My thoughts these last few days have been about the tremendous advances in the entire world of prostate cancer over the past several years. Advances in various diagnostic tools and treatment modalities seems to have made a significant impact on the lives of men. Prostate cancer for many men has become a treatable and manageable disease that is no longer a scary death sentence hanging over our heads. This is especially true for men with low and intermediate grade disease and even for men like myself with more advanced disease there are many lights shining on what was once a dark and gloomy future.
I realize that I may well live for quite a few more years, and even with advanced prostate cancer I might die of some other unrelated cause. So, what should I spend my time doing as I approach another one of those milestone markers in life that we call “birthdays”? For the foreseeable future I will continue to help men and their partners navigate through the constantly changing and complex world of treatment decisions for prostate cancer. I will try and stay as up to date with the most current changes in this field as I can so that I can continue to provide relevant support to others. But what else should I do? Yes, I will continue with an exercise regimen and try to eat a healthy diet which I know is a benefit for my health. But life is far from over for me and I suspect most of you.
I believe that keeping alive an active sense of curiosity, an interest in hearing other people’s stories instead of repeating our own, nurturing whatever artistic nature dwells in us, be it painting, photography, writing or music. Keeping up an interest in the world around us and finding small ways that we can make a difference in the lives of those who might not be as fortunate as ourselves. Keeping our hobbies alive and daring to develop new ones. Even reigniting a bit of romance in our lives and those we share this journey with. All of these endeavors are just as important to me as checking my monthly PSA numbers or taking my daily pill regimen.
Let us remember that we are Living beings. Yes, we have a commonality of a prostate cancer diagnosis. But we have a great deal of living ahead of us. Keeping our eye on this rather than the downward cycle will do more for our health than perhaps anything else. Let’s make this the year of a truly Happy Birthday!
Together, our collective knowledge and understanding is powerful.