What this blog’s about is sharing a personal cancer journey that could perhaps take place with any cancer, and some of the voices you’ll hear are the voices of people with cancers other than mine (prostate). I share their wisdom with you because, like the people we meet while traveling, they’ve been part of my journey. They’re the “locals,” if you will.
My cancer journey also includes the experiences, the events, the slices of life that I encounter along the way: Think of me as a curious traveler sharing a cancer travelogue. I’ll periodically, but not on any scheduled basis, post any news, developments, notes, thoughts, observations or what-not that may occur.
And do feel free to share this blog address with whomever you wish.
About Me
I’m advanced (Stage 4) prostate cancer. I received my diagnosis by cell phone while on a cross-country driving trip, specifically, an I-10 exit ramp, eastbound, just outside Tucson. (Memo to self: Don’t have a biopsy and then leave town.) The full history is here, but in summary: I had a prostatectomy in 2007, and two tumors were found in nearby lymph nodes. I immediately began hormone therapy, but in 2010, my PSA returned, announcing that cancer is still within me.
So cancer isn’t something I once had; I have cancer.
What This Blog Is Not About
This blog is not about prostate cancer. You’ll need to look elsewhere for medical advice or for tips for dealing with prostate cancer. I’m not giving advice; I’m sharing my experiences and those of some cancer buddies. If anyone finds it useful in charting a similar journey, excellent.
I’m also not pretending to speak to the experience of acute, terminal cancer — the diagnosis from nowhere that you’ve a short time to live. I don’t know what to say about that, other than I wish for you comfort, love and peace.
Why, My First Cancer?
Cancer is a learning experience that we’re totally unprepared for, totally inexperienced at. So it’s like many other “firsts” in our lives where we tack right, tack left, trying to get to the best outcome. There’s also the grim reality that once you have one cancer, you’re more vulnerable to another kind. Ask Jonna Tomases.
My First Cancer 
Hope you’re well Bill! I’m looking forward to following you on your journey. ❤
I am a 54 year old retired cop from NJ…My wife is disabled from Breast cancer since 2011. I went for a PSA (3.6) and Free PSA (12.2%) and was told I have Prostate Cancer Gleason 6 and 7…My bone and CT scans are clean…I am scared shitless…planning robotic surgery in 4 weeks….trying to take one day at a time……
I am a 77 year old retired manager/consultant who was diagnosed with prostate cancer 7 years ago. Because of two prior generations with prostate cancer, I rushed into robotic surgery. I should have joined a prostate cancer support group before doing anything else. I learned two really important things: one, only get it done by someone who has had done 200 or more surgeries of BOTH standard invasive surgery and 200 plus robotic procedures. Second, slow down. My Gleason score was 8 and after the surgery was found to be 9. My surgeon, who I chose because my referral was busy for 2+ months, was a beginner with about 2 dozen robotic procedures and only had apparently observed the standard invasive process. He punctured my bladder and sewed my up so poorly I got a grapefruit sized surgical hernia. In spite of all that and being diagnosed with Leukemia 3 years ago I am in good health and just before sitting down at the computer today completed a 12,000 step (5 mile) walk. Find a good nutritionist to help you cope with side effects and get out and start walking. Good luck, Dave Lester
Dave is spot-on, and I thank him for weighing in. You have to be a participant in your treatment, and diet is a key part of that. In fact, I roll my strategies for countering cancer into DEAN:
–Diet
–Exercise
–Attitude
–Nutrition
Glad to see Dave put victim between ” and ” — it does, indeed, belong in quotes. And best of luck to you, Dave: Keep that beast in the cage! (Wonderful metaphor!) Muchas gracias for weighing in. Bill
My cancer is a state of trying to “keep the beast in the cage”. My journey started two years ago last month, with a biopsy, surgery, hormones, and most recently two months of daily radiation. Getting good diet advice from a nutritionist friend has made me feel that I am at least a participant in my treatment. Since I am a third generation prostate “victim”, it wasn’t that great a surprise. What has been is the state of denial about the relationship betwen what we eat and the presence of cancer that seems to permeate the mainline medical profession. It is sort of like listening to all the official BS coming out of Japan right now. Best of luck, Dave Lester