Month 37 - Value and Future of this Blog

Finally.  November / "Movember" is over!

I'm glad to have supported the cause, but I'm even more glad to be rid of that itchy, two-toned beard and moustache!  (My moustache and the top half of my beard were a reddish-brown, and the rest was snow white.  Ugh.)

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I have to admit that I'm struggling over what to write for this month's update.

When I began this blog three years ago, it was meant to be an easy way for me to keep family and friends informed of what was happening immediately after the diagnosis.  I figured that I would let the decision be up to them to follow along, rather than me fill their email in-boxes with something they may not have felt comfortable reading.

Over time, the mission of this blog was to educate others about prostate cancer from the perspective of just one person who went through the diagnosis and one treatment option.

This blog served both purposes quite well.

But I always wanted the blog updates to bring something of value to its readers, and that's where I'm beginning to stumble a little.

Is it of value to you to hear month after month that nothing has changed?  If it is, then I have no problem continuing monthly updates.  But if it's not, then perhaps it's time to shift to "as needed" updates--update the blog when I hear something in the news about prostate cancer that's of interest, or if something changes significantly with my own status.

Perhaps I'll let you, the readers, answer that question by completing the poll at the top right of this post.  Or, if there are specific things you'd like me to address in my monthly updates, leave a comment in the comment section below.

Don't worry.  I can't see myself abandoning the blog altogether or taking it down.  I've put to much energy and soul into keeping it going, plus I know that it's been a good resource for some newly diagnosed guys along the way.

I'm open to your constructive comments and feedback.  What do you want to read about in these monthly updates?

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.



Movember

I forgot that November is "Movember."  Men grow moustaches to support awareness about men's health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health.

You're supposed to start the month clean-shaven on 1 November and grow and groom a moustache through the end of the month.  Moustache-growing teams raise money to support cancer research and men's health.  You can read about it here:

Movember

It's been decades since I last tried growing a moustache, and when I did, the light blond whiskers on my upper lip were barely visible, so you really couldn't tell it was there.  Maybe I'll give it another shot this month and see what happens.  I'm guessing it may be more gray than blond, and will still be barely visible.  Oh well.