Born in central Harlem, 1950. Spent the first 17 years of my life in foster homes . At age 17 a judge granted my request to join the U.S. Army. Fast forward 4 years. With discharge papers and a GED in hand, I managed to find a basement flat in my old neighborhood. An older fellow in the building told me that the The New York City public school system was hiring custodians. So, for the next 41 years I cleaned schools and learned to speak Spanish.
3 years into retirement I went to my annual checkup at the Brooklyn Veterans Hospital and well for the next couple of days all hell broke loose. At age 64 I was told to get things in order and keep my family close. What family? I have never been married.
PSA 1150, multiple mets, lymph nodes trashed, on and on.
Treatment Was Casodex, Lupron and several months later chemo. That got me through nearly 4 years. Provenge thrown in for good measure. Currently on Zytiga ( 3.5 years.) PSA last month stood at 0.008. 8.5 years and counting, guess I'm lucky.
Approximately one year after DX I decided I needed something to keep me going so after much nudging the Manhattan Community College accepted me. Well I managed to get through the core classes, snatch an associates degree and landed at New York University. Forward to present, I'm the proud owner of a BA in social and cultural analysis. Not bad for an orphaned black kid from Harlem. I'm hoping to volunteer my newfound knowledge to nonprofits that serve my community.
I have never driven a car, have no need living in NYC.
When I was DX I was told I had maybe 2 years. 8.5 years later I'm doing well, looking forward to at least another 8.5 years.
I'm currently exploring a masters as an Oncology social worker. Seems fitting.
Never, ever give up. Set goals and realize the dreams that flows through your mind.
Laying on my bed with Creedence Clearwater cranked up in my earbuds and reading your post. And some water leaking from my eyes. Damn Lupron side effects I suppose. Thanks for sharing your remarkable jouney!
Wonderful post, hope your very proud of yourself. Keep doing what your doing we all have a story to tell. God bless & keep fighting the battle we can do this. SheilaFxxx
I am impressed by your story. You teach me to hold up my head and never give up. I was diagnosed as a prostate cancer patient and had gone through RP. My psa however remained around 9 six weeks later. I suffer from very bad leakage and am on ADT. I feel bad about myself. I am alone too though was married before. I turned 80 after my surgery. May God give me the same optimistism as you have.
What an uplifting post and story. You have earned every inch of the pride you share in your story. I know this post will give hope to many readers of this blog. Go get ‘em in your next conquest.
I talk a lot about mindset, particularly a growth mindset and Steely_Dan, you are an incredible example of the power of a growth mindset. Keep telling your story and inspire others to learn from you!
You deserve to be very proud of yourself and your accomplishments! Sometimes adversity can be inspiring and lead to hope instead of despair or bitterness. The fact that you want to use your talents to now help others says a lot about you and the road you've traveled. My dad used to tell us that education is something no one can ever take away from you and it appears you believe in that too. God bless you while you continue on your journey!
Hi Steely, Great to hear your story, we share several elements of our life story. Currently 81 on Docetaxel, 13 years into treatment. Received my MA as MFT at 62. It had some value to open doors, however, I find that volunteering with nonprofits which have positively affected my life to be most rewarding. Men and particularly black men need to hear your beautiful story. Don’t wait to share it. Phil
Your story is an amazing one of overcoming what others might see as insurmountable odds. You really have kept your life going without allowing this disease to take over the years you still have. I grew up in NYC and I miss it.
Getting a degree from NYU is no small thing. Keep it up and continue to inspire us!
What an amazing story. Congratulations on your degree!!!!! And continuing to a Masters degree - how fantastic! I wish you the best on your journey. I imagine that you have touched many lives in ways they do not even comprehend. The world is so fortunate there are people like you.
Congratulations! You have done magnificently considering the difficult beginning you had in life. May you continue to fight the good fight for many more years to come.
I've reread all the responses to your post here Steely_Dan, and found no evidence of "hate in this group " as you have proclaimed in the Post Title no less! On the contrary, all the responses here have been praiseworthy and supportive , including my own. By all means leave the site if you wish but not insult everyone as you slam the door on the way out.
I cant believe you're leaving when 99% is positive and you've inspired numerous members(more than you know, many don't respond but definitely read). What an incredible story. Reconsider please
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