In my world, counting, walking, eating, and everything else
is done slowly these days. Eleven years ago this month I was diagnosed with
prostate cancer. It was just a few days after my 63rd birthday. That
was not my favorite birthday.
I’ve always tried to be an active and upbeat kind of guy
(mostly) and had figured I’d probably live forever. But when I got my PC diagnosis
my first thought was, “Gotta be a mistake,” and then, “I’m gonna die!” It
wasn’t a mistake and I didn’t die. I have since adopted a more moderate
approach to life.
Of the many, many people living with incurable cancer of any
kind, I am definitely in the luckiest group. The reality is that year by year my
cancer has continued to grow gradually. The treatments and many different meds
have significantly slowed the process but not without a smorgasbord of
not-so-great side effects. But slow is good and I may still live forever.
I’ve lived longer and better than I thought I might. So
instead of worrying about the few things that aren’t perfect, I’ll keep on as
usual. My body and, more or less, my mind work well enough for me to travel,
visit friends and family, work on the farm, read books, and write stuff like
this. No complaints, no regrets (well, maybe a few), and I’m still waiting, along
with many of you, for that elusive breakthrough cancer cure. Happy Birthday to
Me.
axman
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