Real Life Real faith Journey to Wellness Journey to Wellness September/October | Page 21

the journey
prostate to kill the cancer. There were many side effects to this
treatment because the seeds are exploding in the prostate. The
first couple of months I was in excruciating pain, had to
urinate so frequently at night that I was unable to get one solid
hour of sleep for two months. I could not sit though meetings
because of frequent and uncontrollable bladder spasms I
experienced. I was fortunate that I did not have to do chemo or
external radiation. I had to completely modify my diet. I could
no longer juice because the citrus irritated my bladder. I could
not have anything with vitamin C. For months I had to eat a
very bland diet to help control the irritation to my system.

The Journey

During the entire process of healing I slowly began to come
back to strength, physically and spiritually. I would post life
affirming messages to myself in my bathroom to remind me of
who I am and whose I am. I made it a point to share my
journey with others because in sharing I was affirming that in
spite of what I was going through I knew that I would get
How I Discovered I Had Cancer

through and that others might be encouraged to keep on
pushing through. One of the things that strengthen me right

In the Chinese language the word crisis has two

before the surgery I had already booked a speaking

meanings, one being danger and the other

engagement that I was contemplating cancelling because I just

opportunity. When I was able to get still I realized I

did know if I was up to it but I was so incredibly blessed by

could dwell on the danger or use it as an

the attendees when I became transparent and share with them

opportunity to demonstrate to myself whether all of

what I was facing. This was not a religious function, but after I

the things I had believed about faith were true. It is

spoke the audience was so moved that one of the attendees at

easy to talk about faith but it is challenging to live

the end of my talk raised her hand and asked if she could pray

it.

for me. I was so humbled and encouraged, because before I
knew it, I was surrounded by people praying for my healing. I

The Stats/Treatment

left that event with my faith amplified. I was so accustomed to
being the person that was always encouraging and uplifting

The fact is 1 in 3 black men will be diagnosed with

others, and now I was learning to be the recipient of what I

prostate cancer versus white men who have a 1 in 6

had been given others.

odds. Just like any other cancer early detection is

After about three months after the surgery, I begin to workout,

key. Fortunately they caught my cancer early and it

which really helped to manage the pain. I could feel my body

had not spread outside of the prostate. I opted for

healing ever so slightly. Your body changes after the trauma of

the seed implantation where they surgically

radiation.

implanted over 100 radioactive seeds into my

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