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

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Day 60 - Happy Day


Last night was perhaps the best night of sleep that I had since this journey began on Day 1.  It was heavenly.  I only hope that I have more and more like it going forward.

The other thing that was bordering on heavenly--and I apologize for being graphic--was having my first real post-surgery bowel movement.  It appears that all systems are functioning as they should once again.

*     *     *

Several weeks ago, I told a fellow committee member at work about my cancer to let her know that I would be missing a few of our committee meetings after the New Year.  As our December meeting started, another member complained about it being her birthday and about getting another year older.  I looked at the first member who knew about my cancer and simply said, "Any birthday you can celebrate is a good birthday."  She nodded in understanding and approval.

Well, today is a good day to celebrate--it's my 53rd birthday!  And I'm counting on it being the first of many more to come.

I was shocked when my brother-in-law showed up at the doorstep around 10:00 AM, having driven from Chicago to get here.  It was a great surprise!

So I've been spending the entire day out of bed, enjoying it with family and some friends who stopped by.  We even ordered a special dinner from a local restaurant to celebrate, and I may have overdone it just a tad.  We'll see how well I sleep tonight.

Tomorrow should yield the pathology results from the prostate and lymph nodes.  I have know idea what time the doctor will call, but as soon as I hear something, I'll make sure I get the word out.

So I couldn't have asked for a better birthday under the circumstances--family, friends, and a BM.  :-)


Posted by at

1 comment:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 11, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    Happy Birthday!
    Very happy to hear the good news.
    Stveloe

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)