“How was it for you?”

[mountainman]

Hello. I thought I would introduce myself to this ere wee blog and pose a question. “How was it for you?”.

Let me explain. I am a 57 3/4 year old fellah and have just wheezed my way er reasonably, clear of a journey with Prostate Cancer. I say reasonably as understand that none of us are ever actually 'clear' of cancer cells, but that could be the subject of another blog.

I was introduced to my new journey with that wonderful little phrase "Sir, you have an Adenocarcinoma of the Prostrate????" From that point on, I quickly became bombarded with dates, appointments, letters, test results, treatment options, medical instructions, discharge notes, trial options, explanatory booklets etc, etc all in a language completely foreign to me.

I still work and use a computer all day but I needed all my skills with project boards, planning tools, digital recording devices and scanning facilities and of course internet searches to cope and indeed understand some of this influx. As my own situation deepened, so the flood just increased, just at a time of course that I was least able to cope with it.

So My question of "How was it for you?", is actually trying to see how some of you folks coped with this flood of medical 'stuff' coming through your letter box and were you able to reconcile it all?

The single most useful tool for me was my little digital recorder. I actually missed all the huge amount of detail from that first session but quickly learned my lesson but every other one was recorded (with permission of course), typed up, and duly added to the Story Board!

[Penny2]

Hi Mountainman, good name, yes it is a tremendous mountain to climb and although harrowing at times, I have also found it the most enlightening journey in many ways.

Trying to come to terms with all the jargon was the first battle, I never thought to use a recorder, but what a good idea. I did however, use the internet and read a lot about the condition, terminology and treatments, I tried to learn as much as I could in order I was then 'armed' with knowledge to be able to ask the right questions. I found most of the doctors didn't really pay any attention to my emotional needs, it was all very clinical and therefore, impersonal (for them). The worst part for me was the aftercare, I felt dropped by the mainstream and that is why I went in search of some solace for my soul. Thankfully I found it, at the Penny Brohn and the rest is history.

I am now well, and understand more about how cancer is aggrevated by bad diet and our surroundings, so I have become more mindful about what I eat and try to find 'time'...........

Ultimately, I try to remain mindful and self-manage when I can ....... xx

[mountainman]

Penny2, Hello. I certainly know what you mean about the lack of emotional support although I must admit, I found my self under the care of a Surgeon Commander Urologyst RN for all my 'keyhole slotting' sessions. Being ex RN myself, we immediately clicked and got on like a house on fire. But, it was very clinical. I have an understanding of Me the body, you know, the framework bit with lots of pipes n elastic bands pumps, filters n squishy stuff, and me the person, that's where the memory is, the character, the bit that knows how to laugh and cry, the bit that eventually leaves the body when we die and is more commonly known as the soul.

The Doctors were great with the body bit but it took Penny Brohn to really deal with the person, the soul.

I try to meditate when I can, to sit with trees and just be - mindfullness it's called but it is not easy when the inside is hurt'n!

The other thing that PB gave me was a realy positive attitude that I could and would beat this thing! That has really carried me through but I still slip up and find my self needing Solace every now and again.

Keep laughing and keep writing!