When a man gets diagnosed with prostate cancer, it impacts not only him but also many of the people surrounding him, including his family, friends, and mostly his partner or spouse.

Today, we have the opportunity to talk to the spouse of a prostate cancer survivor and learn from her experience. We are happy to have Glenda Standeven joining us. Glenda holds nothing back in our conversation about sensitive topics that include urinary leakage, sexual function, and intimacy. Stay tuned for more!

Glenda Standeven has been a beacon of light in helping other spouses and partners of men with prostate cancer. In 2011, her husband got diagnosed with prostate cancer. His diagnosis provided the opportunity for her to grow and learn together with him, and it ultimately inspired her to write the book, What Men Won’t Talk About and Women Need to Know: A Woman’s Perspective on Prostate Cancer. The book chronicles her husband’s prostate cancer journey from a woman’s perspective. 

Glenda has also battled with cancer. She was diagnosed with cancer in 1987, and she ultimately lost her right leg to the disease in 1988. Having gone through that ordeal, she feels that it is important to give hope and encouragement to others facing adversity. In 1990, before the birth of her second son, Glenda won two silver medals in the BC Winter Games in the slalom and giant slalom skiing events. She is also a sought-after entertaining keynote speaker for professional organizations and groups of all kinds. Be sure to listen in to hear what Glenda has to share about her experience of her husband’s prostate cancer journey.

Disclaimer: The Prostate Health Podcast is for informational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast should be construed as medical advice. By listening to the podcast, no physician-patient relationship has been formed. For more information and counseling, you must contact your personal physician or urologist with questions about your unique situation. 

Show highlights:

• Glenda talks about how the prostate journey started for her husband and herself.
• Glenda discusses her initial reaction after hearing about her husband’s diagnosis of prostate cancer. 
• Glenda describes her involvement during her husband’s initial discussions with his doctor after his diagnosis.
• Some of the challenges they have faced since her husband’s recovery.
• The time it took for Glenda’s husband to regain his urinary control after his surgery.
• Glenda explains how things went in terms of the success of the recovery of Glenda’s husband’s erectile function.
• Learning some new things about intimacy.
• Navigating the mood and psychological changes.
• Glenda shares some advice for the partners or caregivers of men with prostate cancer.

Links and resources:

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Go to the Prostate Health Academy to sign up for the wait-list for our bonus video content. 

Glenda’s website

You can get your copy of Glenda’s book, What Men Won’t Talk About and Women Need to Know: A Woman’s Perspective on Prostate Cancer here.