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if it wasn't for prostate cancer...

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Posted 12/13/2011 7:34 PM (GMT 0)
Tonight, for the first time since I was told that I had cancer I actually thought that perhaps some good can come out of it. In my case, an interesting time in Rome. I would have never thought of coming for real had I not been traumatized by getting it so young. Of course I'm not saying anything justifies getting it or makes it an easier, but I'm glad I was finally able to see one decent thing about this whole experience. An experience that is really crappy otherwise. Can't say it's made me a better man, but I do think it's also helped me better appreciate the relationships that mean something to me. I wonder if this "softening" is part of the process of acceptance and moving on, hope so. Or maybe I'm just "high" because my recent PSA test went well. Anyway, here's some of my last 5 months and it explains the 10lbs i've added since arriving.



www.flickr.com/photos/28674456@N03/
Posted 12/13/2011 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
David, nice pics. Another thing to add to your list about what's good. From the travel involved to take such a wide variety I would say "who the hell has time to worry about PCa".

Thanks for the trip.
Posted 12/13/2011 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
David,
PCa can be a wake up call resulting in good things.

My wife and I decided to buy the diesel pusher we were going to get "someday" now instead of ??????. Next spring we'll start enjoying a bit of traveling. Probably never would have happened if not for the sudden realization we're not immortal.

Nice pictures, looks like you're having a blast.
Dave in Durango CO

07-06 PSA 2.5
01-08 PSA 5.5 (Dr never told me)
09-09 PSA 6.5 (age 55)
12-09 Biopsy, initial Gleason 9 (4+5) later reduced to 8 with tertiary 5
03-01-10 Age 55 RRP in Durango CO by Dr Sejal Quale and Dr Shandra Wilson
03-16-10 Path' G-8 (4+4+5) Bilateral involving 21% of left lobe, 3% of right lobe, SVI, Focal positive margin, pT3b NO MX

All PSA as of 10-28-11 <0.04
Posted 12/13/2011 9:21 PM (GMT 0)
WOW, what an exciting year you have had, looks to me like most of it has been fantastic and the PCa was/is just a bump in the road!!!!

Happy holidays, and safe travels
Susan
Posted 12/13/2011 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
I sure wish it had never happened. But, it was a wake-up call to get myself in good physical shape. I am probably in the best shape of my life. I also learned a lot about myself and how I would respond to the toughest adversity of my life. While I am displeased with having cancer, I am pleased with how I have responded. I had a close co-worker recently tell me I am a role model. That was nice to hear.
Posted 12/13/2011 10:02 PM (GMT 0)
There you went and posted pictures.

Now I'm wondering how to finance a trip to get back over there.

Posted 12/14/2011 1:52 PM (GMT 0)
what an artistic eye! wonderful photos!
Posted 12/14/2011 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
thank you. that and eating are just two of the ways I keep myself busy here.

Euro is at an all time low, pretty good time to visit.

Definitely trying to live in the moment. My stats are good for now, but "for now" being what's on my mind.

Had a funny experience today. Went to the dentist and had to fill out new patient forms. For the first time ever I had to circle the cancer box. I felt weird. When dentist looked it over she paused, looked at me in disbelief (probably my age ) and asked if I was okay. Weird exchange. First one of many like that probably.
Posted 12/15/2011 5:41 AM (GMT 0)
The photos are amazing!

may I ask what camera you used?

 

Posted 12/15/2011 8:50 AM (GMT 0)

Ezra18 said...
The photos are amazing!may I ask what camera you used?

thank you... it's actually the genius of steve jobs. all these photos weren't even taken with my camera, they are all taken with an iphone! It's a fantastic toy. I love urban walking and taking shots while I walk is a way for me to explore more and keep walking.

I took some this morning during my morning walk which I really like.

www.flickr.com/photos/28674456@N03/show/
Posted 12/15/2011 12:14 PM (GMT 0)
We were going to save for something silly like to update our kitchen.

A Euro trip is a much better idea!

Thanks for sharing!

Bud
Posted 12/15/2011 1:41 PM (GMT 0)
funny, we had planned to refinish our basement and do the yard before coming to Rome. I wouldn't call a kitchen upgrade silly, it's the center of the home. We still wonder if we would have been better off doing the basement and yard.
Posted 12/15/2011 3:28 PM (GMT 0)
David, I don't know what line of work you're in, but you certainly have an eye for photographic composition.  Very nicely done.
Posted 12/15/2011 11:45 PM (GMT 0)
David

What a wonderful collection of photographs. I would love to visit the area some day.

Hero

Posted 12/16/2011 2:00 AM (GMT 0)
Great pictures David.  I would love to visit the exact same places with my wife.  Some day.....

I am thrilled you are doing so well!

Paul

Posted 12/16/2011 2:03 AM (GMT 0)
David,

When first we met on HW I shared our very positive experiences of some 12 years as expats in Southeast Asia, Japan, and China; as you were questioning whether you should make the plunge. I wouldn't trade them and included my wife's first bout with breast cancer. I trust your family and you have grown in ways never dreamed of and that these experiences will make you all better.

la dolce vita!

ciao,

Jack
Posted 12/16/2011 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
Can't imagine 12 years. That is truly remarkable. I think they will realize what a great experience this is later on, when they look back on it. Thank to all for the comments on the pictures. It's just a hobby.
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