A Personal Note: Cancer Update

First, I want to thank each and every one of you who have sent me personal notes, emails, tweets, Facebook messages, etc., to let me know you have been praying for me and sending positive, healing thoughts my way. I really do appreciate each of them!

For those of you who missed the news or just recently started following me, let me catch you up briefly. Back in December, 2013, I had a PSA test done as part of my routine physical exam. The results of that test prompted my doctor to have me undergo a biopsy of my Prostate gland on February 11, 2014. On February 17, I got the call from my doctor to let me know that I did, indeed, have Prostate cancer. I also wrote about this in a previous post.

I already knew that I have a long family history of this form of cancer. I know that from speaking to my parents, but I may well research my family history further as it would be interesting to find out how far this went back. The best way would be to check censuses and newspapers to see how and when family members passed away – you can look here if you want to do the same. So I knew the chances of getting it at some point in my life were higher than normal, but I was still stunned to hear I had cancer at 50 years old. After hanging up the phone with my doctor, I sat at my kitchen table and cried for about an hour. Since then, my life has been a whirlwind of appointments, more tests, consultations and a lot of research on treatment options, both traditional and alternative.

In the midst of it all, however, I still have boys to raise, a company to run, and books to continue writing. For me, sitting in the rubble and ashes of grief and despair has never been an option. I reminded myself of what I’ve been writing about so much recently in my LifeThoughts posts: I cannot control many of the things that happen in my life, but I can control what happens in my head and the way I choose to think and respond to situations. I also know that doing everything I can to maintain a positive attitude may be the single most important thing I can do to fight my cancer.

I am determined to beat this cancer and continue to live the most beautiful, fulfilling life I possibly can! My determination is not just for my own benefit, but for the benefit of those who love and depend on me, and for the benefit others, such as you, whom I may never meet. I also believe that God is not done with me and has a plan for all of our lives. It’s not all about me!

So, after consulting with many doctors, doing much research and speaking with many men who have been through Prostate cancer, I have decided to treat the cancer aggressively. I have elected to have surgery to perform an open, radical Prostatectomy. My surgery will be tomorrow morning, Monday, April 7th, at 7:30am Eastern time. I will be in the hospital for three days. I know many of you will not read this until after the surgery is completed. For those of you reading this before or while I am in surgery, I covet your prayers and healing thoughts. I know and take comfort in the fact that God is in total control, yet He tells us to pray and express our desires to Him, and I ask that you do that on my behalf.

While I am recovering from surgery, my daily writing of LifeThoughts will be on pause–not stopped, just on pause! I plan to be back to writing again within a week or two. My Facebook page will be on pause during this time, as well. For those of you who follow me on Twitter, my twitter posts will be on auto-pilot as I have already loaded up a few weeks of new and previous posts that will go out automatically.

I recently did an interview with Paul Stukel, the founder of President & CEO Magazine, in which I spoke openly and frankly about my cancer. If you’d care to listen, the interview is about 20 minutes long and you can hear it at this link: http://bit.ly/1kzoPeX

Again, I want to thank all of you for your love and support as I go through this. Note the operative word there was “through!” My life’s motto is: “Life is marathon, so let’s train for it!” Life is, indeed, a marathon and a marathon is a long race with many ups and downs, twists and turns, and cancer is, for me, just part of the course–it is not the finish line!

So, until you hear from me again, keep praying, keep smiling and keep living your life intentionally and beautifully!

Peace!

Bruce

P.S. I posted a follow-up here: Cancer and Easter

71 thoughts on “A Personal Note: Cancer Update

  1. Gerald Hinson

    I will be praying for you throughout today and during your surgery, Bruce. Love your honest faith. You truly have become a Hebrews 11 man. Honored to be your friend.

    -Gerald

      1. Gerald Hinson

        I’m referring to the “people of great faith” aspect, but amen to Hebrews 12! Me too.

  2. Rhondal Burns

    Bruce, I’m sure you have seen “God’s not Dead” so there is nothing I could say that you haven’t heard already. You & your boys will be in my prayers.

  3. Scott Keyser

    Bruce, I don’t know you but I recently came across your tweets. I wish you all the very best for your op tomorrow. I will think of you and you will be in my prayers and thoughts.

    God bless.

    Scott

  4. Jen McDonough

    Send you and your family prayers for a speedy full recovery Bruce. Praying for your care staff too that they will have wisdom and kindness during your journey.
    Tell the kids especially yet are being thought of and hoping they will heal and stay resilient. Lastly – praying for amazing things to come our of these ashes.

  5. Rory James

    Bruce,
    Thank you so much for your honesty, openness, positivity, faith, and attitude during your life and this trial! Your life and words are a daily inspiration for me and I want you to know how much I value our cyber friendship lol! I am rooting for you and am already praying for your medical doctors and staff that they have a great night sleep tonight and wake up fresh and ready to go in the morning. I (with countless others) will be praying for you and your boys tomorrow and during the recovery period which will be hopefully brief and as pain free as possible! Thank you again for your book and motivating me to run my first marathon later this year. I am going through a divorce and a lot of changes in my life and your intentional and internal peace and happiness shine through all your posts, blogs, and words and have truly helped me. I can’t wait to hear from you again in a couple of weeks when the worst is behind you and you will be on the road to recovery! Please know you and yours will be in my daily thoughts and prayers. Xoxo Rory = D

  6. Bobbi

    Bruce-
    I am praying for healing for you! Praying for wisdom for your doctors & nurses, praying for peace for ur family!
    Much love
    Bobbi

  7. Jaclyn Hunt

    Hi Bruce,

    I want to wish you the best tomorrow for your surgery. You have plowed through so many obstacles in your life and you will crush this one just like all the rest. You did not have the opportunity to choose this particular obstacle, but like the others you will get through and come out stronger on the other side. You have done so much for me in terms of looking at the world from a better perspective and pushing through the obstacles that I come across in my own life on a daily basis. This month I will be running my first half marathon thanks to your encouragement and I will be thinking about you during my race, your recovery and always. Take care Bruce! 🙂

    -Jaclyn

    1. Bruce Post author

      Thank you for those kind words, Jaclyn! I’m so proud of you for your half marathon! I know you’ll do great!!!

  8. Todd Bonzo

    I wish you Gods Speed in your recovery. Though I don’t know you personally, I have enjoyed your. Comments, and posts. As a fellow runner we are like family, so I pray for you to be out on a path somewhere running again soon.

    TCB

  9. Sheila Starr

    Bruce your words inspire me and so many others! You will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow as you have been so often resently. I am praying for your speedy recovery and looking forward to sharing your next adventure along life’s winding road. It is my honor to be connected and following you has been one of my daily pleasures. God’s speed in your recovery!
    Sheila Starr Boston

  10. Laura

    Hi Bruce – I follow you on Facebook and Twitter and hope everything goes smoothly and relatively uneventfully for you. I’m sending prayers and good thoughts your way. All the best to you and your family.

  11. Big Mack

    Hey B! L and I will be praying for you all from up here in Wheaton! Love you, speedy recovery! I’ll call during the week but feel free to ignore it, I’ll just keep trying again and again till it is a more convenient time, and you answer! Zeph 3:17

  12. Abdoulaye

    I don’t know you personally… I just follow you and read your post which i subscribed. however, it make my hearth sink to read your twit for tomorrow. may GOD blessing be with you during your surgery and recovery.

  13. Melinda Viergever Inman

    Thanks for the update, Bruce! I’ve been praying for your healing, and I will continue to pray as you undergo this surgery tomorrow morning. May the Lord grant the doctors wisdom and utilize their skill and his mighty power to heal and to restore your strength. God bless you, brother!

  14. Monica

    Bruce,
    I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers. God is truly a healer. I know that He can do it. He is also a comforter and I pray that you feel his arms around you. Looking forward to your writing on here and Twitter.

    God bless!

  15. Lovelace Cook

    I will envision you surrounded by and filled with God’s healing light and love. I will also send my prayers on behalf of the surgeons.

  16. Kingsley

    Hey Bruce,
    Just to once again let you know that I’m praying for you. May the God of peace rest upon you mightily and may his grace and healing, be poured out upon you. We have this confidence in him that he will never leave us or forsake us and is working out all things for our good. May you be fully healed in Jesus’ name. It’s a marathon indeed and this is just a pit stop to regroup and keep on running.
    Blessings,
    Kingsley

  17. Rebecca

    My thoughts and prayers with you and your family. Your positive attitude is contagious. Thank you for all of your uplifting words.

  18. Rob Galloway

    Hi Bruce,

    I ask that GOD would truly bless you my friend…always in our thoughts and prayers.

  19. Connie Pheiff

    Bruce, best wishes for a physical and emotional recovery.

    I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress My God in whom I trust. He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge, his faithfulness will be your shield. He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. ~Psalm 91:2, 4, 11

  20. Margaret Burn

    Prayers and thoughts are with you, remember the footsteps on the beach story and let God carry you through the next few days – He will for sure.

  21. Dianne

    Hi Bruce, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your boys. We all look forward to hearing your inspirational messages! May your healing process be a quick and pain free one. Regards xx

  22. Tracy Shroyer, PhD, MBA

    Definitely keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers, Bruce! Will be thinking of you today as you go into surgery and that you are granted great strength for recovery and healing.

  23. Dilraaj

    Hello Bruce, certainly not a news u want to hear for anyone u know by any means.U have the courage as a fighter. Wish u win this battle with glory and continue living good.

  24. Janie

    Sending you prayers for a speedy recovery and many healing thoughts. May God give you the strength to see this challenge through with flying colors. You will prevail!

  25. Jaime

    God bless you and your family. I’m inspired by your positive attitude. Praying your surgery was a success.

  26. Colleen

    Hi Bruce…I’m praying for you & your family & also am praying that the Lord will give your doctors and nurses wisdom on what is best for you each step of the way. When we are weak, He is strong. I know He will be faithful to give you strength. Blessings!

  27. Mara Hernandez

    Hi, Bruce
    You’re an amazing and very brave man and I am sure God’s plan for you is absolutely perfect. As you have surgery, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Bright blessings!

  28. Eva

    You are such an incredible inspiration. You challenge me with every post to think about what is really important in life. I wish you a speedy recovery. Let’s trust God for a miracle. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you.

  29. Leslie Gustafson

    Will be praying for you Bruce! Hope the surgery goes beautifully and will pray specifically around that. I know numerous men who have recovered well from prostrate cancer and you WILL be one of them!
    Blessings! And thank you for sharing:-)

    Leslie

  30. Helen

    It is late ( 10.45pm) in Perth, Western Australia and I have just read your message. I trust the surgery went amazingly well and I pray that you are fully restored to health.

    Helen O’Toole

  31. JORGE LARA

    Hi Bruce, Prayers to your quick postoperative recovery and eradication of the cancer.
    I’m following your Tweets and your daily Blog.
    God is in control!

  32. Carmen

    Sending prayers, positive thoughts and healing energies your way! I’ve missed your daily posts and have thought of you even though I don’t know you. I believe that God is with you and has surrounded you with an army of angels today. I am a follower of “Angel Numbers,” and when I arrived at your blog there were 44 comments. My comment is the 45th (unless someone posted while I’m typing this!). The number 44 means that you are surrounded by loving and helpful Angels who wish to bring you peace and joy. They’re also there to give you guidance and strength through this difficult time in your life. I’ve never battled cancer and pray I never do, but have many family members who have. I’m a believer in the power of prayer and positive thoughts. You’re right, keeping your thoughts positive will help you heal. I’m sure it’s very difficult to do that. I can’t even imagine, but it’s very important to stay positive. Never give up… Check out the Don’t Quit poem…it’s my favorite poem of all time.

  33. Mike

    I just prayed for you Bruce. Jesus brings you out of this with a testimony. We would soon be reading your posts and tweets again. Mike from Nigeria

  34. :Donna Marie

    God bless you, Bruce 🙂 My daughter-in-law’s dad went through surgery (he was slightly older than you), and although there were a few glitches after the surgery (hopefully that won’t happen with you), he is doing fine and going strong 🙂 Long life, here you come!

  35. Segt Derick

    Hi Bruce,

    I just started following your twits and it has been very inspiration to me in my daily endeavors .Is late night here and i just came across your personal not. You are in my thoughts and prayers and you will have a quick recovery by the healing power of God.Can’t wait to see you on twitter.
    Our prayers from Cameroon

  36. Janet

    Bruce, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Praying for your body to heal quickly and your health to be restored.

    Psalm 121

    A song of ascents.

    1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
    2 My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.
    3 He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
    4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.
    5 The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
    6 the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.
    7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
    8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

  37. Ashley Logsdon

    Bruce,
    Your incredible optimism and zest for a fulfilling life is so admirable – and will definitely help you down the road ahead as it has in the past. I pray the surgery went smoothly and you are well on your road to recovery already!

  38. Manuel Correa

    I know what you’re going through and let me tell you that faith is essential to succeed.

    My PSA came 18 months ago to a value of 23 with a very aggressive Gleason rate of nearly 9. My PSA is now 0.07 one week ago with therapy and without surgery.

    Had my prostate removed, the tumor would have spread by metastasis, and I would not be here.

    My doctor went on vacation the day before my surgery. Coincidence? I think not, but rather prayer and synchronicity…

    Best wishes from Mexico City. @Satcit_ananda

  39. Asma

    I believe that you are a great person!
    And I believe God ‘ll be with you
    With your positive thoughts I was survived many times..
    YOU can fight that cancer so strongly!
    Peace.
    Asma

  40. Liane McKinley

    Hi Bruce,

    Thank you for the follow on twitter just a few moments ago. Funny how the universe connects people. My recent goals and career changes involve coaching, writing and speaking as well as healing. I am sending you some distance healing if you are open to receiving ( I am reiki master) . Try to eat some anti inflammatory foods :
    kelp
    turmeric
    wild-caught salmon
    green tea
    papaya
    blueberry
    extra virgin olive oil
    broccoli
    sweet potato

    I am sure you are aware of the power of the mind and visualizations… meditate, keep positive , keep strong. I am looking forward to reading about your success in beating this cancer. My mom is a cancer surviver of 26 years when she had a very small chance of survival according to the doctors.. stay positive, eat well and rest and take lots of vitamins

    Liane xxxx

  41. Linda

    Hi Bruce, I had missed the news. Tweeter has made me feel as if I’ve known you for years. Yes, while we will might not meet face to face, however we meet virtually.
    My prayers and thoughts continue to be with you. This terrible condition needs all family and friends to join you in the fight. I join. Courage!

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