Once again, your openness and forthrightness amaze me. Thank you for sharing a tough stretch of life and showing how you found the strength to deal with it. Wishing you good health past that big 90. As one a bit closer to it than you are, I suggest your viewpoint about reaching it may change in a decade or two. 😊
Last year I had an 8-9 week stretch of time when I didn't know if I had thyroid cancer or not. (I didn't, it was other thyroid stuff and surgery took care of the issue.) So I understand the fear and worry and all that. And, like you, I kept it from most people. I'm glad you have answers and hope that your little time bomb remains unexploded. Sending hugs to you and Amy both.
Scott - I am glad you are past the period of unknowns and uncertainty. "Nothing at all" would have been a more joyful finding, but I think you are reacting appropriately to the fact that it is something but happily not SOMETHING. If it were more problematic no doctor would advise the "observational" method of care. Went through chemo and surgery last winter/spring so I can empathize with those doubts, fears, and anxieties. Keep smiling, keep moving forward, and keep the faith. I will surely be praying for you and hoping that Yogi Bear of a lump stays in perpetual hibernation. Boa sorte!
Yes! I was away from school for a few weeks in the spring and had the summer to rest, read, and recover. I had my bladder and prostate removed and a urostomy installed. I have been back to work since September (was "virtual" through the summer), scans have been clear, feeling good, getting exercise on the Peloton, and adapting to a "new normal." The new plumbing is working well, and I have overcome most of the self-imposed "hurdles" that had worried me (e.g., long-distance travel). Moving forward with equal parts determination and gratitude. You got this!
Sounds like you - and your docs - are all doing the right things. My Dad had prostate cancer also for many years and that is not at all what ended his life - or even made it miserable (I think that was his eldest daughter - yours truly). Best wishes for a long and happy life without the worry - it is good to know what's going on.
The waiting for a result or diagnosis is just awful, isn't it? I am glad you have answers and that you are at .5. But anytime the C-word is associated with a diagnosis, it's scary, no matter what the stage. Take care of yourself, enjoy life, and know that God is with you and for you.
Wishing you all the best as you navigate this. I was diagnosed with breast cancer while in the middle of planning for our D7 visa interview and our plans have been delayed by my year of treatment. You are right - you learn patience, forbearance and much more. There is a Facebook group for expats in Portugal with cancer if you are interested in connecting with others. Again - all the best to you!!!
Facing our own mortality always puts things in perspective. I’m happy that the initial uncertainty is resolved, staying ever-present in your mind will take a little longer to live with. Your faith, family and friendships are invaluable. You’ve got this!
Thanks for sharing, Scott. The waiting is not fun...I've been there with a breast tumor which was, thankfully, benign and no longer resides in my body.
My father-in-law has been living with prostate cancer for years. We are currently planning his 90th birthday and it's hard to imagine anything but a Mack Truck taking him out. Hang in there, my friend!
Hey, kiddo, sorry to hear that, but you are in good company. Even the King of England has the problem. Seriously, we'll pray that it never progresses. It's very common. Still, it's all anxiety producing, I know. I'm going thru a lot of medical stuff myself. Big nuisance and very time consuming. The good news is you don't have to work and have time to deal with all this, and it happened after all the angst of relocating, etc. is over. Just go on, live your life one day at a time. Love, Phyl
I appreciate you being so open and vulnerable about something so personal. Having just made the move to Portugal myself (been here about 12 months in total now), I simply cannot imagine the stress of getting this diagnosis so close on the heels of such a major life event. You are majoring in major life events, my friend. I'm glad to hear your cancer sounds very treatable but still, it's cancer, it's scary, and you're far away from familiar surroundings and the support system you are used to, which makes it all the more challenging. Your calmness is an inspiration. I hope it all gets easier from here on out. p.s. I grew up in the greater St. Louis area, and worked for Anheuser-Busch for years. What are we midwesterners doing in Portugal?!
Thanks for your response- I am 1/2 Portuguese with grandfather born in Madeira and grandmother in Terceira- I’m headed back for a month beginning June - love following your posts. Trying to get my head around making the “big move” keep those posts coming - obrigado
Thank you for sharing this. You've got this under control. Don't worry until Amy tells you to. ❤️
That should be my life motto ... 😂
😁
Once again, your openness and forthrightness amaze me. Thank you for sharing a tough stretch of life and showing how you found the strength to deal with it. Wishing you good health past that big 90. As one a bit closer to it than you are, I suggest your viewpoint about reaching it may change in a decade or two. 😊
We'll see about that. 😆
Last year I had an 8-9 week stretch of time when I didn't know if I had thyroid cancer or not. (I didn't, it was other thyroid stuff and surgery took care of the issue.) So I understand the fear and worry and all that. And, like you, I kept it from most people. I'm glad you have answers and hope that your little time bomb remains unexploded. Sending hugs to you and Amy both.
The waiting is just. so. hard. Glad it all turned out well for you in the end at least.
The waiting and uncertainty are truly so hard.
Scott - I am glad you are past the period of unknowns and uncertainty. "Nothing at all" would have been a more joyful finding, but I think you are reacting appropriately to the fact that it is something but happily not SOMETHING. If it were more problematic no doctor would advise the "observational" method of care. Went through chemo and surgery last winter/spring so I can empathize with those doubts, fears, and anxieties. Keep smiling, keep moving forward, and keep the faith. I will surely be praying for you and hoping that Yogi Bear of a lump stays in perpetual hibernation. Boa sorte!
Thanks, Tom. So sorry to hear about your illness, though. Everything good now after the treatments?
Scott,
Yes! I was away from school for a few weeks in the spring and had the summer to rest, read, and recover. I had my bladder and prostate removed and a urostomy installed. I have been back to work since September (was "virtual" through the summer), scans have been clear, feeling good, getting exercise on the Peloton, and adapting to a "new normal." The new plumbing is working well, and I have overcome most of the self-imposed "hurdles" that had worried me (e.g., long-distance travel). Moving forward with equal parts determination and gratitude. You got this!
Wow, Tom! What an ordeal! I'm so happy it seems to have settled down. We both got this!
Amen, Scott! Please keep me in your prayers and I will surely do the same for you.
Sounds like you - and your docs - are all doing the right things. My Dad had prostate cancer also for many years and that is not at all what ended his life - or even made it miserable (I think that was his eldest daughter - yours truly). Best wishes for a long and happy life without the worry - it is good to know what's going on.
Thank you, Lori. Always nice to hear from you.
The waiting for a result or diagnosis is just awful, isn't it? I am glad you have answers and that you are at .5. But anytime the C-word is associated with a diagnosis, it's scary, no matter what the stage. Take care of yourself, enjoy life, and know that God is with you and for you.
Thank you, Steve. If you're interested in meeting up at some point, Amy and I would like that.
Sure..would like to meet you both.
Wishing you all the best as you navigate this. I was diagnosed with breast cancer while in the middle of planning for our D7 visa interview and our plans have been delayed by my year of treatment. You are right - you learn patience, forbearance and much more. There is a Facebook group for expats in Portugal with cancer if you are interested in connecting with others. Again - all the best to you!!!
I will hold you in my prayers - I hope your plans can move forward soon. Thank you for the info about the fb group.
very helpful, thank you! sending you healing thoughts.
Facing our own mortality always puts things in perspective. I’m happy that the initial uncertainty is resolved, staying ever-present in your mind will take a little longer to live with. Your faith, family and friendships are invaluable. You’ve got this!
Thank you, Kathy!
Thanks for sharing, Scott. The waiting is not fun...I've been there with a breast tumor which was, thankfully, benign and no longer resides in my body.
My father-in-law has been living with prostate cancer for years. We are currently planning his 90th birthday and it's hard to imagine anything but a Mack Truck taking him out. Hang in there, my friend!
I'm so glad your situation resolved the way it did! The waiting really sucks, doesn't it?
There are so many men living with prostate cancer! Thanks for sharing the story of another one!
I'm so glad to hear from you, Amanda! I hope your year is going well.
Hey, kiddo, sorry to hear that, but you are in good company. Even the King of England has the problem. Seriously, we'll pray that it never progresses. It's very common. Still, it's all anxiety producing, I know. I'm going thru a lot of medical stuff myself. Big nuisance and very time consuming. The good news is you don't have to work and have time to deal with all this, and it happened after all the angst of relocating, etc. is over. Just go on, live your life one day at a time. Love, Phyl
Good advice as always, Aunt Phyllis. Thank you.
So sorry you are dealing with this, Scott. Many men I love had/are dealing with this. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Thank you!
OMG! This just in - AP News just reported that King Charles III has cancer -- COINCIDENCE????
I've never been seen in the same room as King Charles III. Hmmm. Bum bum buuuum!
The unknown can be so terrifying. Waiting for something like is very not fun.
I'm glad it's very treatable and not even at the point where it needs to be treated.
Thanks, Ryan.
Oof, sorry to hear but you got this!
Thanks, Tarun.
I appreciate you being so open and vulnerable about something so personal. Having just made the move to Portugal myself (been here about 12 months in total now), I simply cannot imagine the stress of getting this diagnosis so close on the heels of such a major life event. You are majoring in major life events, my friend. I'm glad to hear your cancer sounds very treatable but still, it's cancer, it's scary, and you're far away from familiar surroundings and the support system you are used to, which makes it all the more challenging. Your calmness is an inspiration. I hope it all gets easier from here on out. p.s. I grew up in the greater St. Louis area, and worked for Anheuser-Busch for years. What are we midwesterners doing in Portugal?!
I know, right? It's supposed to be coasters and Texans here ... lol
Thanks for your response- I am 1/2 Portuguese with grandfather born in Madeira and grandmother in Terceira- I’m headed back for a month beginning June - love following your posts. Trying to get my head around making the “big move” keep those posts coming - obrigado
Let us know if we can be of any help!