I just want to celebrate
Posted by Joseph Thornley on November 2nd, 2008
Today is an important anniversary for me.
Eight years ago today I had surgery for prostate cancer. And eight years later I’m still here to write about it. That’s something to celebrate.
My cancer was detected early through a blood test for PSA – prostate specific antigens. A simple test that my doctor included as part of my annual physical routine. And because he did that, he saved my life. My cancer was detected early enough that surgery could remove it before it spread.
So, I’ve had eight more years. Eight summers. Eight winters – lots of snow (I’m Canadian, so I see lots of snow.) Time with my wife and family. Time with friends. Time to discover and become fascinated by social media. Time. Lots of time.
Today is an important anniversary for me. A day to celebrate.
One man in six will get prostate cancer during his life time.
If you’re a man who’s made it this far in this post, make sure that your Doctor includes the PSA test in your annual physical routine. Early detection could save your life. And then you too will just want to celebrate.
Posted to Smile
November 2nd, 2008 » 12:47 pm
Nice post.
November 2nd, 2008 » 5:37 pm
Always great to hear these stories. Reinforces all the routibe bloodwork I do every year (and funny how I was having this discussion with a friend the other day)….
November 2nd, 2008 » 6:34 pm
You’re absolutely right to celebrate, Joe. It’s great to hear how you think about it, too.
November 2nd, 2008 » 10:57 pm
Congratulations and thanks for sharing. This is definitely reason to celebrate. Here’s to many more happy years for you and yours. I know you will enjoy the time.
November 2nd, 2008 » 11:34 pm
Thanks for sharing, Joe, and congratulations on a wonderful anniversary.
November 3rd, 2008 » 9:47 am
Congratulations and kudos to your doctor!
November 3rd, 2008 » 10:13 am
Very happy you’re still here to write about it!!
November 3rd, 2008 » 10:20 am
Sherrilynne, Arieh, Dave, Richie, Joe, Danielle and Todd – thank you for your words of encouragement and congratulations.
When I was diagnosed with cancer, my youngest daughter was less than a year old. This past weekend, I had chance to enjoy Halloween and also take in High School Musical 3 with her. She’s nine now.
I hope my story encourages other men to make sure that you are tested regularly. Early detection can make the difference between life and death.
November 3rd, 2008 » 10:30 am
Joe, I had no idea. Congratulations. I’m glad your cancer was detected early and you’re around to share your story (and your passion for social media) with others.
I hope you take time to celebrate everyday.
November 3rd, 2008 » 10:49 am
Congratulations on this anniversary, Joe. Keep on celebrating for years to come.
Does your celebration include growing a moustache for the month?
November 3rd, 2008 » 11:18 am
Hi Rick, Much to my family`s distress, I`m in for another year of Moustaches for Kids. I`m planning to post about it tomorrow – with the first clean shaven picture.
Eden, I haven`t really spoken about my cancer very much. With an infant, a six year and an eight year old at the time I was diagnosed, I tried to keep it quiet. I didn`t want the kids to know. I didn`t want them to have to worry whether their dad would be around or would disappear. Now, the kids are old enough that I`ve told the two older ones and will tell my youngest soon. So, I`m prepared to share my story more broadly.
November 3rd, 2008 » 12:01 pm
Joe…thanks for sharing…there are two very easy decisions for a male to make in life 1. the PSA test that you refer to 2. a colonosclpy examination starting when advised by your doctor…both prostate and colon cancer in men can be treated early and provide a longer lasting healthful life…thanks for sharing…we should all spread this common sense preventative health care message…cheers !
November 3rd, 2008 » 12:49 pm
Thanks for sharing this information Joe. It is something that we need to be aware of.
November 3rd, 2008 » 9:01 pm
Joe, I completely understand. I had a series of preventative surgeries between 2002-2005. My kids were 4 and 7 when I began that stage of my journey – what and how much to tell them was always a concern.
I shared my story online earlier this year. As a result, I’ve helped a few friends feel they weren’t alone when they learned they were also high risk for breast and ovarian cancer. How and what parents should tell kids in these situations is always an issue.
Let’s hope we see many moustaches at Third Tuesday Toronto tomorrow night and more prevention and cures in the near future.
November 4th, 2008 » 12:35 pm
I am thankful you survived and I have come to know you since then. I have had a close family member who was similarly screened, caught it very early and had successful surgery. I encourage men (well, everyone really!) to go for annual medical check-ups. So important.
Cheers to you, Joe!
Connie
November 5th, 2008 » 3:24 pm
Joe, I echo every one else’s sentiments.
I especially endorse Ferg Devins suggestions. Just went through a full colonoscopy last week with no adverse results.
Here’s wishing you many, many healthful years and hoping you grow one beaut of a moustache. Why not try to emulate Cyrana de Bergerac. And be careful what you drink and eat — the cheese on nachos can make mess.
Regards,
David
November 7th, 2008 » 12:48 am
Joe, that’s a very brave and honest post. I’d like to raise a virtual glass in a Fiddler on the Roof-esque toast: To life, l’chaim. Here’s to many, many, more healthy years.
November 10th, 2008 » 6:15 pm
Congrats! Keep on keeping on.
November 20th, 2008 » 2:24 pm
A wonderful milestone worth celebrating indeed! Great news.
December 2nd, 2008 » 8:22 pm
Worth reading this post… Wishing you more summers, winters and lots of snow to experience with your family.