Once I called cancer “chocolate,” but he laughed in my face. Later, I got sweet revenge. Here’s my story: I was diagnosed with Stage III prostate cancer in December 2014. I didn’t feel much differently and my health was consistently good. My PSA numbers were excellent. I felt a little cocky and double-dared cancer to … Continue reading
I have cancer. I own it, so there. Now, bug off! See what just happened? For cancer survivors, like me, “cranky” might be a gross understatement. You, as a caregiver, may want to be part of my cancer journey, but don’t want to step on any landmines along the way. Who can blame you? But … Continue reading
My wife/caregiver and I (that’s me under the mask) were part of a caravan of survivors in Louisville, Ky., on National Cancer Survivors Day, June 7, 2020. The Lady Birds cheerleaders greeted us and the mood was festive and fun, with bags of swag and musical entertainment. Cars were festooned with balloons and streamers, and … Continue reading
Others have returned to work, and I’m still self-isolating during the coronavirus outbreak. No complaints, mind you, because I’ve found ways to stay sane and to stay connected with others. I have a seven-point action plan that has brought fresh purpose to my life, and maybe it will yours. Here goes: Lift others’ spirits. Call … Continue reading
Every cancer survivor can recall turning points in their journey, times when others smoothed the way, ironed out the wrinkles and were extremely supportive during a stressful time. I fondly remember receiving a packet in the mail between my diagnosis and surgery in the fall of 2014. It was from Norton Cancer Institute, Louisville, Kentucky. … Continue reading
After my cancer diagnosis in 2014, I mostly maintained radio silence. Close friends and family knew about my condition, but I didn’t utter a word on social media. I did attend prostate support group meetings where I received valuable practical advice. But I what really needed was for someone to throw me an emotional lifeline. … Continue reading
No one wants to hear the dreaded word cancer, yet everyone should want a group of supporters to help them go through the ordeal. Friends, if you know someone with cancer, please don’t let their principal caregiver carry the burden alone. Caregivers often feel alone, isolated, neglected. You may have the makings for a special … Continue reading
By Ron Cooper Cancer remission brings newfound freedom to explore, discover, express. But it also entails responsibility to help others who are in active treatment or are struggling to cope with the remission/recurrence cycle. Five years after my diagnosis, I am still on guard that cancer will return. It has once and aggressive treatment fended … Continue reading
Ron Cooper 