Update on my current status:
First I want to send out a big thank you to my family and dear friends who continue to be a huge support and inspiration for me as I make my way along the post surgery prostate cancer path. Surgery 4/19 was straight forward and accomplished the number one goal of removing my cancerous prostate. I contiunue to be thankful for the expertise and prowess delivered by my UVA Oncology treatment team led by Kirsten Greene, M.D.
The first week post surgery was not fun... but I got through it and returned to walking which was my level of activity that was permitted for the first 30 days. Those of you who know me well will not be surprised when I say I embraced that opportunity wholeheartedly. Now 3 months post surgery I am back into a solid weekly cycling regimen and am getting some good rides in despite the arrival of the heat and humidity..
I am focusing on keeping a positive mindset as I pass the time to the definitive PSA test 5 months post surgery in mid September. It needs to be '0' to verify that I am cancer free. While Prostate Cancer is common and easily treated with good outcomes, my pathology indicated a progressed cancer, and coupled with the location of the cancer in my Prostate I may face some follow up radiation...
All that said, I feel better than I did going into surgery and I am set on toeing the line September 24th ath the Jeremiah Bishop Alpine Loop Gran Fondo in support of Prostate Cancer Awareness.
Here is what really matters. If you are a male and are not up to date on following your PSA screening numbers.. Please take action. Be proactive with your healthcare provider. Your life and well being could depend on it. If you are a spouse, significant other , family member or friend and you know someone who needs to be more attentive on this subject, I urge you to politely ask the question.
I remain hopeful that I will have a positive outcome and I want to somehow make a positive difference for other men who may be at risk..
In closing, my 2 year old grandson Hammnond and his grandad " Breez ", invite you to make a contribution to benefit this important health awareness issue.
I will keep you posted.. In the mean time if you have questions or comments please feel welcome to contact me at [email protected].
Peace to you ,
Jon
2023 Alpine Loop Gran Fondo: Benefiting Cancer Journeys Foundation
Named one of "America's Top-10 Gran Fondos" by Men's Journal, the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo is an event to welcome cyclists and spectators to Harrisonburg, Virginia for an exciting weekend celebrating challenging rides and charitable fundraising.
The cycling event offers participants challenging routes - from 36 to 110 miles - to complete in support of a worthy charitable mission. For more information, visit www.AlpineLoopGranFondo.com.
The mission of Cancer Journeys Foundation Prostate Cancer Awareness Project is to significantly increase the prostate cancer survivor rate by dramatically increasing the rate of early detection, with the objective that that no man experiences a surprise, post-metastasis prostate cancer diagnosis.
As the presenting sponsor of the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo, Cancer Journeys Foundation shows its dedication to cancer survivorship, raising awareness and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices.
To register to join in the challenge, visit www.BikeReg.com/GranFondo.
The Cancer Journeys Foundation mission is to provide the knowledge, support, and community that cancer survivors need to develop and implement cancer survivorship plans and cancer survivor journey maps. The Prostate Cancer Awareness Project mission is to significantly increase the prostate cancer survivor rate by dramatically increasing the rate of early detection, with the objective that that no man experiences a surprise, post-metastasis prostate cancer diagnosis.