Two Weddings and a Surgery

You know about the surgery, but the Dial's have two weddings this year as well.

Ben will be getting married on June 20th down in the Portland area. Shannon is a lovely person and is so matched for Ben. As a dad it is a blessing see how they so complement each other. We are looking forward to Shannon being part of out family.

Katherine will be getting married right after Christmas (and I mean right after Christmas)in the Seattle area. Nate is a super guy just out of the Air Force Academy and in flight training. You will have to ask them about their meeting and courtship. It is an amazing story.

We are so happy for both of our children and the great life they have ahead of them.

The Club You Never Wanted to Join

The Fraternity of the Prostate is much larger than one would suspect. I have had numerous men let me know of their own journeys and on going issues. As a result of my publishing my blog another guy let me know he's part of that brotherhood. Thanks everyone for the 'arm around the shoulder'.

Getting Some Support

One of the guys from church (Faith) who is also a survivor encouraged me to come to prostate support group he attends once a month at the Swedish Cancer Institute in Seattle. We carpooled there last Thursday. Eight guys were there including a retired doctor who is also a survivor. Often they have a speaker or some form of information planned. This time we just talked and shared our stories of where we have been and where we are at. One of the guys that was there had the same surgery that I will be having. While no one's story will be the same, it was good to hear from someone who had been down that path. Hearing the stories of the others assured me that given all the options the way I have chosen is the right one for me. Thanks Dave for getting me there.

Yesterday ended up being a very real day for me. Tears over what would have been a minor disappointment. A friend and sister in Christ, Shelly, was there to ask what was really going on. It started a number of conversations throughout the rest of the day (one in letter form with myself) about what's happening emotionally. Eternally I am OK, it is the here and now that stresses me out. It is hard at times and other times it is smooth sailing. If I get a little too weird ask me how I'm doing. I may need you to help me process. I need your support too.

I was reading the songs of David last night and Psalm 69:1-2 summed up where I am at: "Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me." I'm above water, but it is hard work staying there at times. Yet in it all there is assurance that my God is with me.

Medical Update

WARNING: Medical information follows. For the squeamish and you guys that don't want to think about male plumbing you have been warned! :-)

Since mid-January there have been a few things to add.

The plan is still for surgery on March 19th. (I guess that’s not an addition.)

Since being diagnosed I have been approached by several men who have walked or are walking a similar path. Special thanks to my uncle Don and Dave. Both of whom in their own ways have ministered to my apprehension and questions.

On the medical front, people are sometimes curious about why I am choosing surgery over other forms of treatment. There are about 6-7 options depending on how you categorize things. (3 styles of removal, a couple of ways to irradiate, freezing, and “diligent watching”.) At 54 waiting to see if the cancer is going to grow and then deal with it does not seem like a good option. It is in such an early stage the opportunity to deal with it is now. Radiation I would not be able to handle psychologically or emotionally. My dad died of colon cancer. And I don’t think I could sleep knowing they put large amounts of radiation for a short period of time or small amounts for an extended period of time right nest to my colon. Freezing is just too new a procedure for me. All of these options are good options for some men, just not for me.

Of the surgical procedures available I opted for the robotic Da Vinci machine. Less intrusive, but for me the precision of the machine makes it a great option for nerve sparing and blood loss.

Early in the process I Googled my urologist, Christopher Porter, and found this link which outlines one man’s journey with prostate cancer. There are some video links of both Dr. Porter explaining the Da Vinci machine and of the procedure if you are so inclined to watch.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12874131/ns/health-mens_health/

There are side effects of all the procedures, but as evaluated the bottom line was that there are side effects and what was more important was ridding me of cancer. So that is the plan.

At the moment my biggest concern is the 6 week recovery time, but I know this will pass and someday be a distant memory.

Two posts on my first day is enough. More things are happening I'll let you know about soon.

The Journey Begins

To get started here is a note I sent to my clients and suppliers mid-January of 2010 that sums up the start of this journey.

Dear Clients and Suppliers

This past December I was diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer. As it is early stage cancer the prognosis is very good, but I need to move forward with treatment soon. At the moment, I am going to have surgery on March 19th. They expect 6 weeks before I resume completely normal work activity. I have made arrangements to cover both the office and the service calls while I am out of commission. I will let you know the details when I have them worked out.

Somewhere in that 6 week period I anticipate entering back into work on a limited basis, but I am going see how things are going before I know when that would be.

This is pretty serious, but the doctor is confident this is curable and my faith assures me that there are no surprises.

I will keep you up to date on the arrangements and am convinced we will be able to provide you the service you expect.

Looking forward to a healthy and prosperous New Year,

Jeff Dial