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I don't usually post personal stuff here on BS, but am letting down my guard today. Several weeks ago after an annual physical my doc called me back to tell me his exam and the blood work related to prostate strongly suggested prostate cancer. In fact he basically told me that at my age, 55, with my PSAs and some prostate enlargement he would be shocked if I did not. Although, he also told me most prostate cancers never require treatment and one of the downside of modern prostate screening is a large % of men are learning they have prosate cancer and getting unnecessary treatment whereas 20 years ago these same men would never know and never develop any symptoms. I left his office with the body blow that only that damn "C" word can give you and quite wishing I had been born one generation earlier!

What followed was trying to get in a specialist, getting the appointment , seeing the specialist, learning not a damn thing but being scheduled for a prostate biopsy two weeks down the road. If you don't want to know, stop here (you have been warned. ). The biopsy procedure is unpleasant in so many ways I don't know where to begin. First, there is only one....opening to use for the approach. No sedation - are you sh##ing me? More than one device ... How do the French say....inserted! And then twelve cores taken and in that regard I shall say no more.

Then more waiting, two weeks because the surgeon was on vacation. Really? He has 6 partners in the office. Finally I got the report yesterday and it was basically best case with minimal amount and non-aggressive character. Fortunately the preferred option is something called "watchful waiting" or "active surveillance" which means blood work every 3 months and maybe another biopsy ( ) at one or two years if nothing really changes, which is likely.

So while I'm breaking my don't get personal limits, I feel compelled to throw out that I do have a very strong and active faith. And that helps a lot...tremendously. And a host of friends who can sense if I am stepping slightly off the beam to nudge me back.

Let me be perfectly clear - while going through adversity I like very little about it. But the truly cool thing is is refocuses us on what things truly matter, and for sure in my case deepens my Spiritual experience (if this part offends anyone....bite my prostate! ). But for me the coolest part for sure is now I have had an new experience which I can use to benefit and serve others down the road - and to me, that's what life is all about.

So yeah, here is a sentence I never thought I would say or type: I have cancer and I couldn't be more grateful for the experience. And that's no bull!

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SHARKMAN

Tom,

Firstly I am glad that the situation is as 'good' as it can be given the circumstances. While cancer is not something that we would wish on anyone, I guess that if you had to get cancer this is the way to get it - that sounds weird, but you know what I mean.

Secondly, while it is always dangerous to assign personality traits to words on an internet forum, it strikes me that you are well capable of handling the situation and your always positive attitude is one that has doubtless served you well, and will continue to do so through this latest challenge.

Thirdly, man you're old!!!

In all seriousness, I hope that if I am ever faced with such adversity that I can have the same attitude as you, and here's hoping that all of the future blood tests reveal no further cause for concern.

OK. That's it. Going to set up all my 50-year old tests since that's where I am now (and without the Fifty Fathoms I promised myself when I turned 50---hey, it's still a watch blog). I think that's the point, the message. Thanks for this and best to you on multiple levels.

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Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
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Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless

I've been trying to think of something to say here, but for once I'm actually stumped. Firstly I'm really sorry to hear what you've had to go through, but I'm also quiet awestruck that you are taking the positives (if that's the right word) from it. Your last line is something I would've never expected to read in a million years. You evidently have a superb outlook on life Tom, and I wish you all the best, and hope you have no reoccurence of any problems.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

good to hear how you are dealing with this situation, Tom - everybody has his own way, while spirituality might not be mine, it does give you that shoulder to lean on. and it really seems to be the most benign brush with the "big C" that you can have - which reminds me of something my rather spiritual father would say: "may god keep you from too many things happening that could have been a lot worse".

It would seem cancer is the unfortunate topic of the week, with Ian also losing his mother. But it's good to know that you are indeed taking it in good spirits or as best as you can and I wish you a complete healthy recovery.

And I can understand your spiritual walk as well as it is important for me too. It's times like this when the true tests come IMHO.

Stay strong.

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"I don't got the bright watch I got the right watch" -Jay Z

Sharky, so very sorry to hear about all of the ::ahem:: discomfort you've been going through...

I think you've got the right attitude, which is to seize this as an opportunity to highlight just how precious life is. It's almost cliche, but it's moments like these that make you stop and smell the roses a bit.

I've had a few uncles who have had prostate cancer - one elected for immediate surgical intervention and the other has opted for the "monitored" approach. Both have had fantastic outcomes and are not suffering any ill effects to date.

Stay healthy my friend.

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“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.” - Albert Einstein

Thanks everyone and Ian I'm am truly sorry for your loss.

It's odd because I read so much to educate myself I was rooting for a "3+3" Gleason score like a guy with his life savings riding on one role of the dice at the craps table! And that's what I got. Funny enough, a year and a half ago my former doctor had my two PSA scores checked and they were the same as what I was told 6 weeks ago. Yet the former doctor told me I didn't need to bother about it. Turns out she was wrong, but it lead to good news because it confirmed that the pathology was not changing. The two common side effects for treatment for aggressive forms are quite terrible. Having my blood checked every few months is like a walk in the park by comparison. The most I can say about this is it is very mildly unsettling at most. My head could easily turn this into a big deal, but fortunately I have some power from knowledge and a host of friends who are willing to knock me back on track if I start to wander. We get to choose our perspective in all things in life. And for the time of uncertainty now past and what lies ahead, I choose to see it as both a challenge and an opportunity. In both respects I get to grow in maturity, understanding and compassion. Oh yeah, I also got some clarity on myself - turns out I am not the picture of patience I imagined myself to be.

And Roff - I am NOT old!


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SHARKMAN

shark, all the best to you. for what it's worth, prostate cancer will affect 'all' men if they live long enough but for those who experience it earlier than others it's the most treatable/survivable type.

s/f, gsh

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Bs: Code Yellow, SW Ti, B1
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Tom,

I am very saddened to hear about what you are going through, I thought based on our last convo that you were in the clear. You are approaching this situation with an incredible attitude and thinking about helping others with your experience shows what amazing character you have. Keep the faith, keep the positive attitude, and you're gonna beat this.

#SharkStrong!

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

Thanks Serg. That was the kidneys. Day one out of the blue I'm told I have stage 3 kidney failure. Retest 30 says later and kidneys are perfectly normal. Still are. Sheesh I had forgotten about that. Maybe I should start reading my horoscope. Nah


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SHARKMAN

Tom, very sorry to hear this and our thoughts are prayers with you hoping for the best outcome.

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Justin
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Us blokes, that's man in american , don't get old. We mature like fine wine
Keep at it Tom, you are handling it the right way.
Taking it easy and monitoring the situation is the best approach.
Worrying and stressing about it will not fix it but can actually make it worse.

All the best mate!

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"It is just a matter of time!"

Youve got a great outlook, and thats really important. The mind can be crippling. Sounds like youll be just fine.

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-RJ

I can't say anything that hasn't been said already. I'm genuinely sorry to hear about the situation. However, your positive outlook is exceptionally commendable. I do wish you the very best.

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