tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34351736444329067832024-03-05T00:04:04.634-08:00Living and Loving With Prostate Cancer Coping with the emotional, relational, sexual and spiritual aspects of prostate cancer.Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.comBlogger262125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-43818426112500599182023-10-25T05:22:00.004-07:002023-10-25T05:26:42.313-07:00Looking Back<p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px;">It is estimated that men have a one in two chance of being diagnosed with cancer during their lifetimes; for women, the chance is one in three.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Even with those odds, it was never in my life’s plan that I’d be one of those men diagnosed with cancer, especially in what I’d consider to be a relatively young age.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I was diagnosed with prostate cancer when I was 57. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I’m now 71. Thankfully, my PSA (prostate-specific antigen) remains undetectable.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I expected there'd come a time when I'd give up my cancer survivor status. I thought I'd return to thinking about myself in the same way I thought about myself prior to my diagnosis. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Thirteen years later, that never happened, and I don't believe it ever will. In other words, once a cancer survivor, always a cancer survivor.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">It’s virtually impossible to forget about your identity as a cancer survivor if treatment left you with quality of life issues that affect you every day, or regular testing is required to determine whether your cancer has returned.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">It doesn't matter whether you're in remission for 10 months or 10 years. I suspect most of us living with cancer live with the possibility of a reoccurrence.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">II think all cancer survivors have certain sensitivites we wish our healthly friends and family knew.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I asked several men with prostate cancer what they wished their friends and family knew about living with cancer. Some of their responses are listed below. I added a few of my own. I believe this list applies to everyone diagnosed with any form of cancer.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">1. Looks are deceiving. You can't judge how well I'm doing based on my physical appearance.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">2. Living with cancer is highly stressful before, during, and after treatment.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">3. Please don't share stories about miracle cures.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">4. I don't want to hear stories about people you know who died from prostate or any other form of cancer.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">5. Don't feel pressured to say something wise, give advice, or cheer me up.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">6. If you're seriously interested in how I'm doing, listen rather than talk.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">7. Before, during, and after treatment, physical, emotional, relational and challenges occur.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">8. There's no such thing as a “good cancer."</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">9. Cancer isn't contagious. Using a cup, fork, or spoon at my home won't give you cancer.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">10. If treatment has affected my erectile functioning, I probably feel awful about myself as a man and as a partner.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">11. Sometimes I feel anger, jealousy, or hostility toward folks who are healthy. Sometimes that anger is misdirected towards my spouse and/or care givers</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">12. I'm facing financial pressures. Missed work and high deductibles and co-pays changed my economic circumstances.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">13. I may feel so discouraged or depressed that I'm sorry I survived my treatment.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">14. I need breaks from thinking or talking about cancer.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">15. The effects of treatment cause quality-of-life issues that are difficult to talk about.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">16. My values and priorities may remain unchanged or undergo a radical transformation.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">17. My relationship with my partner is changing. We don't know whether coping with cancer will bring us closer or tear us apart.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">18. Comfort clichés like "You'll beat this" or "Think positive" can permanently damage our relationship.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">19. Don't judge me if coping with cancer challenges my faith or the goodness of God.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">20. Waiting for test results is highly stressful, even if I've been in remission for years.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">After reading through this list, you may wonder what you can do to help your partner, family member, or friend cope with cancer.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Here are a few of my suggestions:</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">• Before you say or do anything, give up on the notion that it's your job to say or do something to make it easier to cope with cancer.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">• Give the gift of focused listening. This means listening to things that are uncomfortable or difficult to hear without changing the subject or fixing a problem.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">• Share some non-cancer-related time together. When possible, ask cto go out together for a meal, a cup of coffee, a movie, or a walk. Any activity you can enjoy together is a valued gift.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">• If you feel called to pray, rather than say, "I'll pray for you," ask if there's something specific you can pray for.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">• Laughter is great medicine. Finds ways to share laughter. Watching a comedy together is one way to laugh together.• Give specific rather than general offers of help.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">* Rather than say, "Call me if you need anything," say, "Is it OK if I bring a meal over tonight? What would you like?"</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I’m sure this list isn’t complete so if you have some additions please add to them</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">If you believe sharing this with friends and family to help them better understand what you’re going through, please do so.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Rick Redner and his wife Brenda Redner wrote two award winning books. The first:</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I Left My Prostate in San Francisco-Where's Yours?</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">provides men and couples with information and support before, during and after prostate surgery.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Their second book was written for couples living with!erectile dysfunction. After living with <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>erectile dysfunction for four years, Rick chose penile implant surgery. The couple share how implant surgery changed their lives and relationship.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The title of their book is:</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Erectile Dysfunction and Penile Implants.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleItalicBody; font-style: italic;">Note: </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleItalicBody; font-style: italic;">Per my contractual agreement, it is required that I site portions of this article appeared in </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleItalicBody; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">Prostate Cancer News Today</span><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleItalicBody; font-size: small; font-style: italic;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxstG6s3IgGDCiWQQ3NlJqYhSKI_mWHFJBnNdoPbToQlJ7xop1XTiU6ySw897o-GB6VojOHLzfW4YFpCmk0p0FCdP6RppF8H74vK4N4A_awetM8jnzLEVbq3LtaJozCbTj-RW5qCvnAz6kavXvCTSyJZSBaurRFRrinfH9HFZMsgMagWCN_-gETZKo6jQ/s1179/IMG_9529.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="947" data-original-width="1179" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxstG6s3IgGDCiWQQ3NlJqYhSKI_mWHFJBnNdoPbToQlJ7xop1XTiU6ySw897o-GB6VojOHLzfW4YFpCmk0p0FCdP6RppF8H74vK4N4A_awetM8jnzLEVbq3LtaJozCbTj-RW5qCvnAz6kavXvCTSyJZSBaurRFRrinfH9HFZMsgMagWCN_-gETZKo6jQ/s320/IMG_9529.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p>Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-10809841686011426912023-10-14T12:21:00.003-07:002023-10-16T07:17:41.225-07:00Waging War on Prostate Cancer<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve been a prostate cancer survivor for more than ten years. Through social media, and from readers of my books and blogs, I’ve heard first hand, the ways in which coping with prostate cancer has resulted in life long depression, suicide, or divorce. </span><p></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My three decade marriage was stressed to such an extent we needed professional counseling to save our marriage. In part, because there’s very little information to help men and couples cope with the after effects of prostate surgery.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My wife and I decided to wage war on Prostate Cancer. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The first strategy of our war involved PREVENTION. Unfortunately most men avoid going to Doctors until symptoms force them to make an appointment. We encourage all men thirty and beyond to get YEARLY prostate checks. If prostate cancer runs in the family starting at age 20 is a good idea.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our second strategy is the war on FEAR. Far too many men where choosing an overly aggressive treatment option because of their FEAR of cancer. We wanted to help men deal with their fears so they could make their treatment decision based on their diagnosis NOT on FEAR.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The third strategy is the war on IGNORANCE. Too few men choosing surgery are provided with information before or after surgery they need to cope successfully. To combat IGNORANCE we use social media.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For more than five years now I receive daily requests to join one of my three Facebook Groups.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Group #1 was created as a place men and couples could visit before and after prostate surgery to get the best preparation BEFORE surgery, and support for the challenges and losses involved AFTER surgery. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The link to this page is:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.facebook.com/whereisyourprostate?mibextid=LQQJ4d</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Group #2 was created to help men and couples deal the with devastating consequences of living without erections.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I call erectile dysfunction a thief because:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-size: 11.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*ED takes away physical and emotional intimacy. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-size: 11.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*ED steals your confidence in the bedroom. ED robs you of your manhood. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-size: 11.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*ED walks off with your self-esteem. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-size: 11.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*ED has the potential to destroy lives, and end relationships. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-size: 11.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The link for this Group is:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1183346195018101/?ref=share_group_link" style="text-decoration: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-size: 11.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/1183346195018101/?ref=share_group_link</span></a></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-size: 11.5pt;">Group #3 which was created to provide information about the most successful and rated as the ED treatment with the highest level of satisfaction….Penile Implants.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-size: 11.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This group provides information and support for those considering this surgery, and those with questions after surgery.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-size: 11.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The link to this group is:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/penileimplants/?ref=share_group_link" style="text-decoration: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/penileimplants/?ref=share_group_link</span></a></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.666667px;">It’s hard to believe unless you’ve experienced this firsthand, that a man who received the news that surgery cured them of cancer, and rather than feel jubilant, they feel depressed because of the life long quality of life issues they face living without a prostate.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.666667px;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.666667px;">If you’re depressed after surgery or wish to avoid this depression post surgery this book is a vital resource.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Book #1 I Left My Prostate in San Francisco - Where's Yours?: Coping with the Emotional, Relational, Sexual, and Spiritual Aspects of Prostate Cancer </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The link to this book is here:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://a.co/d/iJm72Bi" style="text-decoration: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://a.co/d/iJm72Bi</span></a></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here’s the link to our second award winning book for men and couples coping/struggling with erectile dysfunction</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Book#2</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Everything You Never Wanted to Know about Erectile Dysfunction and Penile Implants: End Your Silence, Sadness, Suffering, and Shame</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Everything You Never Wanted to Know about Erectile Dysfunction and Penile Implants: End Your Silence, Sadness, Suffering, and Shame</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Everything You Never Wanted to Know about Erectile Dysfunction and Penile Implants: End Your Silence, Sadness, Suffering and Shame </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://a.co/d/gNCPhkj" style="text-decoration: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://a.co/d/gNCPhkj</span></a></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I also provide FREE access to more than 200 blogs I’ve written, many of which were published with Prostate Cancer News Today.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That link is here:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://whereisyourprostate.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2021-06-21T07:27:00-07:00&max-results=7&m=1" style="text-decoration: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://whereisyourprostate.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2021-06-21T07:27:00-07:00&max-results=7&m=1</span></a></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If any of these links do not work, copy/paste them to your web browser.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBr9HIONHfHrsM5NAqUQlQoiva8p5zOoRwb725xlUPfthiLRT2rxSDl4HQuoJJpbvRMSqp_XJCHP4vUNClF4IQnOsU-EHyuCa1_N_-w7-yNK8d8T_Vn4ljOK4jn4S3xu2uaKKNLVCCX10nFALiNgh61fArO6akRrqzdYbCrnva3OLuWoJs59tOpKNM2o/s529/IMG_9387.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="529" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBr9HIONHfHrsM5NAqUQlQoiva8p5zOoRwb725xlUPfthiLRT2rxSDl4HQuoJJpbvRMSqp_XJCHP4vUNClF4IQnOsU-EHyuCa1_N_-w7-yNK8d8T_Vn4ljOK4jn4S3xu2uaKKNLVCCX10nFALiNgh61fArO6akRrqzdYbCrnva3OLuWoJs59tOpKNM2o/s320/IMG_9387.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-22098347066229124162023-05-23T07:48:00.002-07:002023-05-23T08:44:35.700-07:00Prostate Cancer Survivor<p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px;">For more than a decade my identity included surviving cancer. I thought of myself as a Prostate Cancer Survivor.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">For more than a decade, I’ve experienced multiple reminders, every day, that I’m living without a prostate so that means I’ve had a minimum of 7,300 reminders and that doesn’t include thoughts the cancer could return. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">If you add those thoughts in, that means I’ve been reminded about life without a prostate <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and/or prostate cancer over 10,000 times in the last decade!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">For five emotionally painful years I lived with the identity of an “Impotent Man”</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I HATED that identity. I wanted my wife of thirty years to leave me so she could live with a “Real Man” that was fully functioning.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">A Penile Implant took away my identity as an “Impotent Man.” I was overjoyed to shed that identity.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">My journey with Chronic Kidney (CKD) Disease began when I was hospitalized with Sepsis. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I began with Stage 4 which is severe kidney damage.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Out of the hospital I did everything I could to regain kidney functioning. My efforts were fruitful. My GFR rose to Stage 3a-mild to moderate kidney disease. From my perspective life returned to normal. I thought my experience with CKD came to an end.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">However a month later my GFR dropped by 16%. I went to Stage 3B <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>which is moderate to severe kidney damage.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">After my Nephrologist was informed of my current GFR, life was changed. I was told not to eat red meat. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>To avoid salty foods, and reduce sugar intake. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">This meant saying goodbye to steak, hamburgers, fries, pizza, frankfurters, pastrami, deli meats, donuts, pancakes and syrup, all alcoholic beverages, and more. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Thankfully it didn’t mean saying goodbye to Splenda!!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Once I received these restrictions, I found myself craving everything I was told to avoid! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>To date, I haven’t given in.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Since it is now necessary for me to drink water all the time, and watch every that goes into my mouth, I rarely get a break from thinking about CKD.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">With Prostate Cancer there was the fear of reoccurrence, which most PC patients (including myself) initially think about multiple times a day) </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">With CKD that’s the fear is that a falling GFR will result in total kidney failure leading to dialysis. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I think about kidney failure and dialysis A LOT. It involves three <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>days a week, 4-5 hours a day in a treatment center. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That’s NOT what I want for my life!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">In my mind, I’ve assumed a new identity. My identity as a Prostate Cancer Survivor has taken a back seat to my new identity…A person living with CKD.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I’ve discovered the difference between identities that change with medical circumstances and an identity that NEVER changes.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">As a Christian, my identity encompasses all the abundance of being a beloved child of God, and a citizen of Heaven.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">That remains unchanging, which I now appreciate more than ever…an unchanging identity!!</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Rick Redner and his wife Brenda Redner wrote an award winning comprehensive guide to the physical, personal, spiritual, and relational issues, every man, and couple, will face before and after prostate surgery. The title of their book is:</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2TLTiRQ">I Left My Prostate in San Francisco-Where’s Yours?</a></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">After four years of coping with erectile dysfunction after double nerve sparing surgery, Rick & Brenda decided to share their experiences with devastating effects of erectile dysfunction; which led to a loss of self-esteem, and marital conflict.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">They shared why they chose to seek professional help to save their marriage. They also provided a detailed account of how and why Rick went the penile implant route, and how that changed everything. This is a life changing book. Don’t take their word for it, read the Amazon reviews.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://bit.ly/34DL14W">Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Erectile Dysfunction & Penile Implants</a></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZBCaNa0Hmw9fvGi44StnMOxBgyWrih5Kv-XVGPN_KFD_wxiLQZEqT7prZNP3guARVoa3JGftZN94wtlKqGHRbzQJ4MrUloXtlIZL7wBmWiZc3WsDZ_qsfGPy0RwYM-KvTLq29B4jLWw5Q0ndMVJ_rGnA1WhlXtn37R4nEOkaoEoqQoqJJriQ5bpw/s1028/IMG_8074.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1028" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZBCaNa0Hmw9fvGi44StnMOxBgyWrih5Kv-XVGPN_KFD_wxiLQZEqT7prZNP3guARVoa3JGftZN94wtlKqGHRbzQJ4MrUloXtlIZL7wBmWiZc3WsDZ_qsfGPy0RwYM-KvTLq29B4jLWw5Q0ndMVJ_rGnA1WhlXtn37R4nEOkaoEoqQoqJJriQ5bpw/s320/IMG_8074.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></p>Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-5940692573429821522023-05-04T10:26:00.002-07:002023-05-04T10:46:45.618-07:00Biopsy Blues<p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once again I’m waiting to get a biopsy. Once again it’s a 1-3 week wait to get the results.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I believe there’s a natural tendency for us to return and re-experience the trauma of the past, when something similar occurs in the present.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So I understand the vulnerability I have to panic, assume the worst, then have the worst come true.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I doubt I’ll never forget the call I received on a Sunday when my Urologist said to me:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I’m sorry to tell you this, but you have moderately aggressive prostate cancer.”</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On that day I imagined my future with three words:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Excruciating pain </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Suffering </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Death</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As an experienced decade long cancer survivor I asked myself the following question:</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How can my past experience waiting for a biopsy and receiving the news I have cancer help me to cope.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A far easier question to answer is:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How did waiting for a biopsy and receiving a diagnosis of cancer cause me to panic, then, and now as I wait.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">•I panicked waiting for the biopsy.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">•I panicked about the painful procedure to get the biopsy-multiple pokes with long needles through the rectum into the prostate. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">•I panicked waiting for the biopsy results </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">•I panicked receiving the biopsy results </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then came the mother of all my panics:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> •I panicked when myUrologist asked me:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How would you like to treat your prostate cancer?”</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I thought he was joking! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How would I know how to treat prostate cancer?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I went to the library and checked out about a dozen books from the library, and purchased a few on Amazon.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With the treatment of prostate cancer, each treatment choice has different quality of life issues to face. After hours upon hours of research, I could not make up my mind. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So I made an appointment with my Urologist and asked him the following question;</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If the situation was reversed and you received the biopsy results I have in front of me, what would you do?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He said:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I’d have surgery.” </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So I said:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Refer me for surgery.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He said:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Before I do, given your urological history, you may be loose control of your urinary functioning permanently.”</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At the time I couldn’t imagine what spending the rest of my life in diapers would mean, so I said:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Refer me for surgery” </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He sent me to San Francisco (UCSF) which is how I came to lose my prostate in San Francisco.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fast forward to today. So I’m not in the least bit worried about the biopsy procedure. They will scrape some of the skin off my arm for the biopsy. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(A tad easier than multiple needles to the rectum)</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Prostate cancer is #2 as the leading cancer death in men. (Lung cancer is #1)</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Should my biopsy determine this is cancer, there’s a 99.99% rate of cure.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If I do have skin cancer I won’t need to spend hours researching treatment modalities. I will happily agree to the treatment recommendation of my Dermatologist. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As for quality of life issues the loss of urinary control, living in diapers, or facing a lifetime of erectile dysfunction aren’t quality of life issues I’ll face.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I suspect the only quality of life issue I’ll face will be the number days or weeks I won’t be able to use my hot tub and swimming pool. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can only muster microscopic levels of sympathy for myself facing the TEMPORARY loss of those two activities.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The fact that these two experiences are vastly different, coping is much easier.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If/when I’d face another life threatening, or quality of life debilitating cancer, I don’t know whether my past experiences will help or make it more difficult to handle.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For now, this seems to be a cake walk in comparison to prostate cancer.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The initial panic I felt when my Primary referred me to a Dermatologist to rule out or treat basal carcinoma has passed.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How am I certain of this?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m not losing any sleep!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-321baf92-7fff-48d6-ef5f-f5573a851f82" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-321baf92-7fff-48d6-ef5f-f5573a851f82" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rick Redner and his wife Brenda Redner wrote an award winning comprehensive guide to the physical, personal, spiritual, and relational issues, every man, and couple, will face before and after prostate surgery. The title of their book is:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I Left My Prostate in San Francisco-Where's Yours? </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://amzn.to/2TLTiRQ</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br style="white-space: normal;" /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After four years of coping with erectile dysfunction after double nerve sparing surgery, Rick & Brenda decided to share their experiences with devastating effects of erectile dysfunction; which led to a loss of self-esteem, and marital conflict.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br style="white-space: normal;" /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They shared why they chose to seek professional help to save their marriage. They also provided a detailed account of how and why Rick went the penile implant route, and how that changed everything. This is a life changing book. Don’t take their word for it, read the Amazon reviews.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The title of their second book is:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Erectile Dysfunction </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="http://bit.ly/34DL14W" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://bit.ly/34DL14W</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br style="white-space: normal;" /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueL-FMtjZqFjLj4uFTfbEg-hvOoYDXq9Y4q3q0FkWxfCEA-r1RYTWMPPwa_QfIz9nZn7CxxujJ4csXul2Nf_roSf12f6FUwMZMadsEWKiGxqgSuA6kPMpskcxMtsF61qvE4pVUBm28ElTB3g93D7NEuppwqePiYEaaoFp047o2gQTYfVjwd1BmcT-/s1044/IMG_7919.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1044" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueL-FMtjZqFjLj4uFTfbEg-hvOoYDXq9Y4q3q0FkWxfCEA-r1RYTWMPPwa_QfIz9nZn7CxxujJ4csXul2Nf_roSf12f6FUwMZMadsEWKiGxqgSuA6kPMpskcxMtsF61qvE4pVUBm28ElTB3g93D7NEuppwqePiYEaaoFp047o2gQTYfVjwd1BmcT-/s320/IMG_7919.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p>Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-82970806797639279842022-03-10T07:39:00.016-08:002023-10-28T04:15:32.000-07:00A Question of Balance<p>I’m a quick fix kind of guy. If there’s a problem, and a known solution, (especially if it involves duct tape or goop) I want the fix to occur and problem solved ASAP.</p><p>What I’ve learned about knee joint replacement surgery is the “fix” to the problem (surgery) takes under two hours.</p><p>To heal from the “fix” takes months. *Worse-There are no shortcuts. *Worser-neither duct tape or goop is useful. *Worst of all- I’ve lost mobility, access to the second story of our house, and the ability to drive a car, and to stand for more than ten minutes at a time. Progress is measured literally in inches rather than feet or miles.But if I’ve learned anything in 17 surgeries it’s these two lessons: </p><p>#1 Celebrate every small milestone or step towards healing even if the step is measured in inches. </p><p>#2. Look for humor EVERYWHERE </p><p>So my most recent celebrations:</p><p>•I can walk down the two steps to I can access and enjoy our backyard. •I can walk up and down our front entryway so walks in the neighborhood becomes possible WHEN I can tolerate standing for more than a few minutes.</p><p>These changes are worth celebrating.</p><p>As far as humor goes, yesterday I was walking (with my walker) down the steps and down our driveway. I was blasting the theme song from the movie Chariots of Fire, as I hobbled down the driveway (wondering if the angle would be to steep for me to return to the house) I bumped into a neighbor who got a kick of the choice of my music to hobble down the driveway.</p><p>After sharing a laugh, she said: “You need to do this using the theme song from Rocky.”</p><p>I said: “You missed it. That was yesterday!” Another time to laugh! </p><p>When Brenda and I watch movies we are looking for either faith-based, or comedies. Murder mystery movies are out! Watching a lot of news is out as well.</p><p>As I take the next three months to recover, and go to out-patient physical therapy, I want to spend the next three months laughing and celebrating as much as possible!</p><p>That said, I’m not using denial. On nights I’m kept awake most of the night because of pain, or when I feel both bad and sad I can’t sleep in my own bed, I give myself permission to feel and grieve these losses.</p><p>Verses from Ecclesiastes 3 come to mind:</p><p>There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens……. a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.</p><p>Faith doesn’t forbid you from weeping or mourning. In fact our Lord cares so much about us in our suffering that: </p><p>You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. ~Psalm 56:8~ Faith also provides wonderful reasons to experience joy, gratitude, grace, celebration, and laughter.</p><p>So the next three months will be filled with both laughter and tears, but I suspect the scales will tip heavily on the side of joy, gratitude, grace, celebration, and laughter.</p><p>How does this relate to life post prostatectomy?</p><p>Grieve the loss of</p><p>Urinary control </p><p>Life in diapers </p><p>Grieve unwelcome the changes in your erectile functioning </p><p>Grieve the loss of your sex drive</p><p>Celebrate when your catheter is removed</p><p>Celebrate if you’ve learned to live in diapers without leaking </p><p>Celebrate when you move from diapers to pads.</p><p>The scales after prostate surgery tip heavily on the side of negativity, which is why the ability to celebrate and laugh are vitally important. </p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-76a00d9f-7fff-b3ce-05e8-5e263aabef9d" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-76a00d9f-7fff-b3ce-05e8-5e263aabef9d" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rick Redner and his wife Brenda Redner wrote an award winning comprehensive guide to the physical, personal, spiritual, and relational issues, every man, and couple, will face before and after prostate surgery. The title of their book is:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2TLTiRQ">I Left My Prostate in San Francisco-Where's Yours?</a> </span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-size-adjust: auto; white-space: pre-wrap;">After four years of coping with erectile dysfunction after double nerve sparing surgery, Rick & Brenda decided to share their experiences with devastating effects of erectile dysfunction; which led to a loss of self-esteem, and marital conflict.</span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-size-adjust: auto; white-space: pre-wrap;">They shared why they chose to seek professional help to save their marriage. They also provided a detailed account of how and why Rick went the penile implant route, and how that changed everything. This is a life changing book. Don’t take their word for it, read the Amazon reviews.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The title of their second book is:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://bit.ly/34DL14W">Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Erectile Dysfunction </a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2UzPAsKLb6ffk4SLhbKCKpv7pH4cfnh-kwtRxWCo7hkuQ1bsmu1YxJkZymaPBuchptB8JNOb832fr2mzxJ2uTP-xTBRGOk1XR9QqM1GKXxHqF1YGoS-nXrJNYwUgm_mejCESS4WUQvKSxxLJzKYy1p7ZMo_QTWc7WzJ_TPiR2kiQtQY7G1pnWBIt4=s964" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="964" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2UzPAsKLb6ffk4SLhbKCKpv7pH4cfnh-kwtRxWCo7hkuQ1bsmu1YxJkZymaPBuchptB8JNOb832fr2mzxJ2uTP-xTBRGOk1XR9QqM1GKXxHqF1YGoS-nXrJNYwUgm_mejCESS4WUQvKSxxLJzKYy1p7ZMo_QTWc7WzJ_TPiR2kiQtQY7G1pnWBIt4=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-78897049428253633042022-01-22T09:53:00.007-08:002022-01-22T10:19:56.720-08:00The Healing Power of Songs<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px;">I dedicate this blog and this song to my wife who endured four extremely difficult years post prostate cancer surgery.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px;">After my surgery, my Surgeon assured us that the sparing of my two nerve bundles meant I’d recover my erectile functioning…..only it didn’t.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px;">I discovered that every form of affection served a bitter reminder of what I lost. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px;">So I have up holding hands, physical touching, hugs and kisses. As if avoiding those things would help me forget that I lost my manhood. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px;">It didn’t!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px;">Then I unilaterally decided </span></span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px;">the best thing I could do for my wife was to push her far away until she asked me for a divorce. I had another (selfish) motive as well. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px;">I wanted to protect myself from feeling betrayed. I was convinced it was inevitable my wife would fall into the arms of a fulling functioning man. I wanted to control that process to avoid another hurt.</span></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px;">Of course I kept this fear, and my goal to blow up our marriage to myself. I failed in my goal to blow up our marriage because my wife </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px;">was fiercely determined to save our marriage.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">We needed additional help. I was too embarrassed to discuss my reactions to erectile dysfunction with a counselor!</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">In the end, my resistance was no match for my wife’s persistence. We </span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">received help from counseling and the Author of forgiveness our Lord and Savior.</span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">This song is my story and I pray it’s yours as well as you navigate the treacherous roads of coping with erectile dysfunction.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Here are the lyrics of:</span><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Unbroken</span><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">By Joel Smallbone</span><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Until today I believed</span><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Without a doubt</span><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I had gone down this road</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Way too far</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">To turn around</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I carry the weight of the past</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">On my back</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Till' the day I die</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">But thanks to you</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Now I realize</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Every lie that's been told</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Can be untold</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">And every soul that's been sold</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Can be unsold</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">And every angry word that's been spoke</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Can be unspoken</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">And every heart</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">That's been broke</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Can be unbroken</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I know that it takes a lot of guts</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">To tell the truth</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">And a heart won't be fixed overnight</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">When it's broke in two</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">You never gave up on me</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Even though I kept pushing you away</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">You showed me how</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">It's not too late to change</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Yeah...</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">And every lie that's been told</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Can be untold</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">And every soul that's been sold</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Can be unsold</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">And every angry word that's been spoke</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Can be unspoken</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">And every heart</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">That's been broke</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Can be unbroken</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Be forgiven</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">It's never too late to be forgiven</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Yeah, Ye-ah!</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Cause every lie that's been told</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Can be untold</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">And every soul that's been sold</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Can be unsold</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">And every angry word that's been spoke</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Can be unspoken</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">And every heart</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">That's been broke can be unbroken</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Yeah can be unbroken </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">If this song blessed you in any way, share it with your partner and anyone else that comes to mind.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><a href="https://youtu.be/YCNUh4jaxkQ">https://youtu.be/YCNUh4jaxk</a><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-RFUAH7AsEpL9c2XGhdA89vUkhQkEAD1X1RTuohKfnrA--piOBlo-ioZHOFLMBnXPxyamZ6r4gjocQmCAD999MgTS0JYFUIlpNvCiNzwI56vbm7SrAqe1aAOVGPdWSqgtEkh40zQPYNvMjyz7PBfVYLajNU1o7kE7MeXF161lZdhzEOjZdGsNjwp3=s528" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="528" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-RFUAH7AsEpL9c2XGhdA89vUkhQkEAD1X1RTuohKfnrA--piOBlo-ioZHOFLMBnXPxyamZ6r4gjocQmCAD999MgTS0JYFUIlpNvCiNzwI56vbm7SrAqe1aAOVGPdWSqgtEkh40zQPYNvMjyz7PBfVYLajNU1o7kE7MeXF161lZdhzEOjZdGsNjwp3=w200-h111" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-85249045663548135722022-01-01T22:34:00.006-08:002022-01-01T22:41:16.969-08:00A New Year<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> It’s 2022! </span></div><p></p><p>What a privilege it is to grow old with my sweet wife.I remember when I subscribed to “youth’s universal illusion of immortality.”</p><p>In those days, I assumed I had decades of New Year’s Eves to celebrate.</p><p>Now, I’ve reached an age where I no longer assume I’ll be around to celebrate 2023. </p><p>Maybe I will, maybe I won’t.</p><p>Some may think I’ve become morbid. </p><p>Not me! I think I’ve finally aligned myself with reality. </p><p style="text-align: left;">One of my go to Bible verses is this: Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. ~ Psalm 90:12~</p><p>When Jesus knew he had 24 hours left to live, he did what was most important to him.</p><p style="text-align: left;">He said to his disciples: Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; ~ Luke 22:15~</p><p style="text-align: left;">On his last day on earth, Jesus was mindful to do the will of his Father in Heaven. Not only on his last day; every day. May that be said about all of us! Happy 2022!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgf8kWgJMft7rFkezruqxYdEZxPJiBOf0xGkZkrvIsMshkygS8gf7TdXTFCU_LVF_wvsQ0KQebY3u4eMf_6HEvKo3YTucvSzqQ8_H4Nuh65yi0QqPJsk2xFXGmIRkRG6Iha1kJBMYWjI2eg5efua1zyfR9tf-UKvMt_3oVi2QG_oECcGgMmLeDDXBWj=s1159" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="1126" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgf8kWgJMft7rFkezruqxYdEZxPJiBOf0xGkZkrvIsMshkygS8gf7TdXTFCU_LVF_wvsQ0KQebY3u4eMf_6HEvKo3YTucvSzqQ8_H4Nuh65yi0QqPJsk2xFXGmIRkRG6Iha1kJBMYWjI2eg5efua1zyfR9tf-UKvMt_3oVi2QG_oECcGgMmLeDDXBWj=s320" width="311" /></a></p>Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-62900158022434404742021-06-21T07:27:00.009-07:002023-10-30T04:32:45.013-07:00The Importance of Laughter <p> IF THE LAUGHTER HAS GONE OUT OF YOUR RELATIONSHIP….DANGER WILL ROBINSON! WARNING, WARNING, WARNING!</p><p>“The couple that doesn’t laugh together has lost a critical healing component to their relationship.”</p><p>The Bible says:</p><p>Laughter (or a cheerful heart) is good medicine. ~Proverbs 17:22~</p><p>“If you stop laughing together, your marriage can naturally slide into crisis mode.”</p><p>Another benefit of laughter in marriage:</p><p>“Research has found that laughter produces Oxytocin, a chemical in the brain also referred to as the bonding chemical.”</p><p><a href="https://marriagemissions.com/laugh-marriage-mm-109/">https://marriagemissions.com/laugh-marriage-mm-109/</a></p><p>As Brenda and I get older, we are discovering the process of aging provides a lot of material to laugh about.</p><p>For example, our mistakes in what we hear each other say is frequently hilarious. </p><p> I’m also discovering as I age, my filtering abilities sometimes slip.</p><p>Brenda and I went to Pacific Grove to celebrate our forty-first anniversary.</p><p>The beach was windy, so we ordered take-out. We parked our car along side the ocean to enjoy the scenery while we ate.</p><p>I ordered salmon. Brenda ordered chicken. I suggested we cut our meals in half to share each other’s meals.</p><p>I was both shocked and disappointed when Brenda said “No.”</p><p>What was shocking to the both of us was my reaction to her hard pass on sharing meals.</p><p>In a loud voice I said:</p><p>“KEEP YOUR DAMN CHICKEN!”</p><p>There was a long pause. </p><p>Then Brenda and I spontaneously burst out laughing together. My filter slipping gave us our biggest laugh of the day!</p><p>We’ve mastered the ability to laugh at our imperfections. I can say from experience, that’s a whole lot better than fighting about them.</p><p><br /></p><p>I never forget the period in my life, in the beginning of my journey with prostate cancer. I went for months without as much as a single laugh.</p><p>I’ll never forget how our laughter returned. Brenda showed me a Charlie Brown comic in which Charlie learned the secret to coping with life was learning to hate one day at a time.</p><p>The idea struck me as brilliant!! I was hating my life months and years into the future. </p><p>The contrast between my coping and Charlie Brown’s coping struck me as hilarious. I roared with laughter. My sense of humor returned! </p><p>When I felt called to write a book about our experiences I wanted to do something which I thought might not be possible. I wanted the title of a book about cancer to bring a smile or a laugh.</p><p>In other words, I wanted the healing process of laughter to begin as soon as someone looked at the cover of our book.</p><p>I prayed for weeks. The picture below, the cover of our book was the result of an answered prayer. I made sure the humor didn’t begin and end with the book cover.</p><p>A reader’s review said it best:</p><p>“With humor and candor, Rick tackles difficult to discuss topics such as living with a catheter, urinary incontinence, depression, erectile dysfunction, and penile rehab. </p><p>In addition, there are informative chapters about how to share the news with others and how to cope with their reactions, what to expect during the process, why he opted for surgery, insurance questions, dealing with lack of sleep, returning to work, and more.”</p><p>If you’ve learned to laugh with cancer, and all the related issues mentioned above, your sense of humor is priceless.</p><p>If you’ve learned to laugh with your spouse, your marriage will go the distance.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEl33KROA25ujbAeifT5cKAF1TjFIK4NplECDuJgDygZUQbev9JB4WiiAQwfF51DM2-fIsI3DwVIi_jruhKuOl_Tefkb5RqrdUCrHFrfMOd02kcS4rnyA9Enkxniepx-YGrEzIDo_hem4/s2048/C248E0F2-4588-49FA-BAD7-F6FCFC063141.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1276" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEl33KROA25ujbAeifT5cKAF1TjFIK4NplECDuJgDygZUQbev9JB4WiiAQwfF51DM2-fIsI3DwVIi_jruhKuOl_Tefkb5RqrdUCrHFrfMOd02kcS4rnyA9Enkxniepx-YGrEzIDo_hem4/s320/C248E0F2-4588-49FA-BAD7-F6FCFC063141.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-77648010847377936332020-12-22T10:36:00.007-08:002021-03-17T11:03:49.599-07:00Coping with Cancer During Advent 2021<p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">In many ways for a variety of different reasons, 2020 and the start of 2021 has been a year of coping with the Coronavirus pandemic.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We’ve experienced lockdowns, social isolation, and for many, economic hardships, .</p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;">Religiously, as Houses of Worship were closed, or severely limited in unprecedented ways.</p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Health wise, many folks died from Covid, many more from substance abuse, suicide, or untreated medical conditions.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">You may be grieving the death of one or more of your friends and/or family members.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Last but not least, there’s coping with cancer. Dealing with stress, fear, physical issues, side effects, relational and sexual issues, as well as the prognosis you’ve received.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Then Advent comes around, and you’re expected to be joyful. Here’s where Advent expectations, and assumptions, have gone awry.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Who says we’re supposed to experience joy every waking minute of every day, during the four weeks of Advent? </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">If you have that expectation, you’re sure to experience a disappointing Advent Season, filled with guilt and shame.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">What if all your emotions of grief, sadness, disappointment, loneliness, and heartbreak, that occurred in 2020 became part of your Advent celebration? </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">The good news is, IT CAN!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">During Advent Week, it’s Biblical, expected, and appropriate for you to respond emotionally to all that occurred in 2020. The Bible tells us so!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">~Ecclesiastes 3:1-8~</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Therefore, ALL of the feelings we have during Advent, become part of our Advent celebration.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">That said, we have reasons to experience joy, in spite of the unwanted changes in our lives.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Our celebration of Advent is sandwiched between Jesus first and second coming. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Our sources of joy for Advent come from the things Jesus accomplished in His first coming, and what He’ll accomplish in His second coming.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">In His first coming we can rejoice because He came to:</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1. To reveal the Father – “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=mt+11:27">Matt. 11:27</a></p><div><span>2. </span><span>To be a ransom for many – “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matt.20:2 </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>3. To serve – “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” </span><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=mt+20">Matt. 20</a><span>: a 28</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>4. To save the world – “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” </span><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=joh+3:17">John 3:17</a><span>; </span><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=lu+19:10">Luke 19:1</a>. </div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>5. To preach the good news of the kingdom of God – “But he said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” </span><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=lu+4:43">Luke 4:43</a></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>6. To do the will of the Father – “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.” </span><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=joh+6:38">John 6:38</a></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>7. To give the Father’s words – “For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.” </span><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=joh+17:8">John 17:8</a></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>8. To testify to the truth – “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” </span><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=joh+18:37">John 18:37</a></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>9. To give life – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full . . . I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” </span><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=joh+10:10">John 10:10</a><span>,</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>10. To atone for sin – “For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make </span><a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/what-is-atonement-and-why-is-it-necessary.html">atonement</a><span> for the sins of the people.” </span><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=heb+2:17">Heb. 2:17</a></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>11. To proclaim freedom for believers – “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed.” </span><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=lu+4:18">Luke 4:18</a></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>12. To take away sin – “But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.” </span><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=1jo+3:5">1 John 3:5</a></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>13. To preach – “Jesus replied, ‘Let us go somewhere else–to the nearby villages–so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.'” </span><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=mr+1:38">Mark 1:38</a></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>14. To call sinners – “On hearing this, Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the </span><a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/what-does-it-mean-to-be-righteous.html">righteous</a><span>, but sinners.‘” </span><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=mr+2:17">Mark 2:17</a></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>15. To know who is true – “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true–even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” </span><a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?t=niv&q=1jo+5:20">1 John 5:20</a></div><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">And this: </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">“The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">~ Jeremiah 31:31~ </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">and it’s fulfillment:</p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">~ Luke 22:20~</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">In His second coming here’s what happens:</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Evil is defeated, the earth is restored, and God wins. Your response to Jesus’ return depends on your relationship with Him. It will either be, as John MacArthur calls it, “the greatest calamity in all of human history” or the fulfillment of the Blessed Hope (<a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Titus%202.13"><span class="s2">Titus 2:13</span></a>). Faith in Christ makes the difference. “But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?” (<a href="https://biblia.com/bible/nlt/Luke%2018.8"><span class="s2">Luke 18:8, NLT</span></a>).</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">My personal favorite is this:</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.biblica.com/en-us/bible/online-bible/niv/revelation/21/"></a></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.biblica.com/en-us/bible/online-bible/niv/revelation/21/">Revelation 21:4</a></span><span class="s1"> 4'</span><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold;">He</span><span class="s1"> will </span><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold;">wipe</span><span class="s1"> </span><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold;">every</span><span class="s1"> </span><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold;">tear</span><span class="s1"> from their eyes. There will </span><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold;">be</span><span class="s1"> </span><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold;">no</span><span class="s1"> </span><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold;">more</span><span class="s1">death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">So looking back, and looking forward, we find reasons to experience joy during Advent, because all of these things were set into motion when a child was born in a manger.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/did-jesus-have-a-bucket-list-15-things-jesus-came-to-do.html">Jesus Bucket List</a><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-6d4bfedd-7fff-b7e9-7152-afc0ea9a7f5d" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rick Redner & his wife Brenda Redner authored two award winning books, both available on Amazon. They are: </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2TLTiRQ" style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">I Left My Prostate in San Francisco-Where’s Yours?</a></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://bit.ly/34DL14W">Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Erectile Dysfunction & Penile Implants</a></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsY_lRzUCTPYDyU0xmVEFi1cVMVWOGFeLWqMteEXz37CsX-NKvCGMwqv6HsJ1gr4zIFzo9QmSybV8vyaq5wfqLNXjd3NKs_l9LDWFhPhVR0aC84uaEIUmxb2Vm7xOMsb2JuCddzFlMkA/s1695/E915B99F-AFBF-4855-8C68-F8F3318AC782.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1695" data-original-width="1170" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsY_lRzUCTPYDyU0xmVEFi1cVMVWOGFeLWqMteEXz37CsX-NKvCGMwqv6HsJ1gr4zIFzo9QmSybV8vyaq5wfqLNXjd3NKs_l9LDWFhPhVR0aC84uaEIUmxb2Vm7xOMsb2JuCddzFlMkA/s320/E915B99F-AFBF-4855-8C68-F8F3318AC782.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><br /><span class="s1"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span></p>Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-29962048906128219972020-12-09T09:36:00.006-08:002020-12-09T09:38:30.362-08:00What Prostate Cancer Took Away <div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
I've lived as a prostate cancer survivor for ten years. During that time I've recognized that cancer took six things away:</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">*The illusion of my mortality.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">•My future plans</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">•My sense of good health</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">•My financial safety net</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">•My status in the world- I no longer reside in the land of the healthy, I’m a cancer survivor who is reminded with yearly tests the cancer could return.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The last thing it took away was by far the worst. After double sparing nerve surgery, I was told I’d get back my erectile abilities.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Despite years of penile rehabilitation which went as far as penultimate injections, even that stopped working.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">I never realized how much of my sense of being a man was linked to my erectile abilities, until I no longer felt like a man.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">I was so ashamed, that I avoided all physical signs of affection because they all reminded me that I was impotent.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">I didn’t realize this at the time, but the loss of all physical affection was a deeper disappointment and wound to my wife, than my losing my erectile abilities.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Both of us became angry and frustrated. Our marital tension and fighting became unbearable. In a way I was relieved, because this was in my mind confirmation that my wife would be better off without me. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">I wanted her to divorce me and remarry to a fully functioning man. I was convinced I was too flawed to expect my wife to say with me until death do us part.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">At this point, I’ve heard from many men whose wife left them. Whether it was a result of erectile dysfunction or not, I assumed it was.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Since my first marriage ended in divorce after discovering that my wife cheated on me (when I was fully sexually functional) I thought it would be impossible for my wife to remain faithful while I was impotent. I wanted her to leave me before the inevitable affair.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Little did I know, or believe at the time, my wife took her wedding vows seriously and literally. She was in for better or worse, in sickness and in health, till death do us part.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">To preserve our marriage we went into counseling. We began treating each other with respect and kindness. (Made easier because I wasn’t trying to tick my wife off so she would leave me.)</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">We found ways to have a mutually satisfying sex life. I had no idea a man with erectile dysfunction could experience an orgasm. Not as good or intense as before. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">This meant I experienced disappointment and grief after every orgasm. It took me a while to adjust to the new normal.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">I never stopped missing the physical and emotional oneness that comes from intercourse. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Which is why I decided to research penile implant surgery.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">I decided to go for implant surgery. It was one of the best decisions in my life. Both my wife and I wouldn’t trade our sex life in our 20’s for our sex life in our 60’s. Meaning sex is better now than at any other time in our forty year marriage. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">We got back what prostate cancer took away.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">We decided to write what would become an award winning book for folks who want to preserve their relationship, survive erectile dysfunction, and/or have penile implant surgery.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The title of our book is:</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://bit.ly/34DL14W" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Erectile Dysfunction & Penile Implants</a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Read the reviews. This book will change the way men and couples cope with erectile dysfunction.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUP_OC9Tg0zpd9d25KxP9r95a7HyrkqOtXDO9mhLSPVErp6eAI5tUo_ZRmKz0qPjmGb-yN51pfpMe0SULVqIPbRUXIDmnf8uZTPZL8tKpjW2rY55952V1F2jkE8DIBhA3Ao3RoO6l4rwU/s445/C948DC22-B49C-4AF4-AC66-59804ABAA1AC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="305" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUP_OC9Tg0zpd9d25KxP9r95a7HyrkqOtXDO9mhLSPVErp6eAI5tUo_ZRmKz0qPjmGb-yN51pfpMe0SULVqIPbRUXIDmnf8uZTPZL8tKpjW2rY55952V1F2jkE8DIBhA3Ao3RoO6l4rwU/s320/C948DC22-B49C-4AF4-AC66-59804ABAA1AC.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;"><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;" /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div>
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Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-69343419916876529542020-12-09T08:48:00.001-08:002020-12-09T08:48:39.500-08:00Why Cancer Survivors Don't Need New Year's Resolutions<div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
How many of your 2018 New Year's resolutions have you broken so far? For me, the answer is zero. My failure rate in completing New Year's resolutions was awful, so I stopped making resolutions.</div>
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I'm not alone in my inability to keep new years resolutions. According to one news report, "Research shows that 25 percent of people <a href="http://wpri.com/2015/01/06/whats-the-difference-between-resolutions-and-setting-goals/">abandon their resolution in just the first week</a> and 60 percent abandon them in six months."</div>
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My success rate in setting New Year’s <em>goals</em> was much higher. I was curious why I couldn’t keep a New Year’s resolution, but I could achieve New Year’s goals. I googled the topic. To my surprise, there were <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=difference+between+new+years+resolution+and+a+goal&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari">dozens of articles to choose from</a>. Apparently, a New Year's resolution is a wish. Setting a goal involves making a plan. Those of us who are cancer survivors need specific plans rather than wishes.</div>
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For some of us, the plans involve continuing the fight against prostate cancer with additional aggressive treatment. For those who've completed their treatment, quality-of-life issues often exist, such as bladder or bowel problems, or erectile dysfunction, which profoundly affects our self-esteem and intimate relationships.</div>
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To cope successfully, we need to learn new ways to live with the post-treatment side effects. This doesn't come naturally. It takes time, effort, information gathering, and support. For some issues, medical intervention or surgery is required. For all of us with prostate cancer, our plans should include at least one (and more than one for others) PSA check during the new year.</div>
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Every PSA check is a vivid reminder that our cancer could return. Recurrence anxiety is something the majority of cancer survivors experience at one time or another. The good news is there are ways to reduce your <a href="https://www.cancer.net/survivorship/life-after-cancer/coping-with-fear-recurrence">recurrence anxiety</a>.</div>
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If you've made New Year's resolutions in order to navigate the challenges of living with cancer, they're likely to fail. The goals you set are more likely to succeed. For a successful year, setting specific goals for your set of circumstances, challenges, and opportunities plays an important role.</div>
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Following are a few of my goals I successfully carried out in my seven years as a prostate cancer survivor.</div>
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<strong>Work less</strong></h2>
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I was able to cut my time at work by two days, giving me four days a week at home. I did spend some of that time working at home.</div>
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<strong>Travel more</strong></h2>
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My wife and I purchased an RV. We plan to spend time with and without our grown children camping. Our recent trip to Yellowstone was a highlight event in my life in 2017. I'm planning a cross-country prostate cancer survivor information and book tour after I retire.</div>
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<strong>Ending my time living with erectile dysfunction</strong></h2>
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By undergoing <a href="https://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/guide/penile-prosthesis">penile implant surgery</a>. Ending my four-year journey with erectile dysfunction and getting back what treating prostate cancer took away was not only a highlight of that year, it was a highlight of my life!</div>
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<strong>Write a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Left-Prostate-San-Francisco-Relational/dp/1449779611/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417214841&sr=1-1&keywords=i+left+my+prostate+in+san+francisco">book</a></strong></h2>
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My book was for men and couples living without a prostate. It was never in my life plan to write a book about life before, during, and after prostate surgery. Yet, I was so frustrated and angry about the lack of information, my wife and I wrote this book. At the time, I thought this was my first and last book.</div>
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<strong>Write a </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Wanted-Erectile-Dysfunction-Implants/dp/1483453901/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469986589&sr=8-1&keywords=rick+redner"><strong>second book</strong></a></h2>
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Four years after a successful double nerve-sparing prostate surgery, I was told I'd be impotent for the rest of my life. I was needlessly devastated. Months later, I read about penile implant surgery. When I called the physician who told me I'd be impotent the rest of my life, I discovered he was a penile implant surgeon! My wife and I now enjoy the best sex of our 37-year marriage. We decided to write a second book to get the word out about <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Wanted-Erectile-Dysfunction-Implants/dp/1483453901/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469986589&sr=8-1&keywords=rick+redner">living</a> with erectile dysfunction or regaining erectile functioning through surgery.</div>
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<strong>Write articles</strong></h2>
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So far, I've written more than 50 for <a href="https://prostatecancernewstoday.com/author/rick-redner/"><em>Prostate Cancer News Today</em>!</a></div>
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<strong>Take care of my health</strong></h2>
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In addition to my yearly physical and a PSA test, I'm going for a colonoscopy this month.</div>
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<strong>Make time with family a priority</strong></h2>
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Since my prostate cancer diagnosis, I've been blessed with three granddaughters. Three of our children live in California. The fourth lives in Illinois.</div>
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My wife and I have flown to Illinois multiple times to visit our son, his wife, and newborn granddaughter. Each year, we look for opportunities to create lasting memories.</div>
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<strong>Grow in faith</strong></h2>
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My cancer journey is a faith-based mission, with the goal of reaching thousands of men and couples coping with cancer.</div>
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There are hundreds of articles written to help you create successful and doable goals. Here's a link to <a href="https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_90.htm">five golden rules</a>.</div>
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As the new year begins, I encourage you to develop specific goals for 2018.</div>
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<span face="TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 16pt; font-style: italic;">Note: This article appeared in <a href="http://prostatecancernewstoday.com/"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-size: 16pt;">Prostate Cancer News Today</span></a> </span></div>
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Rick Redner and his wife Brenda Redner wrote two award winning books. The first:</span></div>
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<span face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://goo.gl/rVsXj1">I Left My Prostate in San Francisco-Where's Yours?</a></span></div>
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<span face="TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 16pt; font-style: italic;">provides men and couples with information and support before, during and after prostate surgery.</span></div>
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Their second book was written for couples living with!erectile dysfunction. After living with erectile dysfunction for four years, Rick chose penile implant surgery. The couple share how implant surgery changed their lives and relationship.</span></div>
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<span face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://goo.gl/Q66Wtv">Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Erectile Dysfunction and Penile Implants</a></span><span face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold;">.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #0000ee; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #0000ee; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0xT1HirkC_NilBjRjJp-ZVjDh23kJRp843t91Mez_MvN8QTZKGQaKG2REdEyUaZsBZISjQUQQSpZgR5kBEzdZhz2T3YkfHKAZ09DxE66roj4OlgUVVaVP7jtT_iaEeqbBkXeqTP2CQ4/s574/D63E4B74-E580-41AC-AC33-98634C497B9A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="520" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0xT1HirkC_NilBjRjJp-ZVjDh23kJRp843t91Mez_MvN8QTZKGQaKG2REdEyUaZsBZISjQUQQSpZgR5kBEzdZhz2T3YkfHKAZ09DxE66roj4OlgUVVaVP7jtT_iaEeqbBkXeqTP2CQ4/s320/D63E4B74-E580-41AC-AC33-98634C497B9A.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><span face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
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Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-39989286556167034742020-12-09T08:46:00.002-08:002023-10-28T04:21:18.196-07:00Crawling to the Finish Line Most of my friends, family, and acquaintances, who were diagnosed with different forms of cancer died within a year of their initial diagnosis. That's the reason I thought my diagnosis of prostate cancer was a death sentence.<br />
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It wasn't long before I had an inventory of events I wouldn't long enough to see. Here's a few items on that list:<br />
1. Meeting my first grandchild- I've met three!<br />
2. Celebrating my 35th wedding anniversary-I recently celebrated my 38th anniversary.<br />
3. Walking my daughter down the aisle-That's a year or two away.<br />
4. Retirement-A few days away!<br />
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Since my prostate was removed I have had carpel tunnel surgery, a rotator cuff repaired, and penile implant surgery, My gallbladder was removed, and my knee was replaced. I've been through physical therapy and three spinal injections to treat disabling back pain.<br />
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In my first year of retirement, I'm expecting cataract surgery, neural ablation, and another shoulder surgery. Chronic pain, sleepless nights, limited mobility, and a drastic decrease in my level of energy wasn't in my life plan for retirement.<br />
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Don't misunderstand me, I'm extremely grateful I've lived long enough to retire, but it's not what I expected. I imagined hitting the finish line in a track outfit and fancy running shoes. Instead, I'm hobbling to the finish line, sometimes on my hands and knees. I feel I have the energy of someone one hundred years old.<br />
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On the second week before my retirement I experienced a six day episode of chronic diarrhea. This meant I was in the bathroom multiple times per hour around the clock. I lost twelve pounds in five days. I felt so weak I didn't want to get off the couch. I was a prisoner in my own home.<br />
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I felt terrible for my wife<br />
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Two years ago I purchased an RV. I put a cross country RV trip on my bucket list.<br />
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I'm exercising, changing my diet and losing weight. I'm frustrated beyond words when all I want to do is crash on the couch. <div><br /></div><div>It feels as though my world is getting smaller at a time when I thought it would expand.<div><br /></div><div>Life is like that. Much of what we hoped for, dreamed of, and planned for may never come to pass. I survived prostate cancer, then waves of other illnesses and diseases strike.</div><div><br /></div><div>Update 1 year later:</div><div>Another neural ablation, and another carpel tunnel surgery BUT before those hit my wife and I had an amazing opportunity to take an RV trip to visit family in Illinois.</div><div><br /></div><div>With the COVID epidemic rampant we can’t fly to see the birth of our grandson, but it looks like I’ll be healthy enough for another RV trip from CA to Illinois. I made it to the finish line!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvD7M02_RGIEY2mHIdXQJuO5kbq5PC7yxcpY_UGM_kWEAdU-5nRd6J6pOG9ROMgBw3ye-fOTa81FhXkvRBfyUiTlwOhYXcoLcJ-ScjeLkkXOTV_TdJDb_7y22X_PvcXqCwqBAxo9BVFSA/s1170/009563D9-52F8-4B66-BC19-250287D18FF3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="1170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvD7M02_RGIEY2mHIdXQJuO5kbq5PC7yxcpY_UGM_kWEAdU-5nRd6J6pOG9ROMgBw3ye-fOTa81FhXkvRBfyUiTlwOhYXcoLcJ-ScjeLkkXOTV_TdJDb_7y22X_PvcXqCwqBAxo9BVFSA/s320/009563D9-52F8-4B66-BC19-250287D18FF3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br />
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<br /></div></div>Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-73773927263118968852020-12-09T08:29:00.001-08:002020-12-09T08:29:31.554-08:00Links<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnRhs-6tWyfu7NFSZkpEh9Lj8sh0eJIUFp_HwakrT5D0FukX7kIpKhm9I2pVgA5O8icMAS2n_YAWe_8LTLnzD9Ny8ADOBVdt1WJRSmendxBzdl5vdvtQ-X7Uq7h4BrjM58TkMNXQFnMA/s445/6FF87BA1-0B7D-4080-BAB1-3F6394976855.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="305" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnRhs-6tWyfu7NFSZkpEh9Lj8sh0eJIUFp_HwakrT5D0FukX7kIpKhm9I2pVgA5O8icMAS2n_YAWe_8LTLnzD9Ny8ADOBVdt1WJRSmendxBzdl5vdvtQ-X7Uq7h4BrjM58TkMNXQFnMA/s320/6FF87BA1-0B7D-4080-BAB1-3F6394976855.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Rick Redner and his wife Brenda Redner wrote two award winning books. The first:</div>
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<a href="https://goo.gl/dpzqJC"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I Left My Prostate in San Francisco Where's Yours?</b></span></a></div>
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provides men and couples with information and support before, during and after prostate surgery.</div>
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Their second book was written for couples living with!erectile dysfunction. After living with erectile dysfunction for four years, Rick chose penile implant surgery. The couple share how implant surgery changed their lives and relationship.</div>
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The title of their book is:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://goo.gl/dWqn8n">Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Erectile Dysfunction and Penile Implants.</a></b></span></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5t1JoPP5FL2KBU8-X1OkhVIhTe6cg6rSWuGDXdR-65vgCProKmlhPjvba5xdHfJ5c5gILPGQeCqQInENdcDh1NNQKjtUNqTdWmtIfHJfUGX3FOBT1pgnmDNDLbuAp9l4hMLN7L7WbNEw/s1878/3EFD872D-E09E-4EA3-B667-72A3E52EAF95.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1878" data-original-width="1124" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5t1JoPP5FL2KBU8-X1OkhVIhTe6cg6rSWuGDXdR-65vgCProKmlhPjvba5xdHfJ5c5gILPGQeCqQInENdcDh1NNQKjtUNqTdWmtIfHJfUGX3FOBT1pgnmDNDLbuAp9l4hMLN7L7WbNEw/s320/3EFD872D-E09E-4EA3-B667-72A3E52EAF95.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-45626913870900309792020-12-09T08:10:00.001-08:002020-12-09T08:10:25.532-08:00Fear-The Untreated Side Effect of CancerAs I look back on my eight year journey with prostate cancer I realize there's one side effect of cancer that's usually ignored, unspoken, and hardly ever treated. Those diagnosed with cancer are usually left to deal with one of the most common, and life altering symptoms, by themselves, without help, or treatment.<br />
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I'm referring to FEAR- An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous and likely to cause pain or a life-altering threat.<br />
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Fear has an immediate impact on our body, our emotions, our thoughts, our relationships, our ability to sleep, our mood, our decision making process, how we function at work, at home, and everything we do. Fear has a major impact on our ability to take care of ourselves and others. Fear impacts our ability to give and receive affection. Fear impacts our ability to relate to friends and family. Fear impacts our sexuality and sex life. Fear impacts our sense of well-being and health.<br />
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The fear generated by a diagnosis of cancer is so powerful that according to an artcle in the<br />
Boston Globe:<br />
"R<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "baskerville" , "garamond" , serif;">oughly 1 in 5 cancer patients developed post-traumatic stress disorder within six months of their diagnosis — and a small percentage still experienced trauma-related symptoms six years later, according to new research."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">How can you know if you’re among those who are coping with Post-Traumatic Stress?According</span> to an article on cancer.net, here's a list of nine symptoms<br />
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Avoiding places, events, people, or things that bring back bad memories</div>
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Strong feelings of <a href="https://www.cancer.net/node/24491" style="color: #00447c; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">guilt</a>, hopelessness, or shame</div>
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Continuous feelings of fear or <a href="https://www.cancer.net/node/24489" style="color: #00447c; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">anger</a></div>
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Loss of interest in activities and relationships that used to be enjoyable</div>
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Self-destructive behavior, such as drug or alcohol abuse</div>
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Frightening or unwanted thoughts</div>
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Difficulty feeling emotions</div>
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<a href="https://www.cancer.net/survivorship/life-after-cancer/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-and-cancer">https://www.cancer.net/survivorship/life-after-cancer/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-and-cancer</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.cancer.net/survivorship/life-after-cancer/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-and-cancer">https://www.cancer.net/survivorship/life-after-cancer/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-and-cancer</a></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMrIWSKt2hHv2m33ei7DmkcUqx_KQSA0xe-063wsmumfR0-gkjk8D3yXrBUFNod_jB_uKG5dtbPut_jlbfqanZQYvT0D9e17fcM7Im1O6dMvrsJaeuUxia4p-qd2K-LSozZzMcRSa_ac/s1111/19238FAC-ED1C-42E3-96A1-5F318FA6ADA6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMrIWSKt2hHv2m33ei7DmkcUqx_KQSA0xe-063wsmumfR0-gkjk8D3yXrBUFNod_jB_uKG5dtbPut_jlbfqanZQYvT0D9e17fcM7Im1O6dMvrsJaeuUxia4p-qd2K-LSozZzMcRSa_ac/s320/19238FAC-ED1C-42E3-96A1-5F318FA6ADA6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><br /></div>
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Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-39701437668516923562020-12-08T22:28:00.008-08:002023-11-30T08:49:01.744-08:00Don't Let Cancer Steal Your Holiday Joy<div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
There's a group of men struggling with advanced prostate cancer who know, for certain, this is their last celebration of the holidays on this side of heaven.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div>
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Folks who are healthy don't think this way. They assume they have many more holiday seasons in their future.</div>
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The fact is, there is a significantly larger number of healthy folks who won't be alive next year for the holidays than there are men with advanced prostate cancer who won't be around.</div>
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Given that reality, my advice is the same whether you have terminal cancer or you don't: Live every holiday celebration as if it were your last.</div>
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Ask yourself: If this is my last holiday season, what are the most important things I want to say and do with my life, with my friends, my family and my partner.</div>
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As I look back on the 40 years of my professional career, I've been blessed. I've had a run as a medical, psychiatric and adoption social worker. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">I've owned and operated two successful businesses,</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> I've written hundreds of articles about prostate cancer, spoken at conferences, written two award-winning books, and I've reached tens of thousands of folks coping with prostate cancer through my online ministries.</div>
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On a personal side, I'm blessed that I celebrated my 40th wedding anniversary this year. Together, we raised four amazing kids. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">We are blessed to be the grandparents of six.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">I'm a twelve year prostate cancer survivor. My cup runneth over with blessings.</div>
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Even so, like everyone else, I carry within me my own family history of regrets, hurts, dysfunction, broken relationships, disappointments and loss.</div>
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These hurts and loss can tip the scale in such a way that, as the holidays approach, you're filled with sadness, grief and physical or psychological pain.</div>
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Folks who are chronically or terminally ill, grieving or depressed may feel a heightened sense of isolation and loneliness the entire holiday season.</div>
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Widows, widowers, kids who've lost their parents through death or divorce, parents who've lost their children, caretakers and the terminally ill are all vulnerable to experience a heightened sense of sadness or grief during this season.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">There are literally thousands of articles written for those coping with <a href="https://uihc.org/health-library/coping-cancer-during-holidays">cancer</a> during the <a href="https://www.101highlandlakes.com/news/celebrating-the-holidays-when-a-loved-one-has-cancer">holidays</a>.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> For those who are grieving, or those physically, emotionally, psychologically, relationally, or spiritually suffering, the holidays are filled with much sorrow.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Don’t deny the pain, but find meaningful ways to take breaks and/or make room for ways to meaningfully connect with others. </div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> You don't need health or wealth to give your family gifts of love.</div>
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In <a href="http://www.5lovelanguages.com/gary-chapman/">Gary Chapman</a>'s book <em>The Five Love Languages</em>, he identifies five ways people prefer to receive love. Of the five languages, four do not require spending money. The five are:</div>
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<li>Gifts.</li>
<li>Quality time.</li>
<li>Words of affirmation.</li>
<li>Acts of service.</li>
<li>Physical touch.</li>
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What if I told you I just received a gift that cost my son nothing to send, but it was so valuable to me that I wouldn't trade it for a million dollars? Are you curious about the gift?</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div>
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My son gave me his permission to share his gift to me, with you. He sent this text message:</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div>
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<em>"<b>Hey, Dad. I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you and your decision to follow Christ after all you went through as a young man.</b></em></div>
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<em><b>I’m sorry for everything you went through with your family, but am deeply grateful towards God for calling you to be His servant. </b></em></div>
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<em><b>Your decision has shaped my entire life and my future, and my family’s future, so thank you for listening to Jesus’ call when Ryan (my oldest son) was born. </b></em></div>
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<em><b>I love you and am glad you are my dad</b>."</em></div>
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<em><br /></em></div>
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I was wiping away my tears before I finished his text. My son gave me this gift in one of my primary love languages, which is "words of affirmation." I will cherish his gift all of my days.</div>
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I consider living out my faith in such a way that it was passed on to all four of my children as the greatest achievement and blessing of my life.</div>
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Re-read the five love languages. If you know someone's primary love language, give a gift that speaks to his or her preferred language of love.</div>
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If your health or financial situation makes giving difficult, this holiday season, you can offer oral or written affirmation (it can be dictated, if you're unable to write) of your love, affection or appreciation to your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></div>
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If you doubt the value of that gift, remember, I wouldn't trade my gift for a million dollars.</div>
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Give and receive love and joy this holiday season. Anything else you give is icing on the cake.</div>
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May you, your family and loved ones have a blessed Christmas, Hanukkah and Happy New Year.</div>
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<span face="TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 16pt; font-style: italic;">Note: An earlier version of this</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-style: italic;"> article appeared in </span><a href="http://prostatecancernewstoday.com/" style="font-size: 16pt; font-style: italic;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-kerning: none; font-size: 16pt;">Prostate Cancer News Today</span></a><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-style: italic;"> </span></div>
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<span face="TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; font-style: italic;"><br /><b>
Rick Redner and his wife Brenda Redner wrote two award winning books. The first:</b></span></div>
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<span face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://goo.gl/rVsXj1"><b>I Left My Prostate in San Francisco-Where's Yours?</b></a></span></div>
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<span face="TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; font-style: italic;"><b>provides men and couples with information and support before, during and after prostate surgery.</b></span></div>
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<span face="TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; font-style: italic;"><b><br />
Their second book was written for couples living with!erectile dysfunction. After living with erectile dysfunction for four years, Rick chose penile implant surgery. The couple share how implant surgery changed their lives and relationship.</b></span></div>
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<span face="TimesNewRomanPS-ItalicMT" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; font-style: italic;"><b>The title of their book is:</b></span></div>
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<b><span face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://goo.gl/Q66Wtv">Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Erectile Dysfunction and Penile Implants</a></span><span face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT" style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-kerning: none;">.</span></b></div>
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Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-7130093906759052942020-11-26T02:47:00.004-08:002022-06-18T19:39:58.239-07:00Healing Frequently Involves Pain<p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">These are thoughts I’ve had since I came home from carpel tunnel surgery this morning. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">I’m sharing it here because life without a Prostate involves coping with physical, emotional, relational, and sexual struggles/pain. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">I’m thinking of a wife who wrote me about her husband whose Prostate removal cured his cancer. Unfortunately for him, surgery left him impotent.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">He began drinking heavily. He withdrew from his marriage, and refused to get help.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Eventually, he killed himself. Cured of cancer, he died by this own hand, because he believed impotence took away his value as a man, and partner.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">His suicide left life long scars upon his widow and family. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Here’s my thoughts:</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">I’m been experiencing and thinking about pain since I came home from surgery this morning.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">There’s harmful pain that comes as result of injury, illness, diseases, or accidents. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Then there’s restorative pain like I’m feeling now. It is necessary for me to experience this high degree of post-surgical pain to bring about healing.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">What’s true in the in the physical realm is also true in the emotional realm.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">If we deny, or ignore, our emotional pain put it in tuppperware, thinking it’s safely stored away; it ISN’T. The Tupperware leaks, sometimes rapidly, sometimes it leaks over the course of days, weeks, months, years, or decades.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">The familiar expression that time heals all wounds is 100% false. The passage of time, by itself has no healing properties. Something must occur over the course of time in order to heal</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Here are some similarities between physical and emotional wounds, and healing:</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">•The most serious wounds take <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>the longest to heal.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">•Some wounds are so difficult or deep to treat it requires a professional to aid in the healing process process.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">•What prevents people from seeking the help they need is the fear of the pain that must be felt/experienced in the healing process.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">•Allowing the injury to fester will cause it to get worse over the course of time and be more difficult to cope with.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">•Untreated pain can ruin your family, your marriage, your children, your career, your faith, and your testimony. A series of self destructive choices may cost you your life.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">We are given the freedom of choice to either flee from our pain, or face/embrace our pain in order to heal.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Based on my previous carpel tunnel surgery I was <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>unpleasantly surprised with the intensity of the pain post surgery I’ve felt all day.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">The pain is so high, I can’t hold or pick up my IPhone with my left hand. Which means there’s a lot of things I’m unable to do for myself or help during Thanksgiving. In fact I might need a lot of help. I’m not sure all be able to dress myself.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">I’ve put my wife through this so many times it only took me a few hours before I began to think maybe I belong in the husband junkyard, so my wife could trade me in for a healthier model.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">That’s the risk you face choosing to heal. You can’t predict the type of issues, severity, or the duration of the pain necessary in order to heal.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 27.4px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px;">Personally, I think the pain and suffering is worth it, when it leads to physical and/or</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px;"> </span> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px;">emotional healing.</span> </p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-6344f760-7fff-02b9-cee4-1ce1e7badd25" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-6344f760-7fff-02b9-cee4-1ce1e7badd25" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rick Redner & his wife Brenda Redner authored two award winning books, both available on Amazon. They are: </span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-6344f760-7fff-02b9-cee4-1ce1e7badd25" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2TLTiRQ">I Left My Prostate in San Francisco-Where’s Yours?</a></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://bit.ly/34DL14W">Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Erectile Dysfunction & Penile Implants</a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9sA68i5XjIEzAxyx1eqMh2-lnpeoqtMNUILy13RtQFncwtLv8hogKGL-weHd3sWegq5Ytw6EX8lIsXPIwiE4Wq15UUbOrtd4RopEtSH7Neg2ZROHpg7TzOfeuOklVIrxmfYEZaqcPEY/s1170/1AB0AAE3-A0EE-4D24-ABF5-3B6505A05D94.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9sA68i5XjIEzAxyx1eqMh2-lnpeoqtMNUILy13RtQFncwtLv8hogKGL-weHd3sWegq5Ytw6EX8lIsXPIwiE4Wq15UUbOrtd4RopEtSH7Neg2ZROHpg7TzOfeuOklVIrxmfYEZaqcPEY/s320/1AB0AAE3-A0EE-4D24-ABF5-3B6505A05D94.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-81585421736177531282020-11-21T10:23:00.006-08:002020-11-21T11:03:22.782-08:00Changing Relationships<p> My relationship with my wrist brace is complicated. When I went to my Doctor complaining of wrist pain, he ordered me this custom fitted wrist brace. At the time, I was grateful and eagerly wore it. Within a month my pain was gone!</p><p>I put my wrist brace on a shelf as if it were a trophy. </p><p>When the pain returned six months ago, I had serious doubts as whether the pain would vanish a second time. My doubt turned into the certainty about surgery, when my level of pain remained the same whether I wore the brace or I didn’t.</p><p>At that point I became resentful of the brace, and wore it as little as possible; only during bouts of intense pain.</p><p>As we were RVing certain tasks became impossible for me to do. Things like connecting or disconnecting the water hose. Fortunately I had a plier, which I used to tighten and loosen hose connections. At that point I became resentful. </p><p>It didn’t matter whether I wore the brace or not, I was unable to tighten or loosen the hose. I actually spoke to my brace, and called it USELESS. If I wasn’t a hoarder, and my wife wasn’t a nurse, I would have tossed it out. I considered it to be a worthless piece of trash.</p><p>At home, I discovered playing fetch with my pups, that throwing a ball was way too painful. I tried wearing my wrist brace. Low and behold playing fetch became a pain free event.</p><p>Two things occurred to me with that success. One involved hoarding. </p><p>•I decided it makes perfect sense NEVER to throw anything out if there is even a remote chance you’ll use it again.</p><p>•I learned that something I considered useless can become highly valued. So much so, I now wear my brace most of the day, and all through the night.</p><p>Once I knew I had a date for surgery, my relationship with my brace took a nose dive. I happily started a countdown for my wrist brace departure date. I couldn’t wait to rid myself of my brace. I found myself considering the possibility of a wrist brace goodbye party, where the guest of honor (the brace) would end up in a garbage pail.</p><p>Then my surgery was postponed for a week. During that week, Governor Newsom put Stanislaus County on lockdown. I’m uncertain whether elective surgeries are allowed or whether they’ve been canceled. I’m going to call the Surgery Center on Monday to find out. I could have called on Friday, but I wanted to remain hopeful throughout the weekend. </p><p>Monday I’ll deal with reality. Why Monday? “Because rainy days and Mondays always get me down.” ~The Carpenters~</p><p>And</p><p>“Monday, Monday, can't trust that day Monday, Monday, sometimes it just turns out that way.” ~The Mamas & the Papas~So there’s no better day than Monday to get bad news.</p><p>In the meantime, I’ve decided once again, the wrist brace and I are constant companions, both day and night. Never, ever, will I entertain the notion of throwing it out. It’s too valuable, and who knows, I might need it again. From trophy to worthless piece of trash, back to treasure, then treasure to trash, and back again to treasure.</p><p>As I said, my relationship with my wrist brace has been long term, (six months) and complicated.</p><p>Writing about my relationship with my wrist brace provided me with an epiphany. I realized my complicated relationship with my brace has many similarities to relationships with people, especially when it comes to coping with cancer.</p><p>Coping with cancer is a life changing event, that most healthy friends and family won’t ever understand. Sometimes it’s tempting in moments of disappointment, frustration, anger, or upon hearing a thoughtless remark, to rid yourself of long term friendships, with family and friends.</p><p>My one piece of advice is simple.</p><p>DON’T DO IT.</p><p>Take a break if need be, change your level of sharing or expectations, but do not toss folks out of your life over a single disappointment, or unmet need, or expectation. That’s true in every relationship, whether cancer is involved or not.</p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-6344f760-7fff-02b9-cee4-1ce1e7badd25" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rick Redner & his wife Brenda Redner authored two award winning books, both available on Amazon. They are: </span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-6344f760-7fff-02b9-cee4-1ce1e7badd25" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2TLTiRQ">I Left My Prostate in San Francisco-Where’s Yours?</a></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://bit.ly/34DL14W">Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Erectile Dysfunction & Penile Implants</a></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw5TkAu8ZcobmqHL7U7QqnsHtijLPr24A6zPfQSzTpasoS7ATmrhThSwwa8LjBTAW7qZRWQRMiYStk3W4oQgr-mhgBJvh-Nrnj_pJP07quSm5Jm-j56N7BcbhaMoMGEtTz4Izl5GFqkPY/s2048/D16B600F-E0F9-44C3-BD53-69F24F94E259.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw5TkAu8ZcobmqHL7U7QqnsHtijLPr24A6zPfQSzTpasoS7ATmrhThSwwa8LjBTAW7qZRWQRMiYStk3W4oQgr-mhgBJvh-Nrnj_pJP07quSm5Jm-j56N7BcbhaMoMGEtTz4Izl5GFqkPY/s320/D16B600F-E0F9-44C3-BD53-69F24F94E259.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-14471296531992554182020-10-28T09:36:00.005-07:002020-12-09T08:31:54.427-08:00Faith-What it Can & Cannot Do<p>Today I felt an (unwanted) call to share my medical history on different Facebook pages to emphasize different aspects of my faith.</p><p>There are things that faith can do in the face of illness, and things that faith cannot do.</p><p>It’s important to know this. </p><p>For example faith doesn’t take away chronic pain, emotional pain, relational struggles, or protect you from the devastating effects of sleep deprivation.</p><p>I’ll never forget a day after months of severe sleep deprivation I had no strength to get of my bed. When Brenda saw me making a feeble attempt to leave the bed she asked: What do you think you are doing?</p><p>Me: I’m getting ready to go to work.</p><p>Brenda: No you’re not. You are staying in bed!</p><p>Me: I’m going to work because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.</p><p>Brenda: That’s not what the verse means. Now stay in bed.</p><p>(And I did, even though, at that time, I seriously believed that verse would turn me into Superman) Except, it didn’t!</p><p>Coping with chronic illnesses, quality of life issues and caretaking takes its toll, on individuals, on a couple, on their relationship, and the family.</p><p>All the faith in the world won’t keep a marriage together if one or both partners become, overwhelmed, isolated, depressed, angry, and self destructive and/or relationally destructive.</p><p>Drugs and/or alcohol abuse can also devastate the lives and relationships of folks with great faith. </p><p>We’ve discovered another issue that makes it difficult to cope. Faith does NOT immunize you from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. </p><p>We know something about this, because we’ve lived that reality.</p><p>We are now hard wired, and susceptible to repeated episodes of PTSD, when faced with trigger events.The simple surgery I’m having in November has triggered PTSD in both of us. </p><p>The duration, and intensity, may vary, but PTST is real, and impactful. Our faith isn’t a magic wand that makes this go away</p><p>Our marriage would not have survived my medical history if we hadn’t sought outside marital counseling.</p><p>The list I’m about to share has impacted my life for decades upon decades, and it isn’t even complete.</p><p>From a standpoint of faith, one might wonder if God is so good, how/why does He allow such suffering. </p><p>Many folks get stuck and turn their backs on God as a result of personal suffering or witnessing the suffering of others.</p><p>For me, every illness injury, disease, and surgery, is a reminder this body is only a TEMPORARY home.</p><p>Some day, sooner than later, I’ll occupy another body which is not subject to illness, injury or disease, in a place where:</p><p>He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."</p><p>~ Revelation 21:4~</p><p><br /></p><p>Every piece of my medical history makes me long for that day, and I suspect will increase my sense of gratitude for being there. </p><p>Two more observations:</p><p>•Growing old isn’t for sissies.</p><p>•Never take a healthy, pain free day for granted.</p><p><br /></p><p>So here are some of my surgeries:</p><p>•Appendectomy </p><p>•Prostatectomy </p><p>•Cholecystectomy </p><p>•Right hernia</p><p>•Left hernia</p><p>•Right Rotator Cuff</p><p>•Right Carpel Tunnel </p><p>•Left Carpel Tunnel (In Nov)</p><p>•Right Toe Joint Replacement</p><p>•Right and left eye cataract surgery </p><p>•Penile Implant</p><p>•Nissen fundoplication</p><p>•Multiple neural ablations</p><p>Then there are diseases which impacted me for days, weeks, months, or years, and can re-emerge at any time.</p><p>•Interstitial cystitis</p><p>•Benign positional vertigo</p><p>•Plantar fasciitis</p><p>•Bile acid malabsorption</p><p>•Prostate Cancer</p><p>•Sleep apnea</p><p>It’s simply amazing to me that as I write this, I’m on my exercise bike, doing my ten mile a day routine, and I’m able to enjoy my life, basking in God’s gracious hand.</p><p>Today my wife and I are planning a picnic in Knights Ferry, hoping to see the salmon swimming up stream.</p><p>God is good! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknYc6bJiLrqvQF65LzrmWhSB8No0gkb7TIlFl5DBQ8TvDfe2ZIqPu8hTVkZoMkpTG3y4dXEpgZPZv98LTNc9STk02numcIxXLolyJTjP9i4fxaN17Wyi5jjVy5tlN74tZKJTVucCcU9I/s575/062E40DC-9890-4074-AB91-5EE8C61B0947.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="575" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknYc6bJiLrqvQF65LzrmWhSB8No0gkb7TIlFl5DBQ8TvDfe2ZIqPu8hTVkZoMkpTG3y4dXEpgZPZv98LTNc9STk02numcIxXLolyJTjP9i4fxaN17Wyi5jjVy5tlN74tZKJTVucCcU9I/s320/062E40DC-9890-4074-AB91-5EE8C61B0947.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-23188246495121902052020-07-30T09:28:00.003-07:002020-07-30T09:34:52.913-07:00Life Is Like A Box of Biscuits <div>The Life Lessons I’ve learned from four boxes of Dog biscuits.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lesson #1</div><div>Know what the heck you’re ordering on the internet. I thought I was ordering one box of biscuits. Apparently I ordered four!</div><div><br /></div><div>As I opened the first box of biscuits, I was astounded by the number of biscuits in each box.</div><div><br /></div><div>Multiply that by the fact I break most biscuits, not all, into a minimum of four pieces I thought each box would last a few years.</div><div><br /></div><div>For weeks on end I’d take out a handful biscuits, and it seemed it never made a dent in how many biscuits I had left in the box.</div><div><br /></div><div>Three months later, I was shocked to discover I was down to my last biscuit! </div><div><br /></div><div>The idea I had enough biscuits to last a decade quickly gave way to reality.</div><div><br /></div><div>Forest Gump said:</div><div> “My momma always said that life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Today I decided :</div><div>My life was like a box of biscuits. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the beginning, (in my youth) it seemed like I had an endless supply of biscuits (days left to live.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, not so many.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the last two decades of my life, I’ve probably had over a dozen medical issues that could have killed me or rendered me permanently disabled. I’ve had more than seventeen surgeries.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you met me on the street you’d never know, or see any residual effects of every illness, disease, and surgery, that our Lord has brought me though.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lesson #2</div><div>Obviously, this can’t go on forever. I have a designated time to meet my Maker, and the time for that meeting gets closer every day.</div><div><br /></div><div>I may not be down to the last biscuit in the box, but it surely feels I’m getting close.</div><div><br /></div><div>It’s a profound mistake to live your life thinking you have an endless supply of days, (biscuits in your box)</div><div><br /></div><div>The Bible says:</div><div>Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.</div><div>~ Psalm 90:12~</div><div><br /></div><div>In other words, no matter your age, there’s a certain amount of wisdom you’ll miss, if you don’t live your life with the realization your box of biscuits (days) is not endless.</div><div><br /></div><div>This last biscuit in the box brought that reality home to me in a powerful way.</div><div><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-28cca7c8-7fff-3df4-c41a-ff568d05038a" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-28cca7c8-7fff-3df4-c41a-ff568d05038a" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rick Redner & his wife Brenda Redner authored two award winning books, both available on Amazon. They are: </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I Left My Prostate in San Francisco-Where’s Yours?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2TLTiRQ">https://amzn.to/2TLTiRQ</a><br /></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Erectile Dysfunction & Penile Implants</span><br /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="http://bit.ly/34DL14W" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://bit.ly/34DL14W</span></a></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rick & Brenda share their experiences coping with four devastating years of erectile dysfunction which led to a loss of self-esteem, and marital conflict.</span><br /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Additionally, we share why we chose to seek professional help to save our marriage. Last but not least we provided a detailed account of how and why we went the penile implant route, and how that changed everything. This is a life changing book. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t take my word for it, read the Amazon reviews.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The title of their second book is:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Erectile Dysfunction and Penile Implants</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIE7K3NXbyv8EvCc7P1a54ByBzQumuhMbaWI3-6pZ6xM3QZTn7xgMhvxeqUo4T0B5Jb2xoPwPQlR2GeW6vaijAtqbAZsSJZb_tMuU68tn7B-66Jy8qm95yOJOSTn-2OHb_OB2Fxck1euA/s2048/F5178CDE-65C4-49A6-BE39-6E957ABB0E2B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1591" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIE7K3NXbyv8EvCc7P1a54ByBzQumuhMbaWI3-6pZ6xM3QZTn7xgMhvxeqUo4T0B5Jb2xoPwPQlR2GeW6vaijAtqbAZsSJZb_tMuU68tn7B-66Jy8qm95yOJOSTn-2OHb_OB2Fxck1euA/s320/F5178CDE-65C4-49A6-BE39-6E957ABB0E2B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-32243824563918552912020-02-28T15:11:00.002-08:002020-02-28T15:23:44.087-08:00Surgeries-Can’t Can’t Live With Them, Can’t Live Without Them<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ever since I’ve had my prostate removed, I’ve dreaded going to hospitals for any surgeries or out-patient procedure. This reaction did not occur with surgeries before I had my prostatectomy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now a disproportionate amount of fear occurs with every surgery and out-patient procedure I’ve had. I know I’m not alone. I’ve heard many men say this exact quote after prostate surgery. The quote is:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I won’t go within a mile of a Surgeon for the rest of my life.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Why do men say that? My explanation isn’t based on a scientific study. It’s based on my own experiences and those that were shared with me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Most men who wish to avoid another surgery at all costs, are men who experienced one or all of these side effects that probably were not explained prior to surgery.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• <b><a href="https://www.nafc.org/bhealth-blog/urinary-incontinence-after-prostate-surgery-everything-you-need-to-know">Lost Urinary Control</a></b>-<span style="background-color: white; color: #100f0f; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.3400000035762787px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Approximately 6-8 percent of men who have had surgery to remove their prostate will develop urinary incontinence. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #100f0f; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.3400000035762787px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #100f0f; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.3400000035762787px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">•<a href="https://www.newsmax.com/t/health/article/708505?section=Health-News&keywords=men-underestimate-sexual-dysfunction&year=2016&month=01&date=07&id=708505&oref=www.bing.com"><b>Loss of ejaculation</b></a>-I had no idea surgery would take away my ability to ejaculate. In one study, it was found that: “only half of the patients realized surgery would take away their ability to ejaculation.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #100f0f; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.3400000035762787px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #100f0f; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.3400000035762787px; white-space: pre-wrap;">•<b><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/17085160/">Climacturia</a>-</b> Ten years after my surgery I still continue to leak urine after an orgasm. A mattresses protector and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #100f0f; letter-spacing: 0.3400000035762787px; white-space: pre-wrap;">towels are necessary. “</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #272727;"> Climacturia is a common clinical entity, occurring in almost half of all patients after radical prostatectomy. It can be a significant problem with respect to urine volume loss, associated bother and condom use. Patients must be informed about this complication before undergoing radical prostatectomy..”</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #272727; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #100f0f; font-size: 17px; letter-spacing: 0.3400000035762787px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="text-decoration: underline;">•</b><a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-cancer-prostate-penis-idUSKBN15V2XI"><b>Loss of penile size</b></a>-</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313132;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Most men will have some penis length loss after surgery and sometimes that will be permanent, said Dr. John Mulhall, who is director of the Male Sexual and Reproductive Medicine Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313132;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313132;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I felt betrayed. I believe any man who was not told about these possibilities feels betrayed. After a betrayal we develop strategies to ensure this will not happen again. Often the fallout from our betrayal is a generalized distrust of ALL surgeons.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313132;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313132;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After betrayal and need to protect oneself, tragedy often follows.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313132;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313132;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve known men who chose to live with severe urinary incontinence, preferring to live in diapers the rest of their lives rather than seek a <a href="https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/treatment-urinary-incontinence-men">surgical solution to end their loss of urinary control</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313132;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313132;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Far too many men live with life long impotence rather than consider a <a href="https://amzn.to/2BqDrxG">penile implant</a>. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313132;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313132;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">They cannot imagine a Surgeon who’d be honest, and help them when it was a Surgeon who caused the misery they are cutting living with.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313132;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313132;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I know my answer isn’t for everyone and I know some folks will get offended. So before sharing that piece of my solution let me speak to you as a man who was betrayed. I suffered it all; the loss of urinary control and ejaculation, loss of penile size, erectile dysfunction, and leaking urine during orgasm.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313132;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313132;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I did NOT </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #313132; font-family: inherit;"> let my fears control my medical decisions. I wanted to reclaim what robotic double nerve sparing surgery took away. I wanted to resume making love to my wife, so I went for a penile implant. The surgery changed my self-esteem, my relationship with my wife, and gave us the ability to regain the sex life we both wanted to re-experience.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313132; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313132; font-family: inherit;">Now comes the part where I share how my faith helped and continues to help me cope with my ongoing fears about surgeries. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. When I bring this picture to mind as I face a surgery or surgical procedure my fears are calmed.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313132; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #313132; font-family: inherit;">Therefore I’ll let this picture speak for itself:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvMteETLw3JwaS5v3UwChUAityf0TbmTSRlGsl8fBR1zXnoD_oAhravPtvhEK79QsYuqUcuUSw60tkYYaBDB5rdVHfrqazWCiTngTDo8s0Gv7NExuJuBz1gm0axy19PuFqt8yE9lxpY0/s1600/D73C83E6-D8E4-4107-ADE2-22D03C97085A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="493" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvMteETLw3JwaS5v3UwChUAityf0TbmTSRlGsl8fBR1zXnoD_oAhravPtvhEK79QsYuqUcuUSw60tkYYaBDB5rdVHfrqazWCiTngTDo8s0Gv7NExuJuBz1gm0axy19PuFqt8yE9lxpY0/s320/D73C83E6-D8E4-4107-ADE2-22D03C97085A.jpeg" width="245" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rick Redner & his wife Brenda Redner authored two award winning books, both available on Amazon. They are: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2TLTiRQ">I Left My Prostate in San Francisco-Where’s Yours?</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://bit.ly/34DL14W">Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Erectile Dysfunction & Penile Implants</a></span></div>
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Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-63219668824942008812020-02-03T07:49:00.001-08:002023-10-10T06:38:30.467-07:00End the Misery of Erectile Dysfunction <div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 12.7px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>I was diagnosed w</span><span>ith prostate cancer when I was fify-eight. Both prior to my double nerve sparing surgery, my surgeon was confident my erectile abilities would return. I entered in to an aggressive <a href="https://youtu.be/ie8NkOu2VNA">penile rehab</a> program. I had varying doses of ED medications. I used the vacuum pump. </span></span></div><div><h4><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Eventually, I tried penile injections. Four years post sur</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">gery, nothing worked. I was told I'd be impotent for the rest of my life.</span></span></h4><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Here’s what I wrote on the back cover of my book about erectile dysfunction:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: arial; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a thief. ED takes away physical and emotional intimacy. ED steals your confidence in the bedroom. ED robs you of your manhood. </span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: arial; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: arial; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">ED walks off with your self-esteem. ED has the potential to destroy lives, and end relationships. Here’s a surprising fact, the sudden onset of ED can save your life. </span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: arial; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: arial; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">Frequently, ED is early warning signal of current or future cardiovascular problems. </span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: arial; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: arial; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">In Everything You Never Wanted to Know about Erectile Dysfunction and Penile Implants: End Your Silence, Sadness, Suffering, and Shame, was written to help men and couples recognize and overcome the roadblocks to seeking help with ED.</span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: arial; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: arial; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">My wife and I guide men and couples through the depression, grief and the inevitable relational conflicts when coping with ED. </span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: arial; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: arial; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">We set couples on a path to discover healthy ways to think about, talk about, or cure ED. We speak from our personal experiences living with ED for four years.</span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: arial; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: arial; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;">We also share how penile implant surgery restored what prostate surgery took away. Here’s the link to our book:</span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: arial; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://bit.ly/34DL14W">Everything You Never Wanted to Know About ED</a><br /></span></div>
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<br />Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-36486468641705546202020-01-23T07:44:00.004-08:002023-10-19T06:13:22.446-07:00Reoccurrence & Testing AnxietyOnce you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, at least once a year, FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, you must take an ultra sensitive PSA test to determine whether or not your cancer that returned.<br />
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Almost all folks diagnosed with any type of cancer lives with a certain degree of stress, anxiety, and/or “fear of reoccurrence.”<br />
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This sets the stage for another setting for the reappearance of stress, anxiety, and/or fear commonly referred to as “testing anxiety.”<br />
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When I was first diagnosed nine years ago, no one mentioned these two common sources of anxiety, fear, etc.<br />
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Therefore I experienced this, without knowing what it was, or that folks diagnosed with every form of cancer often experience one, the other, or both.<br />
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If you search for:<br />
“<a href="http://reoccurance anxiety in cancer patients">Fear of reoccurrence anxiety in cancer patients</a>”<br />
Or<br />
“<a href="http://testing anxiety for cancer patients">Testing anxiety for patients diagnosed with cance</a>r” you’ll find thousands of articles about these topics.<br />
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Once I understood the concepts, I mistakenly believed the longer I went without a reoccurrence (nine years now, praise the Lord!) the less anxiety I’d feel with BOTH sources of anxiety.<br />
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I’ve discovered the OPPOSITE is true. The longer I stay in remission, the more likely I think it is that cancer will inevitably return.<br />
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Behaviorally, in order to avoid facing both reoccurrence, and testing anxiety, over the last three years, I’ve found myself letting the year go by without getting tested.<br />
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(Thankfully, Brenda LePoire Redner won’t put up with my feeble attempts to delay testing)<br />
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I know I’ve been acting with manta “What you don’t know can’t hurt you.”<br />
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When in fact, when dealing with cancer; “What you don’t know, can KILL you.”<br />
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There’s a Bible verse that ALWAYS come to my mind when I’m fearing or anxious about something in the future that MIGHT occur:<br />
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“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”<br />
-Matthew 6:34-<br />
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This verse is a lot easier to read than it is to put into practice!<br />
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I’ve discovered in order to apply this verse into potentially bad news situations a few core beliefs must be firmly rooted into your core spiritual being.<br />
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They are:<br />
1. God is ALWAYS good even when the worst possible events and situations occur in your life.<div><br />
2. God will supply ALL of you needs to face the worst, but not a minute BEFORE His help is needed.</div><div><br />
3. Like manor supplied in Egypt, today’s grace is only good for 24 hours. If you try to apply today’s grace into tomorrow, it spoils and rots.</div><div><br />
4. It’s morning by morning new mercies you’ll receive.</div><div><br />
5. What ever news you receive God intends to use it for your good and to make you a blessing to others.<br />
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6. I believe whenever you face a physical challenge, you’re also facing a spiritual challenge and/or war. Both God and Satan want to use your crisis for their own purposes<br />
7. Satan’s purpose is to weaken your faith, and trust, in God’s goodness. The end goal is to isolate your from your faith, love from God, love, love from family, and the love and support available in your community of faith.</div><div><br />
8. God’s goal is to strengthen your ability to walk by faith, not by sight.</div><div><br />
9. God’s goal is to demonstrate the reality He will NEVER leave or forsake you no matter what you face in this broken world.</div><div><br />
10. More often that not, your test is transformed into a testimony that’s meant to be shared with others.<br />
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So that:<br />
1 “The more we depend on God the more dependable we find He is.”— Cliff Richard<br />
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It will take longer than a week for me to receive my test results for 2020. I don’t think I’ll lose a wink of sleep while I wait.<br />
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I’ve been blessed the opportunity to share my thoughts, and faith, in various places on Social Media so I can reach hundreds to thousands of folks dealing with similar issues.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rick Redner & his wife Brenda Redner authored two award winning books, both available on Amazon. They are: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2TLTiRQ">I Left My Prostate in San Francisco-Where’s Yours?</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://bit.ly/34DL14W">Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Erectile Dysfunction</a></span><a href="http://bit.ly/34DL14W" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> & Penile Implants</a></div>
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</div>Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-87847993366434696772019-12-02T07:42:00.001-08:002019-12-02T14:05:01.138-08:00Looking Back on Nine Years of Prostate Cancer Survivorship<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-036486ef-7fff-6070-15d1-8ca43147ee7c" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Looking back nine years of living without a prostate, I think one of the most difficult and socially isolating time was feeling seriously depressed AFTER receiving the news my cancer was fully contained within my prostate and I was cancer free. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Friends and family were celebrating, while I was wondering if having my prostate removed was the worst decision I’d ever made in my life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I hated the first three months post surgery losing urinary control, and living in diapers. After diapers, I spent fifteen months needing a pad. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nine years later if my bladder is full, and I bend, lift, laugh, or sneeze I’ll still leak. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The loss of ejaculation was an unpleasant surprise. I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy having sex ever again. The intensity of orgasms was so diminished I wasn’t sure whether I had one. This sense of loss and disappointment caused me to avoid sex, like the plague. Unfortunately, not only sex, I gave up all forms of affection because they all led me back to the painful emotions associated with grief and loss. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After double nerve sparing surgery my surgeon was confident I’d regain my erectile functioning. I never did. The four years I spent coping with erectile dysfunction were probably the worst four years of my life. This took a huge toll on my marriage. To save our relationship we needed to go into counseling. I’m delighted I was willing to trust a surgeon to perform a penile implant. At age 67 my sex life has never been better! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One unpleasant reminder of prostate surgery is climaturia. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Climacturia, also called orgasm-associated incontinence, occurs when a man leaks urine as he has an orgasm. It is a common side effect of radical prostatectomy. If it's so common, why is it that No one ever discussed this humiliating side effect of prostate surgery. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thankfully, with the use of both a mattress protector AND towels we've adjusted to this life-long issue. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My message to all men who find themselves depressed after prostate surgery is:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">•Expect to be depressed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">•Expect zero understanding from your healthy friends and family </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">•Don’t think you’re man enough to get through your depression alone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">•GET HELP-Form a team to help you cope. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">•IF on-line help is used expect to get some bad advice and/or come in contact with trolls. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">•Good and useful on-line advice is also available. You’ll need to discern the difference.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">• Faith has an important role in your coping and living with cancer, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">•At some point in your journey, you may experience a faith crisis where you question or doubt God’s goodness, love, or His plan for your life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">•Do not attempt to resolve your faith crisis alone. Find a spiritually mature person who can listen to your doubts and questions, without judging you</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">•If you lose your erectile abilities EXPECT that you will have doubts about your manhood. You may withdraw from your physically and/or emotionally. You may go as far as avoiding ALL forms of physical affection. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">•You may get angry and/or defensive when your partner tries to discuss this issue.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">•It’s possible you’ll be convinced you partner is better off without you, so consciously or unconsciously, you’ll act in ways to destroy you relationship.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*i know it’s embarrassing, but find ways to talk about erectile dysfunction and discover new ways to enjoy sex together. If you’re unable to do this, GET HELP.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">•Many folks diagnosed with cancer suffer from PTSD. You may have difficulty sleeping, withdraw from people, become highly irritable, spend hours of your day thinking about or fearful about your diagnosis of cancer. You may develop a fear about on-going treatment, tests, or going to a doctor’s office. It’s highly unlikely PTSD will go away on its own or that you’ll get over it by yourself. If you think you or your partner have PTSD, GET HELP.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">•As a cancer survivor, your life will NEVER be the same. It’s now divided into your pre and post cancer phases of life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">•There are many losses that need to be grieved. Allow yourself time to feel sadness and process your many losses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">•Based on the decisions and choices you make, your post cancer life will be markedly better or worse than your pre cancer life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">•I believe the difference between those whose lives get better isn’t about your diagnosis and/or treatment outcome. It’s whether you formed a team composed of professionals and/or folks further along in their journey of SUCCESSFULLY coping with prostate cancer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">•Nine years of cancer survivorship, four years of coping with erectile dysfunction, and five years with a penile implant, I can say God is good, and my life is good!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rick Redner & his wife Brenda Redner authored two award winning books, both available on Amazon. They are: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I Left My Prostate in San Francisco-Where’s Yours?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Erectile Dysfunction & Penile Implants</span></div>
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<br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" />Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-89021850889513355972019-11-27T13:04:00.001-08:002023-11-15T06:18:42.668-08:00Milestones and Holidays <div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A milestone is a significant event or accomplishment that marks a noteworthy point in time.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Before I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, holidays were NOT milestones. In good health I <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>had the luxury to assume I’d <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>live to see another Thanksgiving. </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I suspect few, if any healthy folks celebrate the fact they’re alive to see another Thanksgiving. </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Additionally, in all likelihood most healthy folks take it for granted they’ll be alive next year to celebrate another Thanksgiving.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Once I became a cancer survivor, every holiday, birthday, or <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>anniversary became a milestone. </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What I mean by that is not only do I celebrate the holiday at hand, I celebrate the fact that I’m alive to see another holiday, birthday, anniversary, etc.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I was diagnosed with prostate cancer twelve years ago. This is my 12th post cancer Thanksgiving. </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I can’t remember when I finally stopped thinking of holidays as milestones, but ever since I turned 70, I returned to counting Holidays as milestones. </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This Thanksgiving, I make no assumptions I’ll be around next year.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m living without an appendix, gallbladder, and prostate. </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Additionally, I’m now a sepsis and chronic kidney disease survivor. Neither my liver or pancreas are functioning normally. </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Therefore I’m actually amazed <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and grateful I’ve made it to celebrate Thanksgiving this year. </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In fact I’ve come to the place where every day is a milestone. Each day I wake up and say:</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Thank you Lord I’ve lived to see another day!”</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Do you have any milestones that you celebrate? </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Some folks have a natural gift of prayer, I don’t have that gift. So I research prayers others post on-line. This prayer is a keeper for Thanksgiving:</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedItalicBody; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedItalicBody; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Lord God, we gather around this table to humbly thank You for all that You have given us this past year – not just what is on this table, but who is sitting around this table.</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedItalicBody; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thank you for life and laughter, for health and happiness, for relationships and memories.</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedItalicBody; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thank you, too, for the lessons learned and the tears we’ve cried because of Your ability to grow us through them.</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedItalicBody; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thank You for Your comfort and Your presence, in light of good days and bad.</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedItalicBody; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thank You for what we have now, for what we had yesterday, and for what You will continue to give tomorrow.</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedItalicBody; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let us never take that for granted, but to always be grateful for every good and perfect gift that comes from You.</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedItalicBody; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">May we have hearts full of thanksgiving not only today but every day of our lives.</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedItalicBody; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, Amen.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 26px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Rick Redner</span></span></p></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Author of</span></div><div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-4e5b649d-7fff-601b-f887-5cd217f9d329" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; 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<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2oTO7Cg">I Left My Prostate in San Francisco-Where’s Yours</a>?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2BqDrxG">Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Erectile Dysfunction & Penile Implants</a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="544" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqvM9bBTp6ORIj3OhKcsnecRoQidVWyfEU5Lk_ZeGHKo7UDRzlCJrzd63aumYt5I5Eghu1P0DSBZ6FVaQSTE_tnq-VtOjGkhZ4nr9549nDN972W2plBOYg9pThj4Q9fv7UqfwIfZsllQ/s320/81A34B90-8F4B-42A6-83BE-6C899DEF9BDD.jpeg" width="320" /></span></div>
Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435173644432906783.post-34990835415145825882019-09-01T15:20:00.001-07:002019-09-01T20:09:44.403-07:00September Prostate Cancer Awareness Month <div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. One in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Here's why you want to discover PC in the early stages:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“The 5-year survival rate for most men with local or regional prostate cancer is almost 100%. Ninety-eight percent (98%) are alive after 10 years, and 96% live for at least 15 years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">For men diagnosed with prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, the 5-year survival rate is 29%.” (cancer.net)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">As a prostate cancer survivor, here’s what I'm doing to encourage men to get tested and reach out to men and couples coping with prostate cancer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">On Facebook I have a page primarily dedicated to men and couples who are thinking about prostate surgery or are coping with life and love without a prostate. The link for that page is: </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/whereisyourprostate/">Pre & Post Surgery Support</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I host another Facebook page for men and couples coping with erectile dysfunction. The link to that page is here:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1183346195018101/?ref=share">Living With or Without Erectile Dysfunction</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">My third Facebook page is for men looking for information about penile implants. The link for that page is here:</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/penileimplants/?ref=share">Penile Implant Information </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">My articles written for <a href="https://prostatecancernewstoday.com/author/rick-redner/">Prostate Cancer News Today:</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.whereisyourprostate.com/">My website</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://whereisyourprostate.blogspot.com/?m=1">My blog:</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">My wife and I wrote two award winning books:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">•I<a href="https://goo.gl/dpzqJC"> Left My Prostate in San Francisco-Where's Yours?</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">•</span><a href="https://goo.gl/4g2Kwd"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Erectile Dysfunction and Penile Implants</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> If you're one of the approximately 174,650 men who will receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer in 2019, make sure you're diagnosed in the early stages. GET TESTED!</span></div>
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Living and Loving With Prostate Cancerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00260984564069284155noreply@blogger.com1