Sometimes I feel like cancer is everywhere.
Well, when it happens to your dad, it really is everywhere.
My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer about 1.5 years ago, and it was a huge emotional blow.
It brought up my own crap around my own cancer experience, but it mostly reminded me of human mortality and that my dad wouldn’t be around forever. It was uncomfortable. It was scary. It was painful. It was overwhelming.
I am thankful for several things around this experience with my dad. I am thankful that he got treatment right away. He listened to his body and he knew there was something wrong, and so he went and got checked out. Thank crazygoodness that he did. My dad got the treatment that he needed, and to this day, he’s still cancer free and healthy as a horse again.
I am thankful that my dad was able to talk about his experience. I think my family was put to the test when I got cancer almost 10 years ago now, and my dad and I were actually able to bond over our similar medical experiences. My dad also told his friends and coworkers about his cancer, and you know what happened? Because my dad had the balls to open up and talk about what he was going through, he found out that he wasn’t alone. Not by a longshot. He found out that some of his friends had also had prostate cancer, and friends of friends, and fathers of friends, brothers of friends. They were able to trade stories, give advice, and comfort each other. That part was pretty awesome.
So, I have four things to say, whether you’re male or female:
1. Listen to your body and go to the doctor.
You know your body better than any medical professional with a white coat and a God complex. Advocate for yourself.
2. Talk to people you trust about your health.
You’ll be surprised just how many people have been through what you are going through.
3. If you have a loved one going through cancer, please don’t stay silent.
In my experience, often people feel so overwhelmed and afraid to say the wrong thing that they end up saying nothing at all. Please, if you don’t know what to say to a loved one, just let them know that you care and ask if there’s anything you can do to help. Trust me, just knowing that there are people out there who care and who are thinking about you really means a lot.
4. Contribute to the cause.
USA: follow this link – you can also donate by phone: 1-310-450-3399;
Canada: follow this link – you can also donate by phone: 1-855-447-6966;
Check out Le Clown’s post on Movember and get inspired!
Where’s YOUR ‘stache?!
Psychobabble 
Yikes to the mustache! I’m afraid to see myself with one because I’m afraid it’d look unfreakish and even fetching and then I’d worry that I’m mannish. So “yikes” here is a compliment. Annnnnyway.
My dad had prostate cancer 12 years ago and has been cancer free since. Also caught early when he proactively sought out regular testing (thanks, Mom).
I also just saw the new movie release 50/50 about cancer and couldn’t help thinking how you therapists must be screaming out loud for all the lines crossed by the therapist in that movie. Again, annnnnyway.
Dude, that therapist was allllll kinds of unethical!
Therapists can date their clients….who knew?
They can date their clients only if they don’t want to be therapists anymore.
Sounds fair to me ;)
I was going to say “have you ever watching 50/50″? And then I read your cancer story and realized you wrote a whole post on that!” I loved that movie. And congratulations on being cancer-free! :) I’m glad you can say that things ended up just like in the movie :D
Yup, that movie was awesome!
Excellent advice! So many times we ignore our bodies, and hope it goes away. So happy that your dad got treatment in time, and is a survivor!
Indeed.
I freaking LOVE your mustache! I am so stupid jealous of your fabulous lip fro that it makes me ache inside. I officially hate you just a teeny tiny bit.
I concur. Cancer sucks hairy donkey wang. We lost The Manchild’s dad to prostate cancer a few years ago. Watching someone you love more than cookie dough suffering so badly and knowing that there’s nothing you can do about it was the hardest thing in the world. It should be illegal.
Thanks for the hate. Right back at ya…?
I love reading your posts! Going through it with my mom is proving to be an emotional roller coaster and I totally approve your 4 tips. Cancer sucks but when you are surrounded with love and positive thoughts, it loses its power. Love you!
I hope your mom is doing well! Yes, it definitely is a rollercoaster. Sending you love!
Those are some solid tips. You are amazing, and therefore so is you dad. I’m glad you guys have each other.
Thanks! Me too.
Lyssa,
Thank you for supporting Bloggers for Movember with this magnificent™ post. Now my first comment was: Wow, you have more upper lip hair than I do… Then I thought: not a good comment, Le Clown. Retract, retract NOW!
Le Clown
I’ll gladly take the compliment!