Most of us have never had prostate cancer before, and the news can leave one a bit disoriented. The doctor is telling you to do some research and provided a few pieces of information...but you're pretty much on your own. Curse you non-directive, empowered patient, don't ask me to say anything I could be sued for medicine!
I have a number of friends who have experienced the wonderful world of prostate cancer, and I began calling them, asking for a chance to sit down and discuss what was before me.
I also began searching the Internet for information...this proved very frustrating as the outcomes for the various treatment options are very similar for early stage cancer like mine. I also looked at the possible complications/implications post-treatment; and again the options all presented very similar information. So, how does one make a decision (I likened it to being offered a great job and being very excited...until the other four equally appealing offers roll in.)?
I opted for a second opinion and conversations with friends. Interestingly, other survivors presented themselves out of the blue. It was as if the universe was providing information for me.
I began with Norbert Peiker, a friend and mentor who has been battling prostate cancer for nearly 15 years.
Smart, since the problem with the internet is that sometimes there's just too much information. and not all of it pertains to you, although you really don't know what does and doesn't.
ReplyDeleteTalking with others who have been there calms your psyche an, hopefully, lets you make a calm, as-rational-as-possible decision.
Just as important, as you've no doubt learned, is Lucia's take on the whole thing.
Ken Jones
Great point, Ken. We need to talk about spouses as well...I'll try to remember that for a future post.
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