Who am I? What am I doing?
I think it’s simple really…. I was a man at 53 years of age focused on living a long life, three beautiful children on their way and starting my later-life focused on work and saving money for our, my wife and I’s retirement. Another 10 years we’d be set. I’d focus the remainder of my years dealing with my minor ailments and taking trips around the world. As I’ve seen my mother and father do these past 20 some odd years.
Really, it’s that simple for me. I’m not overly rich. I’m not overly glib. I’m just a man enjoying the things he’s accomplished and the people he’s met along the way. I’ve lived a healthy life with little to no vices. I run and exercise regularly.
Fast forward to mid-August 2022 when I learn I have Prostate Cancer. Ok not so bad I can do this… After all, as I’ve been told if you want to get cancer this is the one to get…?!? Ok time for the biopsy and the additional details on my situation. It’s a localized 0.8 cm spot on my prostate is that bad? and it’s a Gleason score 8. What is that? Google is my friend. Let’s see what I can find out in the next 2 weeks. I’ve been told by my Urologist to discuss my possible treatment options, Radiation and/or Surgery, and let’s do a second opinion on that Gleason score. Ok sure sounds good. I’m a bit shocked, wheels are in motion. Let’s figure out how to get over this hump.
Oh my. What is this Gleason score? What is this 8? High Risk? that doesn’t sound good. This is considered aggressive what do the statistics say… 5 years recurrence, 10 years mortality… what?!! I’m working on getting promoted at my job. I’m focused on working the next 10 years… what?!! What do I do now? How do I deal with this? This isn’t going away?!!! I feel fine. I’m fine. What?!!! Why is this happening? I … don’t … know… what to do….
This is where my reality is today. Ok my life has an expiration date, but I’m not ready for that day. This is not fair but wait what about the 12-year-old girl who’s fighting cancer around her heart. What about my niece who at 27 years of age with 2 kids finds out she needs a radical hysterectomy because she has cancer. Grow up. Take Action. Make something of your situation. Help others. Tell others. Make a difference you whiney bitch.
So why am I doing this blog? Because I need to. In adversity I’ve found my strength my need my difference. I need to tell my situation. I need to let people know about this disease and what I’ve learned and am learning. This situation I’ve come to own and embrace and grow from. If I have approximately 10 years to my name. They will be the best 10 years of my life by hopefully making a difference for someone else.