You know the nerd in me had to observe this milestone of being 5,000 days into this adventure of living with prostate cancer. 😂
In those 5,000 days, I have:
- Learned more about prostate cancer and its treatment than I ever thought I would.
- Had my emotions run from outright fear at diagnosis to elation with each undetectable PSA test after surgery back to fear as my PSA returned.
- Adapted to my new normal with the side effects from surgery and radiation.
- Shared my story in ways I never expected.
- Learned who stepped up to provide support and who couldn’t do so for whatever reason.
- Formed meaningful connections with fellow patients and caregivers from around the globe, and have been inspired by their stories.
That last point is important to me. Those readers who regularly engage with me, share your stories, and who offer your support have been a bright spot in this entire adventure, and I cannot thank you enough. Sadly, some of the men that I connected with over the years have succumbed to this insidious disease, and I miss our interactions.
Thank you again for putting up with my rantings for 5,000 days. Here’s hoping for 5,000 more.
—Dan
In case you’re wondering, 5,000 days equals:
- 13 years, 8 months, and 9 days
- 164 months and 9 days
- 714 weeks and 2 days
- 120,000 hours
- 7,200,000 minutes
- 432,000,000 seconds
Sleep better tonight knowing that. 🤓😂
Dan's Journey through Prostate Cancer 
Hey, Dan!
I look forward to your posts. Always informative. You’ve been in this journey longer than I have, and it’s always reassuring to see someone carrying the torch ahead of me.
My friends and family have managed to move on, but as a cancer survivor – especially with a high risk or reoccurence – it’s always, ALWAYS on my mind, as you know.
I expect to keep seeing these posts for another 30 years, Dan. Keep it up.
-Scott
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Hi Scott,
Thanks for the comment. Let’s hope that the thought of recurrence remains just that—a thought!
Your comment about friends and family moving on struck a chord. People see us and see us as healthy and “normal,” but can’t see the emotional/anxiety cloud hanging over our heads every day.
As for seeing these posts another 30 years… I’m gonna have to think about that. 😂 I’d be closing in on 97 years old.
Again, thanks for your comment and support.
—Dan
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Dan, we’ve mirrored our journey somewhat. I’ve been ahead of you in my recurrence…I’m pleased to say after my alarming rise after RT (post RP) my psa has stabilised at 0.5 for almost two years. My consultant can’t explain what’s going on but I’m more than happy to live in the moment and enjoy the rest of my health! I’m going to continue living my best life until the inevitable upward trend resumes. Take away… live in the day while you have all the rest of your health, a lot of people our age have chronic conditions, ours just have the dreaded C word attached. Stay strong and don’t let it grind you down. Best wishes
Adrian
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Hi Adrian,
Thanks for your comment. It’s great that your PSA has leveled off even if you and your team can’t figure out why. As you say, take it and run with it while you can.
I’ve been doing well for now, as some of the side effects from the radiation have tapered off a bit (it’s been almost two years since it ended). I hope they stay this way or taper off even more. Time will tell.
Wishing you all the best,
—Dan
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Hey Dan, as I read your bullet points I said “Yep, same here” to each of them. We must have hit the big “C” at around the same time. I will be 14 years into this misadventure in September. Milestones are important. When I was designated as terminal and given a three year life expectancy my big brother said he would see me in ten years. I did not think much of it. When I hit ten years he reminded me with a gift and a “I told you so”. Pretty cool. I guess the lesson is keep working with the doctors, but do not let them rule your world. Although cancer can dominate your life, the real Dan is still there and deserves a time out to live life the way you want to. You have done well to clock up 5,000 days, so keep up the good work. Cheers, Phil
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Hi Phil,
Yeah, it was November 2010 for me, so we’re just a few months apart. I’m glad that your brother was right—and then some.
I wholeheartedly agree about listening to the doctors, but still maintaining control over your own life and treatment (although you already know that’s easier said than done sometimes).
All the best,
Dan
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thanks for the update me&you are so similar in diagnosis and relapses we will get threw this..
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Thanks, Jack. Yes, we’ll get through this for as long as we can.
All the best,
Dan
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The forces are strong within you.
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