One Thing I Have Learned

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is not something anyone wishes for.....  In our case, we both have active, healthy and relatively low-stress life-styles, so Stu’s diagnosis with an aggressive form of prostate cancer in June certainly came as a bit of a shock.  It has a way of changing pretty much everything overnight.  All other plans are on hold while you educate yourself and figure out what is the best approach.  This step is absolutely vital as the doctors will only tell you so much and tend to ignore much of the information that is out there.

 I strongly believe in looking at all of life’s circumstances for the learning to be gleaned.  Although we learned a ton about nutrition, toxins, life-style and cancer in general and how it operates, there is one over-riding idea that I want to share here.  Back when we were first dealing with the biopsy, I struggled with whether this was something I should post publicly.  Isn’t it a private matter?  Shouldn’t I just post positive stuff?  Do people even want to know and do they really care?? 

 Well, as you probably know, I stepped out of my comfort zone and put it out there on Facebook and Instagram.  I think some guys would not be happy about these kinds of revelations coming from their wives, but fortunately, even though Stu does not do social media himself, he is fine with my sharing and welcomes the comments.  Yay for that.  Because from this perspective now, it was the best decision ever.

In addition to receiving amazing support literally from all over the world, most of what we have learned and what has influenced our decisions, including choice of a surgeon, have been through friends and friends of friends who would not have known had we not shared.  Encouraging stories, suggestions, tips, recipes, on and on….. it has all been there for us!  Old friendships have been renewed and new ones established.

And sometimes the most unlikely people turn out to be the most supportive.  If you don’t share, you won’t know!  So although I did not share details and don’t recommend that, if you have something you are dealing with, don’t be afraid to make it known.  There is an amazing, supportive community out there!

Post-surgery, the doctor now believes that Stu is cancer free and, though he will always have to be monitored, we are determined to keep it that way. Deeply grateful for all who offered support in so many different ways, both large and small.