Prostate Cancer Survivor Stories
Overcoming the Emotional Challenges of Cancer
by Dawn Speckhart, PhD
Many different emotions arise after someone is diagnosed with cancer. Like most people with cancer, Greg wanted to continue with life as if nothing was wrong. He was willing to complete necessary treatments, but minimized everything. Most people want to play down the impact of their cancer diagnosis so that they don’t worry their family and friends. In truth, this strategy is an attempt to deny that they are worried themselves. What this strategy really does is leave the person with cancer to worry alone.
Dog Time, Cancer Time
by Dana Jennings
Bijou, like all dogs, runs on primal time. She isn’t constantly barking on her cell and doesn’t stay up late to catch Conan or Letterman. She eats when she’s hungry, drinks when she’s dry, and naps when she’s sleepy. The absolute, very best moment is the one that she’s inhabiting right now. And during and after cancer, I also came to understand that the very best moment is right now.
Overcoming Cancer with a Full-Court Press
by John Krejci
I don’t like the metaphor of “fighting cancer,” or even the never-ending “War on Cancer.” Less so, empowering cancer by personifying it as “The Beast.” Most people are uncomfortable with these violent, combative modes of dealing with this illness. Let me suggest another metaphor, an alternative to war and violence.
Moving On with Life after Prostate Cancer
by Gerald Murray
Being diagnosed with prostate cancer after a routine blood test was one of the biggest shocks of my life. At 80 years old, I’ve been retired for 10 years and have been living the good life. Prostate cancer was something I had always heard and read about but never imagined would happen to me.
Through the Valley
by John Krejci
On my 69th birthday, I was told that my PSA was off the chart, an almost sure sign that I had advanced prostate cancer. Despite the relatively asymptomatic nature of prostate cancer, I was not greatly surprised. However, a definitive diagnosis of advanced, incurable prostate cancer is at best a wakeup call, at worst a life threatening judgment. My life would never be the same again.
