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

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Day 35 - Thinking

So after last night’s lengthy ranting (which really helped me organize my thoughts), I’ll try to keep this post short.  Besides, my new favorite bedtime read, “Dr. Patrick Walsh’s Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer,” just arrived and I want to tear into it.
Dr. Indy still has yet to answer my follow-up questions despite a call from his assistant wanting to confirm the surgery date.  I asked if she had given the questions to Dr. Indy, and she had, but said that he was tied up in meetings and surgery all day yesterday and this morning.  “He’s pretty good about e-mailing patients.”  Okay.  I didn’t commit to her date yet.
I did e-mail my coworker who had been through this to see what his experience had been with the lymph nodes.  He didn’t know for sure whether they were there or not; he only knew that Dr. Indy would do what was needed to get rid of the cancer.
I’ve pretty much made up my mind that I’ll go to Dr. Cincy for the surgery.  I’ll hold off until I hear from Dr. Indy and see what I glean from my new bestseller in the snowy days ahead (good time to curl up with a book, eh?).  There would really have to be some compelling revelation from either that would change my mind.
Finally, I’ll have to admit that I seem to be falling back into a more normal sleep pattern, which is good.  It makes it a little easier to be around me when I’m not so grumpy.  J
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1 comment:

  1. AnonymousDecember 15, 2010 at 5:46 PM

    Hang in there, Dan!!! I'm sure you will make the best decision.

    ReplyDelete

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