Welcome


Welcome.

When I wrote that banner above, I was just days into this adventure. I'm a pretty analytical guy, and the simple act of writing every day helped me wrap my head around the fact that I had just introduced the word "cancer" into my vocabulary, and it helped me rationalize my treatment options. It also helped keep friends and family informed on my status.

Those daily updates tapered off to weekly updates and eventually to monthly updates (which I continue to do on the 11th of every month, the anniversary date of being told I have cancer).

I've kept this blog going because I remember how helpful it was for me to hear first-hand experiences of other prostate cancer patients. I wanted to return the favor by sharing my own journey in order to educate others and increase prostate cancer awareness.

But I wanted it to be a truthful sharing of details, so you will quickly see that I didn't sugar-coat much of anything. That means that you'll find some pretty graphic descriptions of the male anatomy and biological functions in this blog.

Finally, if you're reading this as a fellow prostate cancer patient, please understand that I am not a medical professional, and you should not construe any of the content of this blog as medical advice. Each case is unique, so please solicit the advice of your own medical team.

I wish you all the best as you go through your own journey.

-- Dan

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Three Years Since Diagnosis

Three Years

So it was three years ago yesterday that my urologist confirmed what my gut had been telling me for 5 weeks--I had prostate cancer.  Kind of hard to believe that it's been that long ago already.

Looking back on the experience, I didn't realize how much it would impact others.  My sister had a melt down when she heard the news.  Friends that I thought would be there for me couldn't even bring themselves to be in the same room with me, let alone have an open discussion about cancer.  And acquaintances that I barely interacted with prior to the diagnosis became my staunchest supporters.

The biggest lesson that I learned was that I, as the cancer patient, would have to take the lead and guide those around me through example as to how and when it was okay to talk about the diagnosis.  People were afraid to bring up the topic or simply ask, "How are you doing?" for fear that it would send me into a tizzy.

So for those of you reading who may be newly diagnosed, remember that even though it's primarily about you, it's also about everyone you come in contact with as well.  Look at the world through their eyes.  (Or, perhaps, even how you yourself acted when you learned that a friend or family member was diagnosed with cancer.)  And, if you do have a close friend or family member who can't be there for you, don't push it and don't judge them.  Accept it and move on.

Latest PSA Results

My latest six month check-up shows that my PSA remains undetectable (<0.03 ng/ml) which is great news, of course.  No signs of little cancer bugs.  Next check-up: 13 May 2014.

More Men's Health Awareness

To promote men's health awareness as a part of Movember, Matt Lauer and Al Roker had DRE prostate exams done live on the Today show (don't worry, you don't see the actual DRE being performed):

Matt Lauer and Al Roker have prostate exams

It's great that we continue to increase awareness, but I really wish the men's health community would be more consolidated and more focused in its efforts.

My local grocery chain highlights prostate cancer in June; there's National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September, and there's Movember in November.  Perhaps it's good that there are year-round activities, but by being somewhat disjointed, we lack the higher profile and oomph that the breast cancer awareness campaign has.

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Finally, for those readers in the U.S. about to observe Thanksgiving, I hope you have a great holiday with family and friends.


1 comment:

  1. Glad to hear your PSA is negligent. Unfortunately for me , mine is remaining at .1 after RP and will now undergo hormonal treatment to kill the bug. please continue to spread the word. to many men ignore the PSA test until it is too late God Bless

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