This is not an easy post for me to write, but not for the reason you might think after you read it.
Last Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, I had a biopsy on my prostate. Yesterday, Monday, the doctor called with the results and they were positive. I have prostate cancer. Isn’t it interesting that bad results are called ‘positive?’
There is some good news in the midst of all this.
The first is that even though the cancer is moderately aggressive, my PSA levels are normal. PSA is a blood test that is done to check the prostate. The doctor said since my PSA levels were normal and I’m in generally good health for my age then the best option is surgery to remove the prostate. The other option is radiation, but it has its own complications that I don’t want to deal with.
With surgery there’s at least a 70% or better cure rate (only 50% for radiation). I did some Internet research and less than 15% of men with prostate cancer die from the disease. Those are pretty good odds and I’m going with the surgery.
The second good news is I have a lot of family and friends, including you who read this blog, who I know will support Betty and me through this.
Betty and I are meeting with the doctor Wednesday morning to talk more about the surgery. When it’s scheduled I’ll let everyone know as I value your thoughts and prayers.
The reason I mentioned above about this not being an easy post to write is the same reason I hated making calls and sending emails to family and friends this afternoon. I know that people will worry for me and I hate putting that burden on people I care about - especially when they have their own problems. At the same time, I know I need your support and prayers.
Finally, given what other people have gone through, including Betty, I can’t whine or complain about this. It’s a part of life and, as I said in Sunday’s post (written with this possibility in mind), I know that God still has a purpose for me, even with cancer, and I hope and pray I can honor him in the midst of all this.
It’s still kind a lousy way to start my week.
11 comments:
Oh dear - very sorry to hear that but it sounds like you've got very good odds and are getting good care. Sending best wishes to you and your family.
Whining and complaining are not a part of your nature. Strength and faith are. Our prayers are with you now as they are always...I have watched you and Betty go through many difficult challenges over the years. You always look to the Lord, hold on to each other, and come out stronger.
Thoughts and prayers are with you and Betty.
Catching it early is the key. I am sure everything will be fine. I had cancer 1 1/2 yrs ago although not a serious (if you can call any kind of cancer not serious) case. It was treated and thank God I have been cancer free from then on. You are healthy and strong plus let's face it, you inspire me every time I read your posts and I just don't think The Lord would want that to stop.
Take care Dan. You know that you and Betty will be in my prayers, as always.
Dan, you are a very strong person and, along with all of the prayers and support, you WILL get through this. I'm sorry this is happening to you, but one thing I have discovered through all of my own challenges in life, is that there are very important lessons to be learned as we work through them.
Have faith that God will be holding you in his arms as you go through treatment. And we'll all keep praying hard from the bottom of our hearts.
(((((hugs))))
~Lisa
Why DO they call it positive results for bad news??
I'm praying for you and Betty to come through this as quickly and easily as possible with a full recovery. You are strong in your faith and I know this will bring you comfort.
Your example continues to be a shiny one, counselor. Involving friends and family and whatever us bloggers would be called is a wise and loving action. Hope and Faith, yours and ours, will be increased. And each day to come will be a triumph shared by many. Continue to follow the advice you would give to a beloved friend. mark
Dan, I'm so glad you shared with everyone. We were praying for negative results (you're right, that is odd) but now we're just praying for happy news. Leave it to you to be strong and positive. I love what Tj and Mark said--the counselor thing. You're a great man--one that inspires and teaches. Thanks for being there for all of us as you go through that yucky c word.
We love you guys.
Tj here, I was soaking when Mark shared the news and my first thought was, "what a bummer". Sort of an understatement, I know. I am very Sorry you have to deal with this, but I know that our God will bring out pure gold from this furnace. Sending up prayers of healing, blessing and peace.
Dan, I just wanted to let you know that our family will be lifting you up in prayer. You have a good attitude and you'll have lots of prayer support.
Dan~
I was just catching up on your posts when I saw this.
So, it is written (was written) .... before you ever were the guy who wanted to be Calvin ;) even before you were born.
We will be praying....
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