Cancer, A Trip to Mexico, and a Race for the Cure.

I thought you should know 3 months ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  Since that moment it has been a weird and wild ride and it’s not quite over yet. But I’m going to pull something good out of it before it’s over.

To make a long story short here’s the condensed version.

In October the VA (Veterans Administration) called me to come in for a physical.

(If you’re not familiar with the VA, it is the health care system for military veterans. The only time I’ve ever not been in the “get you in better shape” business was two years ago when I was an Army Military Policeman during the first Gulf War.)

Anyway. If you don’t go to the the VA for any reason for a year they want you to get a routine physical just as a check up. The technical details aren’t important as much as the blood work came back indicating a possible problem.

After a few how do I say this? “Invasive” tests, the cancer was confirmed.

The options for treatment aren’t real good. The balance between knocking out the cancer and quality of life are pretty slim.  And since this type of disease usually hits guys about 20 years older the dynamics are a little different.

The first surgeon started with what I could do if I was still wearing a diaper a year after surgery! And it actually got worse after that!

So I needed a second and a third and a fourth opinion. I have 3 generations of Nurses in the family, my Mom, oldest sister Cindy and her daughter Emily. Thanks to professional and personal  relationships I’ve been blessed with over the last few years, I’ve had access to the opinions of some of the best medical and research minds in the country. And in the end it had to be my decision.

I decided to travel to Cancun for High Intensity Frequency Ultrasound (HIFU) under the care of Dr. George M. Suarez. Note: even this Times article is not for the squeamish!

NY Times HIFU Article.

I’m here with my oldest sister Cindy V. (not only does she know Intensive Care nursing. She’s pushy! and my sister! Perfect for this type of operation) . Just what I need for support (you always need support my friend).

So here I am sitting in Cancun, Mexico. Ran on the beach this morning.
And now were just waiting and I’m writing to you.

So how does this affect you?

Well, I do have a request

The one thing I wanted to do this spring was to do a fund raiser for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. I’ve had so many clients that breast cancer has affected. My original plan was to run an 8 week Ready for the Komen 5k fitness camp. To get participants in shape for the Komen 5k then donate the proceeds. I’d even gotten approval from the Tarrant County Komen office. But I’ve been side tracked and I’ve really been put out about it.

So I’m asking for you to run it for me. Register and run this thing. Donate what you can. But do it. It’s for a damn good cause.

The Race starts Sundance Square 8:30am Downtown Fort Worth. Saturday April 24th.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

There was a time that women couldn’t even talk about breast cancer. A time when ladies had to go through an ordeal as bad as the disease itself. This HIFU thing I’m doing  so infinitesimal compared to some of the therapies these women must endure. Years of chemotherapy and radiation treatments that have side-effects that last the rest of their lives. Surgeries meant to cure and do no harm but still affect their quality of life. These kind of gender specific diseases affect you to the core of your identity. And the faster they are cured the better for you and me.

Grab a friend, grab your spouse, or go it alone. But the important thing is get out there. You’ll feel better about yourself. And you’ll raise money all at one time.

A 5k is a little over 3 miles.  You can walk it. No one cares if you don’t run.

If you’re in I want you to call Jennifer at the office 817.320.3845. We want to get you on a list and I’ll be sending you a gift for your participation.

So that’s about it. I’ll keep you updated as things move along.

Like I told people that were nervous about my decision. I’ve taken a calculated risk to come down here, not to die, but to live. And I’m going to make the most out every minute I have on this earth.

I encourage you to do the same.

Dedicated to Your Success,

Dave

P.s. If you’ve been on the fence.  And your weight is holding you back from living the life you want to live.  If you feel like life is passing you by. Don’t wait. If you’ve read the post above. Time is a limited precious commodity. So don’t waste it. You’ll see and feel the results quickly.  My Free Fast-Start Consultation is only a phone call away. Call Jennifer at the office 817.320.3845 and she’ll get you on the schedule.