It’s funny in a world of 7+ billion people how a common theme can bring a small group of us together through blogs. Unfortunately, in our case, it’s prostate cancer that has united us.
Not long after I started this blog, a gentleman named Phil from Montreal, Canada (at the time) and I started corresponding, comparing notes as we do. We met in person when he wintered over in Palm Springs, just a few hours from my house; and he spent a few days visiting with me on a subsequent trip to San Diego.
Phil had also befriended Jim, the author of the blog, Rant from the Suburbs. I’ve been following Jim’s story for quite some time as well. Phil and Jim formed a strong connection, communicating with each other daily for years according to Phil.
Sunday morning, I received the following email from Phil:
My friend, Jim, in England passed away yesterday. The cancer just overwhelmed him in the last few weeks.
I never met Jim beyond liking or commenting on each other’s posts, but the news hit me harder than I expected it would.
I was reluctant to post this because I didn’t feel it was my place to do so, but Phil encouraged me to share it with those in our little blogging community. He wasn’t sure that Jim’s family would post anything on his blog, so you may not have learned of his passing if your only connection to him was through his blog.
From half a world away, it was obvious that Jim handled his disease and treatment with strength, grace, and a sense of humor.
He will be missed by many.
Dan's Journey through Prostate Cancer 
sad news.
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Yes, it is.
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Wow. That was a bolt out of the blue. So fast. RIP Jim.
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Yes, it was.
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I’m so very sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. Your description of the friendships you formed with Phil and through Phil with Jim is touching and beautiful. I am glad that you were all there for each other. One very important thing your post highlights for me is how important your blog is to those of us who have connected with you through it. I know this is selfish, because I suspect that tending to the blog must be difficult at times because it forces you to relive painful things, but I so hope that you will continue blogging and even increase your blogs. I certainly feel the need for more connections. Like you, I have had a chemical recurrence after what I thought was a successful RP. My sim is next week and my SRT starts in about three weeks. I can’t begin to tell you what this is doing to my mental state, but it’s not pretty. I wish I had more people to reach out to who understand this on a first hand or near first hand basis. Take care of yourself Dan. You have a unique ability to connect with people and to tell your story in a way that people can relate to. You are much needed in this world. Best, Jim
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Thanks so much, Jim. That really means a lot to me. I hope that all goes well for you as you start your SRT. I go for my next PSA test in a few weeks, and Jim’s passing has made me reflect on my next step.
All the best to you.
Dan
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Damn I didn’t know. Quite a shock.
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Thank you for sharing this sad news, Dan. I had been following his blog for a few years and would not have known of his passing if you hadn’t told us.
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Thanks, Tim. It is sad.
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Thoughts and Prayers for all of the friends and family
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When all we can do is mark someone’s passing, then that is what we should do. Thanks for the blog. Charles
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Thank you for sharing about the blog. There is so much uncertainty about each man’s PC journey. This sheds new information that can prepare one for what might be coming.
*************************** Sent from my iPad
*************************** Cheri
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Very sorry, Dan.
Steve
Compass Construction Co. 930 Yorick Path Wixom, MI 48393 (586) 291-5226 Cell
16629 S. Scenic Dr. Barbeau, MI 49710 (906) 647-3143
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Thanks, Steve.
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Thanks Dan, I too have been following Jim’s journey and was shocked to hear of his passing. It comes to us all eventually, however it is still hard to accept when it does. RIP Jim, you will be missed.
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