I really don’t have much to share in the way of prostate cancer-specific information, especially after last week’s post, Life After Radical Prostatectomy: 72 Months Later, so here are some random thoughts on living life.
Since that post last week, I managed to celebrate the 30th anniversary of my 29th birthday with some long-time, close friends. Woo-hoo! Any birthday you’re around to celebrate is a great birthday, no matter how many fire trucks show up to extinguish the candles on your cake. (Although I’m really not sure how easily I’ll embrace next year’s “milestone” birthday. Ugh!)
For some inexplicable reason, I seem to be more energized at the beginning of this new year compared to new years in the past. And, interestingly, that energy seems to be zeroing in on my creative side, with my photography being the intended focal point for that energy. (Pun not intended. Honestly.) I’ve discovered a couple of contemporary photographers on YouTube who have inspired me to hone my skills. I hope I can keep the momentum going.
I also want to work more on the social side of my life, but that’s going to be far more complicated than calculating the correct exposure settings on my camera. Okay. Perhaps complicated isn’t the right word. Being the introvert that I am, it will be challenging to get me out of my comfort zone. (Yes, the guy who talks openly about bodily functions is an introvert.)
Lastly, I just wanted to take a moment to talk about you at the beginning of this new year.
When I started this blog six years ago to keep family and friends informed (I refused to join Facebook back then), I had no idea that I’d still be here blogging six years later, and that my audience would grow to over 250 people from New Zealand to Canada to the United Kingdom and places beyond. Amazing. And quite humbling, too. So thank you for your continued support, interest, and friendship over the years. For 2017, I’ll recommit to providing meaningful, relevant content that’s of value to anyone else going down this path. (And if my writing isn’t that compelling, perhaps an awesome photo or two will hold your interest.)
All the best in 2017!
P.S. Oops! As I was prepping this post for publication, I noticed that I never did publish my Month 73 post last month. Too busy living life, I guess. That, or perhaps it has something to do with the 30th anniversary of my 29th birthday.
Dan's Journey through Prostate Cancer 
Hi Dan,
That sunset is a great shot. Just like I remember it when travelling the area in 1983. Could I be a bit cheeky and ask if I can use it as my desktop for a while?
I’m about to hit my 34th anniversary of my 29th and it will be a bit different to my last one as I lost my partner to cancer in September. He was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer before I was hit with the prostate diagnosis which is why I delayed my op from April to June. Miss him greatly bit as they say, life must go on. I just remember the good times we had together, nearly 20 years.
May your year until THE BIG ONE be stress free and creative. All for now, Ray Nilsson.
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Thanks, Ray. Sorry for your loss and wish there was something I could do to ease the pain. By all means, feel free to put that Arizona sunset on your desktop.
All the best in 2017 and beyond for you. —Dan
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Hi Ray, so sad to hear of your loss. Cancer is such a bitch, but as you say, life goes on. Best to remember the good times and keep creating new good times as we go. Best wishes for your unique journey, Les.
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Happy 30th anniversary of your 29th birthday Dan, and many more of ’em, too.
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Thanks!
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Happy anniversary!!!
I’ve noticed that lots folks who are post treatment find their creativity and embrace it. Good for you. I know that my creative output skyrocketed when my treatment completed. Not sure why, but I figure it’s a good thing.
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Thanks, Andrew. Surviving all the storms up north? It’s been quite soggy here in San Diego, but not to the degree it’s been there. Stay dry.
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We made it through. A few mudslides, road closures and the like, but not as bad as was feared. Looks like we’ll dry out fine and have plenty of unplanned firewood from downed trees.
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That’s good to hear.
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I think I know what you mean Andrew, I know I am more focused on the things that really matter. Les.
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Love your attitude Dan. I too will turn 30+40 this year. Sounds like a Gleason score! I really enjoy your blog and look forward to some awesome photos. All the best for 17. Les
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Thanks, Les, and funny how that math works, isn’t it?? I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to rush things at this point. 🙂
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I can’t do basic math!! Must be going senile! 30+30 is a much better score!!
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Happy anniversary! I gave up calculating the correct exposure settings on my camera when I realised that it was much better at it than I was (and that I could make corrections in post-processing). And of course now we have instant playback (rather than waiting to finish th eroll of film and get it developed) if the exposure is a bit off then I can correct it on the hoof. So my hat’s off to you for claculating the correct setting.
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