The hardest thing for me....

October 26, 2006   Dear Forum Friends,                                                          The   hardest   thing   for   me….   This has been on my mind for several weeks and I decided to go ahead and post it because it truly comes from my heart.   I know we all have to be ready to give and ready to receive comfort….. and I also realize prostate cancer is a very “personal” journey…   So ~ as you read this please know I understand your decisions…. But they are decisions I hope will change sooner than later…   Sharing your journey… will comfort not only you but ~ also others that will see your posting and realize …"Hey, I'm not alone!!"         The hardest thing for me… is not knowing!!   People who view postings and people who respond once and then we don't hear from them for weeks.   This truly breaks my heart!!!   We can all be a source of comfort to you “now”....   especially during the times when you need to be able to talk it through…   We know your journey and the path you are on… because we’ve been there ~or~ we may be on the same stone at the same time…. so sharing can be a comfort…. This caring comes with no strings attached.   Your journey can be a source of comfort for others too!!!   You may not realize it but it is true.   Please…. Come out of the darkness with friends who are willing to pull you into the Light!   Our hands are there for you when you step on a slippery or wobbly stone in your path with prostate cancer.   Just reach out and we are “all” there for you.   Caring is Sharing…. Please know we care. Knowledge is Power, Power takes away the fear, and Sharing.. Warms the Heart!!! And makes you stronger… and it makes our hearts smile.   In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy       New….January 6, 2007    Old Threads / Old Postings… Good Information   Having a support system in place before the surgery would be a blessing for all…but doesn’t always work this way… does it…   but that’s okay… You’ve found us now!   I truly feel a lot of really good information is missed.   There just seems to be so much out there and I'm sure a lot of people don't realize to go back 7, 10, 15, 20, etc…pages.... maybe I'm wrong... I hope I am J     There are sooooo many complete journeys on this forum…   going back and looking over past postings would really round out a full visual of so many different decisions on biopsies, treatments, recovery/healing, and pre & post surgery.   This in itself would reaffirm that this journey is a journey that has a lot of positives.     We share good, bad, and ugly….   It’s a true journey!   And this journey is best traveled with friends.   Buddy & I have always said, “If we can help just 1 person”…. We posted this thread back in October 26 th , 2006   We are so thankful we did…. The following links will take you to a Thread that will take you from Day 1 of diagnosis… to Day 1 of his chosen treatment. These are powerful threads ~ in my opinion. It has taught us so much!!!   Thank you ~ Jetguy *Bill Our Friend!!!   Link: Click on titles below… Once there… remember to click on the REFRESH button. (This is important)   Jetguy's Page... Welcome Friend :) Started by: Bluebird   Radiation - a journey   Started by: Jetguy

Dear Bluebird,

I posted a reply to your wonderful post and then deleted it.  It was too raw and unfiltered.  I am one of those you talk about in this heartfelt message and I will try to do better. 

It is very difficult for me to express myself in a public manner such as this.  On the other hand, I have learned much from all of you who have the courage to express yourselves here. 

I have written and then deleted several posts, but I have thought about one I might share.  I'm not yet there, but I offer my particulars.

I'm 62 years old, in good health, exercise and eat right (well, most of the time).  My PSA went from a 2.7 to a 4.2 in the year from July '05 to '06.  I went to a urologist and got the DRE from hell and had a free and total PSA.  Total was 5.0, of which 12% was free. The DRE was "no lumps, no bump, no hard spots".  Got another PSA - 4.74.  I am scheduled for a prostate biopsy on November 9th. 

Bluebird, your post brought more than a few tears to my eyes.  We are responsible for more than ourselves, as you are teaching us.

Good on 'ya!

Regards,

Bill

My Dear, Dear Bluebird.  To you new guys who are frightened.  You are not alone.  You are with those who have gone before you and been fearful and thought themselves brave.  I share your disappointment.  I have learned that courage is selective.  I expect that you will do well.

Regards,

Bill