No question is off limits: Meet @scottbeammeup

TERESA: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect?

@scottbeammeup: Someone in my Prostate Cancer Support Group recommended it as a good online source of support and information.

TERESA: What motivates you to take part in Mayo Clinic Connect?

@scottbeammeup: Initially, I needed an anonymous place to vent. My cancer center is excellent at treatment but did not prepare me for the emotional fallout of the disease. Also, I feel I can talk about anything on Mayo Clinic Connect. For example, when my sister asks me at Christmas dinner “How is your recovery going,” I can’t say “Well, I’m still having some erectile dysfunction issues” without the table suddenly going silent whereas on Connect I’d get a lot of support and suggestions for dealing with it.

TERESA: What about Mayo Clinic Connect makes you feel comfortable to share and to be open with the community?

@scottbeammeup: No question is off limits. Many prostate cancer side effects touch on sexuality and masculinity and I feel safe talking about these issues on Connect.

TERESA: What support groups do you participate in?

@scottbeammeup: I read messages in quite a few groups but the main ones I participate in are: Prostate Cancer, Mental Health, LGBTQIA Health, and Loss & Grief.

TERESA: Tell us about a meaningful moment you've experienced on Mayo Clinic Connect. 

@scottbeammeup: Two members who are going through some similar mental health issues related to prostate cancer reached out to me. After corresponding for a while, I’ve met with both over Zoom. We would have met in-person but we’re all in different parts of the country.

TERESA: What surprised you the most about Mayo Clinic Connect?

@scottbeammeup: The number of people surprised me. They are going through their own struggles, many worse than mine, and are still willing to reach out to offer advice and support.

TERESA: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?

@scottbeammeup: I do volunteer work for an LGBTQIA youth hotline to “pay it forward” and help young people who are struggling with different issues than mine. I also always try to keep learning. I was fortunate to be able to retire early so I take a lot of classes on topics that interest me.

TERESA: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@scottbeammeup: I love walking my dog for an hour or two every day. There’s a nature trail near me and it’s my alone time to listen to music and think about life’s big and small questions. Also, I enjoy the mindfulness of dogs. They live in the moment and don’t think about aging or their physical limitations. It’s one canine trait I’d like to cultivate in myself. If not for the horrible food they eat, I'd want to be reincarnated as a dog.

TERESA: Do you have a favorite quote, life motto or personal mantra?

@scottbeammeup: The pain of accepting changes I can’t do anything about is 10 times less than the pain of trying to pretend things are the way they’ve always been.

TERESA: What food can you not resist?

@scottbeammeup: Anything spicy up to the level of habanero. One of the minor annoyances of prostate cancer treatment was having to cut back on spicy foods for close to a year. I go through at least one jar of Trader Joe’s pickled jalapeños a week.

TERESA: What do you love about where you live or vacation? 

@scottbeammeup: I love to travel and see the cities of the world. My three favorite cities so far are San Francisco, London and Barcelona. It’s great to walk around without an itinerary, stop at any place that looks interesting, and talk with locals and other travelers. My Spanish is decent, but my Catalan needs a lot of work.

Member Spotlights feature interviews with fellow Mayo Clinic Connect members. Learn more about members you’ve connected with and some you haven’t met yet. Nominate a member you think should share the spotlight.

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