On a personal note.....

[mbroberg]

I have indicated that I will be unavailable on Feb 6, 7 and possibly 8th. I should be back on the 9th for sure. While I am gone Chris has agreed to keep an eye on things and try to put out any fires that occur.

I've kept the reason for my upcoming absence to myself primarily because I am not one who seeks out a lot of, for lack of a better word, sympathy. Support is always good though. I did confide in Jeff awhile back and having given my situation some thought now, and having adjusted to it, I want to let you select group of people know why I am going MIA during the Bash.

I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. It was caught early and has not spread or grown to any real level of concern...and it never will. On Thursday I am having my Prostate removed. After considering all of my options that is the one I am most comfortable with.

In the grand scope of things this is a minor problem. Cancer is a scary word. I've seen numerous co-workers and friends battle various types of cancer. Mine is nothing compared to theirs. I am not even suffering from any symptoms. The only problem I have is that it is there.

Today is Cancer Awareness Day. I consider each of you to be friends in that we all share a common passion for penturning. I also am very appreciative of the hours you devote to support the IAP and the Bash. So, my friends, I am asking three things.

First, (most importantly) : Get regular PSA blood screenings.
Second, Help Chris out if you see he needs it.
Third, Maybe say a prayer for a successful procedure and a quick recovery.

Thanks!

 

[Monty]

Mike,
I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery.

 

[Dalecamino]

Thanks for sharing Mike. I've been checked. It's enlarged but, no cancer yet. You made the right choice and, I hope all goes well. I'll try NOT to cause any problems while you're away. I'll save them for your return :wink: I hope the best for you.

 

[ed4copies]

Hey Mike!!

Take care of yourself!!! IAP WILL survive and the bash will go on.

Thoughts and prayers for a boring day!!

 

[Buzzzz4]

Thoughts and prayers your way. Follow those pesky Dr instructions. My dad went through the same thing a few years back. He's still smilin' and loving life.

 

[toddlajoie]

Mike, Take care of yourself. Sounds like you have the positive attitude down, the rest is in the hands of your care team and your faith.

I'll be thinking of you and praying for the best.

 

[MesquiteMan]

Mike,

I am sorry to hear this sir. I hope nothing but the best for you.

One question...how old are you and when did you start getting the screening? I am 46, soon to be 47. At my last physical, I asked my Dr. (a woman!) to do a prostate exam or bloodwork. She said it is not needed until I am 50 and would not do it. Probably thought I was looking to get my thrills or something!

With my dad passing from cancer, my mom beating breast cancer 25 years ago, and the fact I had a skin cancer, naturally I am very concerned with cancer. Maybe I need to find a different Dr.. I do prefer her for when the time comes, though, since she has small fingers!

 

[mbroberg]

Curtis,

I started getting regular PSA tests when I was 43 or 44. At that time my Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I told my doctor that and he started the screenings immediately.

I've done a fair amount of reading on the subject and 50 seems to be the norm if there is no family history of prostate cancer. If there is a family history of prostate cancer then it is 40 - 45, depending on who you talk with.

 

[GoodTurns]

Take care of yourself, my friend...positive thoughts your way.

 

[maxwell_smart007]

I'm glad you have a proactive doctor willing to do the surgery and remove it - best to err on the side of caution.

I used to think of cancer as the grim, unbeatable and scary concept - but having a few friends who have recently 'beat' cancer, makes me a lot more optimistic about our chances against the beast - especially when caught early and asymptomatically.

Forget about the IAP for a while - all will go swimmingly.

Thoughts and prayers going your way - best of luck in the surgery and recovery! I have full confidence in specialists - you'll be fine!

 

[mbroberg]

Thanks Andrew. I have no doubt that the Bash and the IAP will do just fine while I am out of commission, and I know that I probably worry to much. I also know that the members of this group will understand what I mean when I say that when I make a commitment I would prefer to stick with it. I suspect that you all are the same. If you say you will do something you have every intent of following through. Unfortunately the surgeons schedule is open now so I have to divert my attention away from the Bash. Even though I have full faith and confidence that my absence will have zero impact of the festivities, I wish the timing of my situation would have been different.

 

[mredburn]

:biggrin:Your just afraid we might come to think we can do this without you!:biggrin:

 

[mbroberg]

:biggrin:Your just afraid we might come to think we can do this without you!:biggrin:

There has never been any doubt in my mind that you could do it without me. If it weren't for the outrageous salary and benefits package I wouldn't stick around.

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

 

[Brooks803]

Wishing you the best Mike! Take care and we'll man the ship while you recover.

 

[jeff]

Mike, as I've already said, if there's anything I can do beyond positive thoughts and not docking your pay for the time you're gone, let me know. I'm right up the road.

The PSA test has really been a godsend. Glad it alerted you now.

Relax and don't worry about a thing here.

 

[ed4copies]

I have been told that, when in pain, it is good to think of a bigger pain.

So, keep me in mind during the surgery!! Hopefully I can serve some useful purpose for you!!!

Ed

 

[mbroberg]

I have been told that, when in pain, it is good to think of a bigger pain.

So, keep me in mind during the surgery!! Hopefully I can serve some useful purpose for you!!!

Ed

LOL:laugh: You did a good job of keeping my mind OFF of the surgery for awhile! Thanks for that!

 

[Displaced Canadian]

Remember to put a Do Not Remove sticker on anything you want to keep.

 

[mbroberg]

I'm Back....

Just an update, the surgery was the morning of the 6th. Lasted 4 hours plus 2 hours recovery time. I felt pretty good when I woke up and into the night. Went home the afternoon of the 7th. All the really good pain meds wore off and I'm feeling pretty sore, tender and tired.

Thanks you all again for all the support. I means a lot to me.

 

[Dalecamino]

Good to hear Mike. Can you get a refill? :wink: Or, can you tough it out? Glad you're back. Maybe we can keep your mind occupied.

 

[Displaced Canadian]

So no funny jokes for at least a day or 2?

 

[toddlajoie]

I'm Back....

Just an update, the surgery was the morning of the 6th. Lasted 4 hours plus 2 hours recovery time. I felt pretty good when I woke up and into the night. Went home the afternoon of the 7th. All the really good pain meds wore off and I'm feeling pretty sore, tender and tired.

Thanks you all again for all the support. I means a lot to me.

Glad to hear it went well. Yea they say the second day is the worst, cause you don't remember much of the first day...

Hopefully it gets a little better each day until you're better than before...