Quality of life post radical prostatectomy: a male perspective.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the meaning and effect of urinary incontinence and impotence on the quality of life for men with prostate cancer. The Cancer Recovery Model guided the study. This model is based on the assumption that the chronicity of cancer is a function of recovery as well as illness and focuses on the strength of an individual to regain his powers of survival until death. The study identified indicators for quality of life for men who have had a radical prostatectomy for cancer that should be included in developing discharge teaching plans and reinforced in community followup.