Its been a Helluva Year-So what am I thankful for- How about YOU

2012 has been just slap full of opportunities to get down, get up, turn the other cheek and be hard pressed to live up to my mantra of "Every Day is A Bonus".

As you all know, my Lovely Lynn passed away June 4th. Two days after I returned from my 3 1/2 month "Clear Your Head Trip" around the country, I had to put Lynn's dog down. And at last count my PSA is up to about 36.

Jeez oh Pete, I have had to do some real stretchin here to find the good.

BUT, I am thankful for you my friends. Many of you have been with me all along the way since my diagnosis and my wild ride with Lynn's cancer.

I have had to opportunity to meet sooo many of you face to face and find friends that will last my lifetime. Friends that I never would have found if not for cancer.

I am thankful that my son is doing well and adjusting. He is in his 2nd year at the New York Conservatory for the Dramatic Arts in NYC and thriving. I hear the excitement in his voice each time we talk about how things are going.

I am thankful that although my PSA is going nuts, I am still in great shape and health. I am living life every day and have no physical issues whatsoever. Even the ED stuff has gone away and things are naturally functioning like the days of old.

So while there have been some not so great things about 2012, the year is ending on an upswing and I am excited to see what 2013 will bring.

How about you,

Sonny
HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I'm thankful that I found this site before my surgery and didn't feel like I had to go through this PC journey alone.
Also got to meet some cool people.

Sonny, my friend...

A heck of a year, but, it was only a year. Tough one, fer sure. Probably you haven't had any tougher, but you stood the test and here ya are. Good on you, son, good on you..

I'm thankful for all my HW friends, and for the fact that we still wake up each morning and face the day,

Thankful that through this ordeal we call PC, that I was able to get to know you, meet you and Lynn twice in person. Glad you are doing as well as you are. With both of our high PSA numbers, will be interesting to see which, if not both of us, will eventually get in trouble over it. Hoping for both our sakes, its still a long time to come.

david in sc

Sonny, we've known each other for several years now and I still have the email you sent with the beautiful photo of you and Lynn. We carry her in our heart every day, and she is very much alive in each of us.

You have always been one of the most special people here. Your attitude and absolute willingness to give to others, always with grace and a sense of humor, is inspiring and humbling. We love you so much, and are so darn grateful to have you as part of our family here at HW.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. I know that Lynn will be all of you as you bow your heads and give thanks for the goodness in your lives.

My friend Sonny,

What a great time we had sitting around the fire in my side yard, walking in the marshes of Lake Erie, and doing some good eating.

Then on to York York and some more campfires and great food.

I often reflect that if I had not been diagnosed with cancer, i would not have met you and Lynn, and all my other GFMPH friends. It really makes PC a mixed blessing. Hard to say I'm thankful for getting it, but so thankful for all the wonderful folks I have met along the way.

I am thankful for our friendship, the phone calls and e-mails, and looking forward to the next GFMPH event.

Thanks to all of you on HW who serve as advisers, counselors, disciplinarians, jokesters, and friends. You all do cause me to give thanks for every day as I go and live the Good Life.

Goodlife

Sonny, even though I haven't met you I feel like I know you. I know what you have been through. You have given me a lot of strength and hope that we can still live our lives despite all the setbacks that we may have. Happy Thanksgiving.

Thanks for asking, Sonny. Thanksgiving may be my favorite holiday.   It is low-stress compared to Christmas, which involves gifts and frequently involves travel.   For me, Thanksgiving is a nice long holiday; in addition to the 4-day weekend, I usually go to work Monday for about 6 hours, Tuesday for about 4 hours, and Wednesday for about 2 hours or not at all. My house is filled on Thanksgiving Day with family and friends, music, laughter, food and drink.   The football games are on in the other room, but everybody is enjoying the fellowship and nobody ends up watching the games.   My kids are home from out-of-state, for which I am especially thankful for.   Others of my relatives (all are from out-of-state) are also frequent guests.   A number of years ago I extended an invitation for dinner to a newly divorced close friend whose kids were spending the day with their mom (this year he is coming with his two kids)…I’m so glad that I did this, and it has become a new tradition which has expanded to others. Last weekend I stocked-up on a half case of Chardonnay and a half case of Pinot Noir; the basement refrigerator is filled with a variety of IPAs.   The menu includes pecan, pumpkin and apple pies.   Tomorrow morning I start brining the 22 lb turkey.   I am at peace, and life is good.   I am thankful.   As you pointed out, Sonny, every year will have some ups-and-downs—some bigger than others.  Last year was particularly challenging for me, but I’m liking how this one is ending.   I will toast to your health, peace and happiness! Happy Thanksgiving.           Post Edited (Casey59) : 11/20/2012 11:09:24 AM (GMT-7)

I have so much to be thankful for. First thanks goes to Jesus Christ, then A loving family that stood close by me during the scary journey of my open RPS, a surgeon that had the skills needed to be successful. My journey started in July when I found out I had prostate cancer. Surgery October 26th, in hospital for 5 days, cath out 7 days after leaving hospital and all healing coming along excellent. After getting cath out I was worried about incontinence. But till this day, full bladder control, no leakage at all. Back walking a lot, eating well and best part my post-op path report stated all cancer in prostate, no spreading, lymph nodes good, all other parts checked cancer free. I don't need any Christmas presents, I received mine with the clean bill of health from my Urologist when he told me I'm cancer free!!!

For my Brothers out there with PC, I know it a tough pill to swallow when told. But NEVER give up!!! I had many low moments but through all that I made it. You will too!!!

May the grace of God and the love of family and friends be with you all on your journey to good health. You will always be in my prayers, even though we have not met. God Bless!!!

Regards & Good Health,,,,,,Hotrod58

December 1 will be 1 year since my surgery.... Very Thankful for a successful surgery and still a zero club member today. Still got the famous two side effects that have gotten better with time and nothing a little cialis won't fix! Never a day passes that I don't think about it, but every day I remember how lucky I was to have it caught early and have a Great surgeon get me thru it. Everyone have a great Thanksgiving!

I'm thankful that my 88 year old Mother has finally decided to move into a senior apartment near us so we can help and keep an eye on her , instead of being 200 miles from us.

As usual, we are thankful for all the blessing He/She has given us.