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Part 2:
Acceptance
My urologist, in N.Y. evaluated the results of the PSA test from
an independent lab. The microscope slides were evaluated by medical
personnel at a local hospital in N.Y.
I sat across from my doctor while he studied the combined results
from all of these sources. He looked at me, in a quiet way, and said
"You have prostate cancer". Not just a "few cells" but full blown
prostate cancer. My world was instantly changed!!
With that statement I crossed a threshold which led to the need
for many decisions, much study, a slow, arduous, and prolonged series
of still more tests and probing by doctors and eventually what I
considered to be the proper course of action for me.
However, far overshadowing the mechanics of treatment and the need
to understanding the disease, was the emotional shock of coping with
the fact that I had the dreaded disease CANCER and that it could kill
me.
When I arrived home from my doctor's office I was at once
confronted by my family. I told them I had cancer!!! "Do you really
have it?" they asked - hoping that they had not heard correctly.
"Yes, I have cancer!!!". I will never forget the look on their faces.
One of crushing sadness and despair.
I did not hide my disease from my friends and business associates.
Their reactions were universal. Sadness, and pity! "Enjoy your life!"
I had a friend who lived five years with prostate cancer!"
"We will pray for you!" Suddenly people were looking at me in an
entirely different way - a way I did not appreciate!
I was now entering a phase that all cancer patients must
eventually face - "acceptance". This is a critical first step along
the road to recovery. There were many sleepless nights and the
thought of my disease literally wiped all other thoughts from my
mind. The cancer was now the only thing of importance to me. Thoughts
of it filled my every waking moment!!
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