ObamaCare & prostate-cancer screening—Robert Goldberg - NYPOST.com

ObamaCare & prostate-cancer screening—Robert Goldberg - NYPOST.com

This is my dog, Dingo.
She is a Chihuahua terrier mix.
She saved my life.

I had heard previously that having a pet improved the healing process of the sick. I searched for a couple months until I found Dingo. On 10 July 2010, Dingo came home with me. I had not had a dog since I was a kid back on Eagle Way, so it took a bit of acclimation to having a more interactive pet than my 15 year old cockatiel Larry. The more time consuming effort was to teach Dingo to do her business in the bathroom on the paper.

The day of my surgery was 23 August 2010. The surgery took approximately an hour longer than planned; but, that did not concern the surgery team. In the end, the surgery was successful. I was later told that while in my room recovering, I was having trouble coming out of the anestesia. I just was not waking up and breathing was getting shallow. The nurse, my Dad and wife were calling my name; but, I was simply not responding. Finally, in the cottony haze of dreamtime I could barely hear my mother with a demanding yet gentle interrogative repeating: What is the name of your dog?
I could hear myself groggily say, Dingo. I could remember still with eyes closed my new dog Dingo. Coming out of the dreamstate, I was dazed why the question was asked then went back to sleep. I was now officially on the recovery track. Everybody was relieved.

Into the night at about 11 PM, I spiked a temperature of 108 degrees. The nurses did the procedure to bring it down. Later when I was released to go home, my nephew told me that Dingo started barking crazy and could not be redirected to stop. I asked him what time did Dingo go crazy? He said about 11 PM.

This is my dog, Dingo.
She is a Chihuahua terrier mix.
She saved my life.

My Heavenly Father,
It is now 608 days since the surgery. I am grateful for Your blessing that the surgery was successful to remove the cancer. I am so sorry I have not done all that I can or should to relate my experience. I ask for Your forgiveness and ask for Your guidance and strength to help me stay more focused. I do not want to continue on this path of apathy and indifference.
I thank You for giving me a new life.
I thank You for giving me the opportunity to be a good son.
I thank You for giving me the opportunity to be a good husband.
I thank You for blessing me with Divine health and long life.
I thank You for guiding me to those who are in need of my experiences.
I am ready to resume the walk that I started.

I make effort not to spend too much time in thought; but, there have been moments in which I brood about how this cancer episode attacked me.
Was it something I ate or not eaten?
Was it something I did or not do?
Was it something in the environment?
I do know if I spend too much time brooding about it, I am certain it it affect my health in a seriously negative way.

I am grateful it was found in time.
I am grateful for the medical technology to fight back.
I am grateful to God for sparing my life.
I am grateful for family and friends.

I tried on several occasions to continue the chronology of events from the initial discovery of the prostate cancer to the time of my surgery. I am here to say that was a quiet failure. I have decided to simply recall the events in random order as I am in the mood to write about them. I will also write about stuff that is on my mind for the moment, day, week. I felt rather bad that I was not more diligent in any of my three blogs. I intend for this year to be much better in regards for my writing.

It has been 510 days since I had the surgery to remove my prostate. I am so grateful to be alive and I am sorry that I have not shown better sense of gratitude. I intend for this year to be much better in regards for my writing.

Today is my first year marker since my surgery to remove the cancerous prostate gland. In reflection, I seriously failed in my effort to detail the events chronologically. I simply let it fall to the sidelines. I am grateful that God did keep me well for this past year. I am thankful for the upcoming year. I will strive to do better with the blog and hopefully be a blessing to someone.

I expect a long and prosperous life.

13 April 2010

The voicemail from the nurse said to call the doctor.
I knew it was in regard to the biopsy I just experienced.
I was sitting alone in the bedroom using the cellphone when the doctor explained the result with a professional and friendly tone.
Of the twelve biopsy samples taken, four tested positive for cancer in my prostate.
The doctor also explained the level of cancer was not aggressive.
As he continued to provide the necessary details, I was no longer listening to him; but, only hearing his voice.
My mind was frozen at the four of twelve tested positive for cancer.
With my free hand, I rubbed my forehead and became quite aware of the tingly weakness in both of my biceps spreading to my shoulders and hands.
It was a struggle to focus my effort to listen to the doctor.
Next he asked for me to meet him as soon as possible to discuss my treatment options to fight the cancer.
I responded that I could see him the next day in the afternoon.
He accepted my availability and I thanked him.
I hung up then sat still for another few moments.
Both cliched questions and fragmented thoughts gathered in my mind.
A heavy shell of numbess settled on me.
I stood up with slow deliberation and could still feel the tingly weakness in my arms.
Each step was labored and my breathing was slow and deep.
I walked the length of the hallway to the kitchen and living room.

What do I say to my wife and parents?
How do I tell them?