Posted 11/14/2017 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Microchip,
You've found a tremendous group here --- members contributing from every corner of the globe ---
Our common goal? Supporting each other --- sharing first-hand experiences --- sharing news about new breakthroughs --- offering advice, when asked --- and through it all --- friendship, fellowship, and a tremendous sense of camaraderie emerge for readers and members who gather here.
You're already educating yourself --- asking important questions --- getting the preliminary tests and scans taken care of --- and from there, a TREATMENT PLAN will emerge. You're already taking a proactive approach --- and that's the main goal.
Once you've gotten a plan of action in place, you'll feel a sense of relief --- because then you're getting STARTED on your "battle plan" --- and there's a feeling of empowerment and hope that emerge when that happens.
Fortunately, with so many dedicated members --- we have members here who have insight into all treatments that might be in your future.
I was diagnosed when I was in my 40s, as my treatment history reveals below, at the end of this message. I now stand alongside my father, who is also a prostate cancer patient, and he is about your age, Microchip.
Ironically, the doctors who have been treating my father for the past few years now take care of my case, as well.
I feel fortunate to have already benefited from some of the new treatment approaches and breakthrough medications which have been F.D.A. approved within the past few years. These new treatments and medications are helping many of our members here on this forum.
The treatment "arsenal of weapons" against prostate cancer has greatly increased in the past decade. Cheers to the ongoing research for future breakthroughs, as well!
Along the way, you might find encouragement from the thread entitled LETTERS TO THE NEWLY DIAGNOSED, which you can easily find by typing that title into the search bar located in the top right-hand corner of your computer screen. All of us have stood, at that point in time, where you now find yourself standing --- with the sudden, unexpected news of a health diagnosis.
We're here to support you --- encourage you --- and welcome you here as a comrade.
Let us know how you are faring --- stop by often for a visit --- we'll leave the front porch light on for you, Microchip. We're all in this ... TOGETHER!
Handshake of support, from across the miles,
"Cyclone" ~ Iowa State University