"She's Right Behind Me All the Way": An Analysis of Prostate Cancer Narratives and Changes in Family Relationships

Abstract

This study considers the ways men craft post-prostate cancer stories illustrating changes in their family roles, communication, and relationships. After reviewing extant research on the disease's physical and psychological effects, I use narrative analysis to examine the survivors' depictions of themselves, their wives, their children, and other relatives. Most notably, the men portrayed their wives as selfless sources of support and as health care monitors and providers. In comparison, other relatives were characterized in minor roles as assistants in the process of gathering information. I conclude by considering the implications for survivors' wives and suggesting that future research consider the wives' stories to generate a comprehensive model of the relation among illness, family interaction, and the social construction of illness in context.