Prostate Cancer Changes Life
Career challenges and opportunities come at various points of our lives. As children, we are guided by our parents, taught by our teachers, and influenced by our friends. We plan our future. Our parents hope it is a better life than the one they had. We graduate, get a job, start a career, marry, and settle down. Nothing can stop us now. We seem to have the best of everything.
Each of us is an adult learner in a life long journey. One just needs to be open and receptive to new opportunities so as not to miss the challenges presented to us. One such opportunity can come from a life threatening illness such as the “Big C “, the street term for cancer.
We do not plan this event; but it presents itself right up front. After a series of routine medical check-ups, thorough examinations, blood tests and a biopsy, the doctor summons you into his office. Opportunity knocks at the door. You hope you are strong enough to open it and walk inside, because you are about to learn something new about your life. More to the point, you are learning about yourself, your body, your coping mechanisms, and how precious life is.
The doctor literally says, “I’ve got good news and bad news.” You think the doctor may be teasing to break the sad news to you. “You have prostate cancer,” he says, “but it is treatable and you have an excellent chance for a full recovery.”
What does that actually mean? What are the percentages for a full recovery? Is it a 100% recovery or 90%, or 80% or just what? You think to yourself that you need a passing grade. Years ago, when you were in school, you always got straight “A’s” on your report card.
“We cannot guarantee a 100% recovery,” the doctor said. “No one can, guarantee 100%, but we can get as close as 95% free and clear of cancer within five years,” he continued. “Now it is up to you,” the doctor concluded. Moreover, he is correct. No one can tell you what to do, but a decision needs to be...