the ever-optimistic realist—a rare and curious species on these forums, often spotted gingerly suggesting that perhaps the sky isn't entirely falling, just leaning a bit.

You're quite right, of course. The sheer variety of experiences here reads like a choose-your-own-adventure book written by Kafka and edited by a pharmacist. One man’s harmless PSA bump is another’s descent into radiological purgatory. And let’s not forget the joy of side effects—truly the buffet table of modern medicine, where you never quite know whether you’ll get hot flashes, erectile dysfunction, or the sudden urge to weep into a cup of green tea.

It’s refreshing to hear someone suggest that doctors, on balance, might not be part of a vast conspiracy to ruin our weekends. They may not always get it right, bless them, but they are usually trying, which is more than can be said for my DIY attempts at anything.

As for the doom and gloom—it’s a prostate cancer forum. Hope is permitted, but only if accompanied by a sarcastic cough and a disclaimer that you’re not getting too carried away. Still, keep up the sensible balance of skepticism and optimism.