Happy Holidays - And staying positive

[dadsdrdawn]

My father is 87.

He has had advanced prostate cancer for 15 years.

He did many treatments and then stopped because the cancer spread anyways.

Now, he's doing a new treatment and is VERY positive that it will slow the spread.

He is going to Florida with my mom for 3 months (he'll fly back to do the liquid radiation treatment...sleep on a different floor for 3 days...and then return to Florida to get back to golfing a few times weekly)

So that he can be able to keep doing that

They just bought a new condo in January, that they gutted and redid the entire interior.

He draws and paints something amazing every few weeks.

He's a "retired" architect - that just got hired to design the lighting of a very well-known mall in Troy, Michigan that he was the key architect of, decades ago. This project will take a year or more. He also is consulting on a mall he designed in Naples Florida - another beautiful and well known space.

My husband stopped by my parent's home the other day, and my dad was building a lego car with over 700 pieces.

The point is this.

Every time my dad got "bad news" he found something else to busy his mind, and body with.

He is tired and naps.

But as soon as he gets up, he does 10 minutes of stretches, and some exercise band work and gets moving.

For anyone that is caring for, or anyone that has cancer.

FIND THINGS TO DO THAT YOU LOVE - THAT KEEP YOUR BRAIN, AND BODY GOING.

THEY MAY BE SMALL - BUT FIND SOMETHING THAT TAKES YOUR BRAIN AWAY FROM YOUR CANCER.

You don't have to do all my dad does, but don't EVER give up, or give in.

My dad never talks about his cancer.

He talks about what he loves, what he plans on doing, and what his interests are....even if he just went in the bathroom and threw up his breakfast.

When that happens...he lays on the couch with a book for a few minutes.

And, sometimes takes a nap.

Then gets up and makes a PLAN for the day. And, pushes himself as much as he can.

He is MENTALLY NOT A CANCER PATIENT.

HE IS A PERSON.

HE IS A MAN as ALL OF YOU ARE.

HE LOVES LIFE AND WANT'S TO KEEP LIVING - AS I AM SURE YOU ALL DO AS WELL.

Your brain is one of the biggest sources of your energy, your health, and how your future plays out.

He told me that he has no time for "talking about his sickness, or answering to what doesn't feel good".

So for all of you today, I pray...

that you keep telling yourself that you ARE strong.

that you remind yourself that you HAVE things to look forward to.

And, that you are a person that deserves to LIVE and that other people love you.

With that, I wish you all a strong life,

in a body that thrives,

and as a person that deserves to be well.

Happy Holidays -

With much love, and wishes for strength and optimal health,

Dawn

[TheWizardofWesley]

Thank you Miss Dawn .. Your dad is an inspiration for us all.. Thank you for sharing his journey and philosophy.. Happy and Healthy Holidays to all Stay Blessed

[Kaliber]

best holiday wishes for you , dad and the family. Dad sounds like a great guy ….and he is very lucky to have you advocating for him.

❤️❤️❤️

[CountryJoe]

This is amazing and so up lifting. Thanks so much, dadsdrdawn.

[MSPCF2021]

I needed this today. Thank you.

[Guitarwolf]

This has to be to be one of the most inspirational things I have read since my diagnosis. Thank you and God bless you and your Dad

[dadsdrdawn in reply to Guitarwolf]

I am so happy that I made you smile. Are you a guitar player "guitar wolf?" My brother is too, and I hope that you keep playing...I am sure it makes you feel great!

[inthefight]

Thank you for your thought provoking words. So true. I just have to remember this every day. Thank you.

[Warriorthree]

that’s brilliant well done

[Westee]

Great story, and relates to Japanese word “Ikigai” that is discussed in the book BLUE ZONES. Great read for anyone who wants to try to live a healthier life. Thanks for sharing, Dawn. We all can learn from your Dad.

[SteveTheJ]

Very good advice, thanks!

[Jroc1]

Thank you for this, it made my day. Your father is an inspiration for all those who have to keep moving forward with their lives despite the setbacks. You are an amazing daughter and your father a lucky man to have you. Merry Christmas to you and yours and to all those in this community.

[cancerfox]

Well written! As Stuart Scott once said, "You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.” Blessed Christmas to you and your family. 🦊

[dockam]

Mahalo nui loa (Thank you very much) Dawn for this beautifully composed post.

I wholeheartedly concur with all of what you stated so eloquently.💙

You are wonderful, loving Daughter

QoL posts are how I hope to brighten up us here on HU. Post diagnosis my raison d'etre has been to stay upbeat and positive, and I'm hoping to Spread Aloha to y'all via trips, food, music vids or whatevas.

Embrace that we are still here when others never got a chance to make amends or say Goodbye or I love you

Mele Kalikimaka my Brothers and Sisters

youtu.be/iY91ClURQJQ(Not working as expected?)

Me Ke Aloha Pumehana - with warm Love

Randy