Thank you for that—it means more than you know. And yes, writing helps... it’s cheaper than therapy and has fewer side effects than Firmagon (though it does nothing for hot flashes or the sudden urge to reorganize my sock drawer at 3am).
You’re spot on about the conversations with friends—unless they’ve sat in the “you have prostate cancer” chair, the well-meaning support can sometimes feel like trying to fix a leaky boat with duct tape and good vibes. But I know it’s coming from love, and that counts for something, even if it doesn’t help me decide between radiation options or how to explain ADT rage to the dog.
That’s why this group, and voices like yours, matter so much. We’re all trading war stories and scar tissue—not because misery loves company (though let’s face it, sometimes it does)—but because someone else is about to walk into the same maze we just stumbled through. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll trip a little less, bleed a little less, and feel a little more confident in the choices they have to make.
We’re not experts but we’ve earned some stripes in the worst kind of school. And if sharing what we’ve learned helps the next guy feel less alone, more informed, or just able to exhale for the first time in a week, then that’s a win in my book.
Thanks again for being part of this misfit band of prostate warriors. We may not have chosen this club, but damn it, we’re making it count.
"though it does nothing for hot flashes or the sudden urge to reorganize my sock drawer at 3am)."
I laughed because I just reorganized not only my sock drawer, but my underwear drawer, my running clothes drawers and my shorts drawer. Basically, all my clothing drawers. Threw out a bunch of stuff too. I wasn't at 3am, but 6pm on a Saturday evening. I didn't tie it to ADT, but who knows 🙂 Thanks for the laugh!