My name is Ken and I've been battling cancer for four long years.
As you know, there are many different cancers with multiple levels of severity. I do not profess to understand all the treatments and medications used in cancers other than my own. I have Stage Four Prostate Cancer.
In addition to prostate cancer I have also been saddled with two minor strokes, a trip and fall accident that left me with a shattered humerous bone in my right arm, a neurogenic bladder and a life sentence of having to self catheter five times a day. Yes, you could say that at 70 years old, this body has some miles on it:-)
I'll be honest, I've had a lot of difficult times, but through it all I've been determined to fight on my terms. I would do whatever I could to make my day to day life as best as possible under the circumstances.
I made this decision, not just for me, but also for my wife Joyce who has been my caregiver every step of the way. I know how hard my medical issues have been on her, so anything I can do to ease her stress and worry, I will.
I know many cancer patients and their caregivers who are stressed to the max and overwhelmed, And who wouldn't be? Just learning that you have cancer would understandably set anyone off the proverbial mental cliff!
That was me four years ago at the age of 66 years old when I first learned I had prostate cancer. I received the news in the worst phone call of my life, when the doctor said the words that I'll always remember, "I'm sorry Ken, but the tests all show that you have prostate cancer!" I won't lie, I started to cry as it felt like everything came crashing down on me all at once.
I had so many questions, so many unknowns. Was I going to die, and when? What was my life going to be like during the time I had left? I'm sure I'm not alone in my reaction to the news.
Things were very difficult at first. Not just the physical tests, but it was the uncertainty that was the hardest to deal with.
Eventually I adapted and accepted my new reality and I became determined that I was going to try to be in control as best as I could, and not be a willing passenger on this, the most challenging journey of my life.
Over the years, I developed a number of simple habits and ways to make my bad days better whenever possible. I am now offering these to you in the hopes that they will help you as well.
Before we continue, I need you to understand that I am not a doctor, medical professional, psychologist or therapist in any field related to health or well being. I am just a patient, probably much like yourself. Please know that everything in this blog comes directly from my own personal experience and is not conjecture in any way. In other words, please consider my comments and opinions as if you’re listening to a trusted friend, and not a trained medical professional. I will let you know what has improved my life with cancer but I will stop there and leave the healing to the folks that actually know how to heal.
Please do not expect this information to cure you. It will not. I do not talk about medications, treatments or speculative healing practices, proven or otherwise. However, what I hope to do is give you the tools to control and manage your own journey and help you turn your bad days into better days.
During my personal journey through my own medical minefield of tests, treatments and new realities, I continue to try and understand what I am capable of and what is beyond my mental and physical abilities. This can be a very hard pill to swallow at times.
Probably the greatest epiphany I have had, is the importance of self-confidence that I will get me through each obstacle on my way to regaining at least some of my old life back. I’ve found it is more important to focus on today and let any concerns about tomorrow wait until tomorrow. In other words, I maintain the attitude that I don’t have a problem, until I have a problem.
So with that said, I would like to offer you my collection of tips, techniques and practices that have made a huge difference in my life as a cancer and stroke patient.
I urge you to use any or all of these that you are comfortable with. I understand that we all have different capabilities and some things may be too difficult for everyone. That's fine, I suggest that you to just do what you are comfortable with. This is not a competition.
I can assure you that each one of the following techniques has made a marked improvement in my life by reducing my pain, stress, concerns and anxiety, and I truly believe they will help you too.
If you have any questions or comments I invite you to send them to me by entering them in the "Questions or Comments" in field located in the Top-Right corner of this blog.
Good luck in your journey.
Sincerely, Kenneth
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Thank you for reading, and for caring.
Kennethlanesmith@gmail.com
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FORWARD TO PART II
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