sometimes I wish I could magically disappear large parts of society….extreme I know but it is what it is.

To quote a great film “all of us will entertain our worst fears and concerns”, and I do that daily when I dwell on my health issues. Not suggesting my post will help you, but you are not alone, you really aren’t.

User
Posted 22 Sep 2023 at 08:09

I’m no psychologist but I’m wondering whether trying to channel your anger into positive actions might help?

I was in the gym the other day lifting weights trying to overcome the joint ache caused by HT.  Opposite me was a guy on a treadmill…..well actually it was more like the treadmill was on him! He was a lot younger than me and had obviously ‘let himself go’. He was staggering and swaying and at one point put his left hand on his heart! OMG! I thought he was going to have a heart attack! It was then I had one of my ‘Why Me?’ Anger moments. I keep myself fit…cycling swimming, walking, skiing, gym…and yet I get this f…ng disease!
But instead of dwelling on it I thought what can I do if he collapses, so I looked around for the emergency bell as the gym is often unattended, reminded myself of CPR techniques and decided if he got much worse I’d go and ask him if he was ok. I kept a close eye on him until I left and thankfully he was ok. So, instead of being angry I felt much better because I’d turned my anger into positivea actions.

if you read through ‘My Journey through HT and RT’ I’ve always tried to be proactive in overcoming the many hurdles that you encounter on this so called ‘journey’

so I’m wondering if channeling your anger into helping support your partner might help? Some examples…

Find a support group and both go along or If your partner is not keen go along yourself.
It sounds like you’re already taking an active part in supporting your partner. Do your own research but avoid google at all costs. There is a wealth of information on this site, and as someone else said the Specialists you can phone on here are wonderful.
Do as many things together  as you can that you both like. Even simple things like going out for coffee and a chat.
Be good to yourselves giving yourselves treats.
Organise a break, even a short break away together will help take your mind off your anger and remind you of what normality looks like.
Encourage him to be active and join in with him when you both want. Sometimes it’s just NICE to be on your own with your thoughts…..I find the gym good for that.  Activity is great for the endorphins, Even just go for a brisk walk

I know it’s difficult but I’ve found the more I try, the better I feel.

All the best,

Derek

User
Posted 22 Sep 2023 at 10:38

thank you. my partner and I regularly go on long walks 2 3 times a week after work and my partner is at the gym a couple time a day every day before all this happened. we have been trying get out do stuff best we can thou still  . I guess that's why I'm so like in disbelief.  he feels fine he has aches and pains but then doesn't everybody. he has started on the hormone tablets as they wanted start him straight away before the biopsy because of the suspicious area on the mri.. he has no urine problems or anything like that that's what I finding so hard to grasp.  just a little bit of blood in his urine a few week back . just kicking myself I didn't know more before about the no symptoms. would of pushed it more at the gp.  we was actually meant to be going on holiday abroad but we had the phone call the day before we was due to go so cancelled . travel insurence are trying get out of it no shock there .  we are hoping to go another time with his family his sister is currently having treatment for breast cancer also  so it will nice for us all to get away if possible . 

Edited by member 22 Sep 2023 at 12:32  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 22 Sep 2023 at 13:05

So sorry to hear about you and your partner’s situation at such a young age.  It is a great shock and such a worrying time for all.  My husband was 66 when he was diagnosed 4 year’s ago.  He visited his GP for confirmation of a hernia and whilst there mentioned his father had had prostate cancer and could he be tested.  His father passed away at the age of 89 but not due to PCa.  The only problem my husband had, and only on one occasion, was pain during ejaculation (which in hindsight might have been a sign).  His PSA was 10 and his biopsy revealed a Gleason result of  3 + 4.  His scans showed a lesion on his right hip.  He wasn’t given a choice of having a prostatectomy due to this supposed spread. His Consultant advised HT, Chemotherapy and then Radiotherapy.  It turned out, after chemotherapy, that as the lesion didn’t change in any way that it was thought to be an old injury (but we will never be certain of this).  After 4 years his PSA is <0.01 and we just keep everything crossed that things stay this way for a very long time.  Everybody’s journey is different and until all the tests have been carried out you will not know which treatment will be recommended/advised.

My very best wishes to you both and to all on this unknown journey.  I’ll keep everything crossed for a good outcome for all.

Angex 

User
Posted 22 Sep 2023 at 13:20

This may be impossible to believe right now, but you will come to terms with a cancer diagnosis, and then it just becomes the "new normal". Unfortunately everyone has to find their own way to get there, but what REALLY helped me was attending some counselling sessions run by Macmillan.

Best wishes,

Chris

 

User
Posted 22 Sep 2023 at 16:43

thank you everyone I appreciate the replys.  we both not to bad today been for a walk and tea out.  obviously its all I think about the moment I wake up to the moment I go to sleep but trying not to dwell on it to much. 

User
Posted 22 Sep 2023 at 18:40

I echo what Chris says, it will get easier..and if you can find a MacMillan or Maggies Centre for support it will help you come to terms with this disease. I was at my local Maggies this morning and came away from the meeting feeling inspired…then went for lunch with a couple of other members..talking face to face with others with cancer REALLY does help.

Derek

 
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