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

Saturday, September 1, 2012

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month


All of the recent and confusing headlines about prostate cancer may cause guys to just abandon the idea of getting screened altogether. Don't ignore it! Burying your head in the sand would be a mistake.

Now, more than ever, it's important to educate yourself about prostate cancer, the associated research, and its treatment options. Remember that one in six men are diagnosed with this disease each year, so knowledge is power should you happen to be that one in six.

My cancer was discovered during a routine physical with a digital rectal exam (DRE). My physician felt a mass, ordered the PSA, and that led to a biopsy and confirmation of cancer. Thirty seconds of discomfort led me to ultimately being cancer-free. So I have to ask:

Have you had your prostate poked lately??
 
If not, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Now.
 

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