Posted 12/13/2019 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
It has been almost exactly 5 years since I joined this group. Like many of you, I joined a few days after getting "that call" from the Urologist's office. And, like many of you, I was a mess. I had seen my father's life end as a result of this disease back in 2004, and so I was prepared, in a way, for my own diagnosis....and yet, who is?
I came in, i asked my questions, I got suggestions on how to proceed, I had my scans, I made my decision. And, it was the right one for me. And, I decided early on that I would stay and be there for the next man who came in the door scared to death. I like to think I have helped a few of you. I also sometimes think about those who came for a short while, got their treatment, and moved on....and of those who we have lost over the years.
This is still a terrible disease that takes all too many men, too soon. But there is much hope too. There are a lot of men, some of whom I've been privileged to meet in person, who have lived far beyond what might have been expected, and I salute you.
I was (and am) one of the lucky ones: tested starting early, found it early, treated promptly, so far, so good. Even so, there are still anxious moments around the next blood draw, the next visit. And, it may be that I, too, will join the ranks of the salvaged. But not yet. Life is good. Retirement is actually visible (5 years or less).
Keep on keeping on...