Prostate cancer. Yes its hard to accept. If you are reading this, its probably because our lives have crossed paths at some point in time or we are still very much involved together.
I have been debating over the last few months how and who should know about this situation.
I was a bit concerned about putting it on Facebook, so I thought I would give this a try.
Thanks to a very good friend, I thought it was a good idea. (merci JB)
I hope to post something at least once a week to start anyways.
Its just gonna be me and my thoughts. There might be the odd reference to F1 or the redwings...
So, Obviously, I`m sure the first few words got your attention.
Some friends from long ago have heard rumours and have asked the question about my health.
Thank you very much for your concern and for the good wishes.
My wife and I received the news back in late January that yes, I was diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer. It is very treatable and still contained to my prostate.
My doctor put it this way" its not a Death sentence, its an inconvenience." at first I was more pissed of than anything. I did have some moments of fear and I still do, but a few very good people have sent some very encouraging words and thank you to all who have. It has helped.
I like to think of it as an eye opener.
Thanks to my wonderful life partner, Tammy, I started doing regular check ups at the age of 40.
So when my doc saw changes in my blood along with a slight physical change from my DRE, he decided to "look deeper". (pardon the pun, lol). Thank goodness he did.
Early detection is the key. Yes its gonna be a tuff summer, but from what I`ve read and learned , I m lucky because its early and I still have the opportunity to continue living a full and active life after surgery. I know some men and women who are in the midst or much more serious battles than mine. My thoughts are with them for sure.
May21 2010 is the sched. date of my surgery. We have a brand new urology center here in Calgary as well as the prostate cancer center, a great source of support and information.I am fortunate to live in a city where this will be done 20 minutes from my home so it will be easier for my kids to drop in while i`m in the Hosp.Following that, life should be fairly normal within a year.
I`ve begun to exercise more by running at least 10 miles a week. I know its not much.
Right now , I feel great. I feel better that last fall because this has made me look at all facets of my life from my diet to my stress levels to exercise. The good thing is Tammy is a healthy eater herself and a very good runner so she is a great support to me. Although I prefer the tread mill so I can catch up on Sports high lites while running. I`m lucky to have her.
So for those of you who read this, Regular check ups are a good idea. If you have men in your lives who are at or near 40 tell them to get to know the terms DRE and PSA. It can save their lives.
So my friends , I will leave you with this: I`m planning on starting my "Bucket list" if things go well, I should still be around for a while to strike it all items off.
Take care My friends.
Au Revoire.
PG
