Thursday, December 3, 2009

Movember Helped Me Confront My Fear of Cancer

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Movember is a movement in which men grow moustaches during the month of November to create awareness of mens' health, in particular prostate and testicular cancer. It was founded in Australia in 2003 and first supported cancer awareness in 2004.

“The month formerly known as November is a moustache growing charity event held during November each year that raises funds and awareness for men's health.”

- Movember Foundation United States

Many technology and marketing professionals in my hometown of Austin are active participants in Movember. People like Aaron Strout and Simon Salt are active on a local team named Team SocMed Austin. While Joe Flowers up in Dallas is a leader for Team International Sexy. I followed and supported these teams throughout Movember, and I encourage you to do so today by making a donation and by promoting them to your networks on Facebook and Twitter.

Meanwhile, Movember has a deeply personal meaning to me. About a decade ago, I lost my father to prostate cancer at the far-too-young age of 65. He died as the cancer was detected too late, because he did not want to go to the doctor for an exam. This meant that my now 14-year-old son only knew this wonderful man for a brief time.

Movember to me meant that I could not shave until I got a prostate exam. I hope moving forward it means this to all men over the age of 40 or in a high-risk group. I had my exam on Monday, November 23rd. The doctor gave me the results: “I found a nodule. I need you to see a urologist as soon as possible.”

Thanksgiving was a wonderful holiday with family and friends. Yet it was filled with periods of intense anxiety and concern, especially when I was alone. I know I am a young man at age 43. And I know that I am healthy, as my recent physical indicated. Yet when you hear news like what my doctor told me, you can’t help but have your mind wander to scary questions.

What if I have cancer? What if it is severe? How will it be treated? Will my insurance cover it? Will I be around for my wife and son?

My visit to the urologist was earlier this week. He confirmed my primary physician’s findings and ordered a blood draw to test my PSA level and scheduled a biopsy for this Friday. Yet, there was some relief in that the urologist told me “I’m betting you don't have cancer, but even if you do it will be early stage and fully treatable.” I asked how and he explained that surgery would be the appropriate course for someone my age. OK I thought, that sounds manageable.

Yesterday I received a call from the urologist’s office. My PSA levels are normal. Wheh. Relief.

Next Movember, I will see my doctor again for another check up. In the meantime, I will enjoy every moment of life and time with my family just a bit more.

Thank you Aaron, Simon, Joe and everyone else who participated in Movember. I hope to see many of you at the Austin Movember Gala Parte tonight at Six.