Twelve month cancer free
Post surgery
Today is my birthday, but this one is extra special. Twelve months ago today I underwent a robot-assisted radical prostatectomy to remove the cancer that had taken up residence in my prostate. Yes, the prostate had to go too. It was my 60th birthday. The surgery lasted about 7 hours. I went home the next day, which was Thanksgiving last year.
Today, I am cancer free (at least my last PSA results were great). It's funny, but prior to the diagnosis, I was dreading my 60th birthday, but there is something about hearing the phrase 'it’s cancer' that changes your perspective. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against birthdays. It was the idea of 60 years that was creating a lot of angst. I quickly become less concerned about 60, and more concerned about beating cancer.
We have heard it before .. life is short. One of my favorite quotes is from Steve Jobs. Cancer took him early. It goes like this:
"Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
I don't know how long I have left on this earth, but I plan to enjoy what time I have. Join me in expressing gratitude every day! Be thankful for life, and the opportunities it provides. I plan to follow my inner voice and continue to enjoy every day. I hope you can do the same.
~ Rick
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©2018 Rick Cartwright