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By Victoria Vieira
Through treatment, COVID uncertainty, and emotional challenges, Rodney Gaines—a retired Air Force veteran, husband, and father—drew strength from his family and faith after an unexpected prostate cancer diagnosis. Now cancer free, he sees life through a new lens—one grounded in gratitude and valuing everyday moments.
Tell us about your prostate cancer diagnosis. What were your initial thoughts after you received the news?
My cancer diagnosis came a few months after my 50th birthday. I was extremely shocked as I had no indications there was anything wrong with me. I quickly got a second opinion and a biopsy which came back positive.
When I first heard the words, I was in complete disbelief, thinking something like this could never happen to me. “Why me?” kept running through my mind. My wife was with me when the doctor shared the news, and we both sat there trying to take it in as he went over possible treatments.
At first, the choices seemed limited to radical removal or radiation, both of which came with major side effects. I knew right away I wanted to explore other options. At the time, I only told the people who needed to know—my job, since I’d need time off for treatment and my immediate family. I tried to stay calm and focused on the facts as I processed everything happening.
What were some of the biggest mental health challenges you faced during and after treatment?
One of the hardest parts was the uncertainty in the beginning—especially as this was all happening during the height of COVID. I was trying to find the right treatment options while the world was shutting down, and some choices weren’t covered by insurance or were across the country. It tested my patience and faith. Once I found the right treatment, I felt a sense of peace. Everything started to fall into place. Because of COVID, my family and I were able to temporarily relocate without using any leave from work, and the kids’ schools were closed. We rented an Airbnb near the clinic for seven weeks. I went home on weekends, came back Sunday night for Monday treatment, and we made it work. Looking back, it was like the perfect storm—everything aligned the way it was meant to.
Was it easy or difficult to talk about your experience with others—whether loved ones, friends, or your care team? What helped you open up, if you did?
I found it easy to speak with everyone. Having my wife by my side made a huge difference. She was my right-hand person through it all, encouraging me, helping me stay grounded, and reminding me that we were in it together. Having a strong support system truly makes a difference, especially on the tough days.
Which support or coping strategies assisted you in managing the mental health aspect of your experience?
My faith was the biggest coping mechanism. It’s what kept me and my family together and gave us strength through it all. I just put my whole heart and faith in God. We were up against “the big C,” but we persevered. Now, five years later, I’m still cancer free.
How has your experience with prostate cancer changed your outlook on life or how you care for your mental health today?
Facing prostate cancer was a wake-up call that shook me to my core. It forced me to confront the fragility of life -- not in an abstract way, but in a deeply personal, visceral sense. One moment you're going about your routine, and the next, you're grappling with a diagnosis that changes everything. That kind of shift rewires your priorities.
What changed most was my sense of time. Life feels shorter now, not just in years, but in moments. I no longer postpone joy or connection. I make time for my family, not just on holidays or weekends, but every day. A quiet breakfast with my spouse, a phone call with my kids, even just sitting together in silence, those moments have become sacred. They remind me why I fought so hard to stay here.
What does healing look like for you now—physically, emotionally, or spiritually? Are there routines or practices that help you stay grounded?
Although cancer is a lifelong battle, I consider myself healed. I was minimally impacted by my treatment and I feel great and workout four days a week. I am so grateful God has given me an opportunity to learn to appreciate life and realize what is truly important. My healing also comes through faith—daily prayer, staying active, and giving thanks for another day. Every workout, every meal with my family, feels like a blessing.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed who may be struggling emotionally?
My advice to anyone diagnosed with prostate cancer is to research treatment options! There are many options out there that are not nearly as drastic as radiation and removal. Prostate cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence. Find the treatment option that is best for you and your family.
Also, don’t go through it alone. Lean on your loved ones, your faith, and your medical team. Having someone in your corner—like my wife was for me—can make all the difference. Don’t ignore the signs. Not knowing can mean living with a curable disease.
Rodney Gaines’ story is one of courage, faith, and unwavering determination in the face of uncertainty. His journey reminds us that prostate cancer is not just a physical battle—it’s a mental, emotional, and spiritual one as well. Rodney’s story is a beacon for anyone navigating their own diagnosis—a reminder that healing is possible, and that life after cancer can be full, grounded, and deeply meaningful.
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