I am in Ann Arbor Michigan this moment getting ready to go to my youngest child’s graduation. I am thrilled to not only be alive to see this celebration, but even more thrilled to say that I am still in basically good condition despite having been diagnosed over seven years ago.
When I was diagnosed and then when I had the recurrence (which was also accompanied with a kidney cancer diagnosis) I assumed that if I made it to this time I would be very compromised. Although I have in recent months developed some additional complications I still feel as though I am actually a head of the curve. For this I am very thankful.
He is on his way to law school in September and I am very confident that I will make it to that graduation, but I am not sure in what type of condition. I guess that ultimately I have little control of that and I know that I will deal with what ever the reality becomes.
In the mean time I am going to stay in the here and just enjoy the day and be oh so very proud of my baby.
Joel T Nowak MA, MSW
Joel,
This is an inspiring post. I was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer on Jan 28. I’m 59 and was initially diagnosed at 53. From what I’ve been led to understand I’ll be lucky to be around in 5 years. Neither of my children are married yet and the thought of never seeing them married and not seeing grandkids…………..well I’m sure I don’t have to tell you. That’s why it’s so heartening to read your post.
Thanks
Mark
Mark,
I clearly understand your feelings. It is very hard to know that you might be leaving this world before you feel ready and have had the gifts and experiences you hope to experience. That is the very reason we must learn to appreciate every second, every experience we are fortunate to have.
I have also learned that it is impossible to accurately predict the disease course we will experience. I hope and pray that just as I have been surprised you too will experience a much longer and easier survival time.
Joel