What is a "Cancer Success Story?" Perhaps I am one. My name is John Martin and in April, 1986 I was diagnosed with having adenocarcinoma of the prostate, Stage II. This was about a month after I'd laid out a lot of cash for a little motorhome, planning my retirement.

A follow-up on the TURP showed the genie was still in the bottle. The protocol required radiation with six "gold seeds" in the offending (offended?) organ. After two weeks of external radiation that ended in August of '86, it appeared that I may have beaten the beast.

Not so! By November of '88, the PSA reflected 44, eleven times the high norm. Time for drastic measures: a bilateral orchiectomy, which means they removed both of my testicles. No flowers involved. It's also known as hormonal manipulation, no cure offered, but it buys time. This is the stuff that life's made of...

They told me that I might have two or three years to live. The PSA did come down slowly to a fraction of one. But then is started to rise again, slowly but steadily in fractions.

During that time, I learned to live each day at a time, thanking the Lord for each hour free of pain and ability to function. Connecting with others who have cancer, I've been blessed to exchange information. I learned patience, gained more love of others, and was sometimes awed at people's courage.

Perhaps this is not a success story. Yet it is a part of my story. I'm still alive and enjoying life more than 9 years after the fearful diagnosis. Some have told me that I have helped them by the experience and advice shared. Certainly, that has been a reciprocated experience. May God bless you all. Much love.

See also

• Shared stories
• Sharing experiences
• Giving back
• Living with cancer