Yes, it's two years ago today that my prostate cancer diagnosis was officially confirmed (I now pronounce you Man and Cancer !) ... and it is very, very hard to believe.
As I was thinking about what to write a number of things came to mind.
Should I mention the friend who (in a nice way) tried to 'reassure' me (not that I particularly needed reassuring) in those early days that "I should think you'll have three or four years". Well, I'm half way through those "three or four years" now ...
Should I mention how people (family and friends) have surprised me ? Some (no, most) have done exactly what I would have hoped. Others (probably not the ones I might have expected) have really surprised me and in a good way ... then, on the flip side there are others who have, perhaps, disappointed. Would I have been a better friend though if the tables had been turned ? Possibly not ... still, I'm not intending to berate anyone ... this situation is what it is and, do you know, I am enjoying life more than I ever did ~ now ain't that a thing ?
I should mention our wonderful National Health Service. All the treatment I have had (as most of you will know) hasn't cost me a thing (OK I've paid my National Insurance stamp over the years). The doctors and nurses and auxiliaries (all bar two) have been so kind and caring ... well, we should be proud of them.
I'm not going to finish off with a "Here's to the next two years !" ... No, all I
intend to do, to try to do, is wake up tomorrow morning ...
In the meantime thank you for reading this and thanks to all those friends on here (and before that Multiply) as well as Facebook for supporting me during the last 732 days. Here's to the ... did you see what I nearly did there ?
May you have many, many more happy and blissful years ahead of you.
ReplyDeleteI'll have a drink this evening and toast your 732 days.... as well of all the days that are still ahead of you !
huggs
Thank you Annette ~ that is very kind of you. I may have a glass of beer myself ...
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ReplyDeleteOops....see below. (o;
DeleteA very happy anniversary to you Charlie...and although it seems a bit strange, I'm going to thank you for sharing this experience with us. Should I ever be in a similar situation I hope I can handle it with the same grace and good humor that you have. Cheers!!
ReplyDeleteThank you River. It has helped me to share my 'journey' so far with you too. The journey is not yet over of course and, so far, it hasn't been too painful.
DeleteCan't believe its two years,pleased you are enjoying life Charlie and thanks for sharing your ups and downs.A friends husband has just been diagnosed with the same but he is 10 years older than you.I seem to remember you saying it was better to be older when you get it.Looking forward to many more blogs.Ann
ReplyDeleteThank you Ann. You're right ... I was told at the outset that the older a man is then the less chance he has of dying *of* prostate cancer. He is more likely to die *with* it.
DeleteWould you believe I am sat back in the same hospital this afternoon with a friend who is having an MRI scan. Still, it's surprising how much more relaxing it is when you're just a visitor.
ReplyDeleteOH... What is the most ...Best.. Ever ???? Anniversaries... Yep..Ones I don't have.. but I'm not married.. But, I guess I could say I will be having an anniversary at the end of April.. Living in one city, And State longer than 2 years for me.. is an Anniverary..LOL..
ReplyDeleteSo, I'm so Happy to know We all are Celebrating An Anniversary that really Means LIFE..
Your The Best Charlie.. And Happy Anniversary to the BEST Day ever....
Nicely put Barbara ~ yes, my second anniversary is a celebration of Life. Thank you for your kind words too.
DeleteTwo years already? Where did the time go? It's been an interesting journey so far. I'm glad you decided to share it with us, Charlie.
ReplyDeleteHere's to........enjoying life, now and for a long time to come, every minute of it!!
Thank you Mitch ... and thank you for staying the course.
DeleteI'm trying to make the most of my time though I have to have a grumble (usually about other motorists) now and again.
I'm so thankful that we can celebrate those two years ... and that each day, now and in the future, is a blessing.
ReplyDeleteDang, do you know what I'm trying to say? I'm proud of you, Charlie. You're an inspiration. Thank you for marking the journey with us.
Thank you for your kind words Pet ... I don't know where the last two years have gone but I'm glad to have had everyone along for the ride thus far.
DeleteTime slips by so quickly, doesn't it, Charlie? It has been quite the journey, which you have met, head on, with style, grace, a great sense of humor and a positive attitude. You have made the effort to live life to the fullest, in spite of cancer making it's unwelcome visit, and that is all any of us can do. When I got my breast cancer diagnosis, I was determined that cancer was not going to define my life and I have sensed that you decided much the same thing. By sharing your journey with us, you have been an inspiration to so many others. Here's to many more anniversaries for both of us, Charlie. (18 mo. cancer free for me and counting) Cancer is a tough foe but it cannot cripple love, it cannot shatter hope, it cannot conquer the spirit.
ReplyDelete"Cancer is a tough foe but it cannot cripple love, it cannot shatter hope, it cannot conquer the spirit." ~ eloquent words Karen. Yes, time does fly past ~ how I wish it would slow down. Yes, I have tried not to let cancer define my life whilst at the same time I have been determined not to ignore it and I have also tried to let other people know about it. I grew up in a time when cancer wasn't really talked about except in hushed terms. I knew so little and now I know a little more I hope [in some small way] that I have been able to convey the fact that it isn't always doom and gloom.
DeleteI wish you well as always ...
I also thank you for sharing your path with me. Now I am going off this site to listen to Leonard Cohen's song "Alleluia" by my favorite covers. I do it in praise of Our Lord, your courage and your medical system. Good night and God Bless from Ashcroft, in British Columbia, Canada. You are a precious soul. Thank you for worming your way into my life. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words which are really appreciated Karyn. I am touched that people are touched by my tale and I will do my best to keep on worming for as long as I can.
DeleteSorry its taken me so long to reply Charlie, and (like others have said) thank you for sharing it with us. I didn't raise a glass to you on the 1st... but I did put my razor away in your honour ;-)
ReplyDeleteThank you ... and thank you for putting away your razor. Your name wouldn't be Ian by any chance ?
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