Movember

This year, Movember has brought special meaning to our family. Cancer is always part of our lives. We fear it, we do our best to avoid it, we live with it. This year, my husband received a diagnosis of prostate cancer. The medical system is not easy to navigate – doctors and surgeons can be unwilling or too “busy” to answer questions. We learned about advocacy and we learned to stand our ground.

Charles received life-saving (we await with optimism a full prognosis) robotic surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. We had (and were not given) ANY idea of the details of what post-surgery would be like. In the beginning, they made it sound like “you will go home the same day” surgery – which it is NOT. We discovered a LOT by linking into an on-line community of men from around the world who had been through the same surgery. We pushed hard for information from the medical community – and got it…although it is a VERY slow process.

We are now part of a community that want to support ANYONE going through ANYTING in the medical community. We are here to listen, give advice and understand where you are in your journey. Please DO NOT HESITATE to reach out and NEVER engage in blind trust. Always ask questions, seek out support in your community and ALWAYS feel free to ask for a SECOND OPINION.

So, this NOVEMBER, we are raising awareness for men’s health. The MOVEMBER organization provides education, support and makes a difference in the lives of the men (and their families) it touches.

If you are able, support MOVEMBER and if you need support, ASK. Charles has courageously put himself out there to tell his story in hopes that he can make a difference.

Please go to Charles’ link to support Movember in any way you can…..https://bit.ly/Voth_Mov

Written by Pam