Death Preparation

This appears to be the third time I've written in this journal about my diagnosis with prostate cancer. The doctors have made it very clear that they are working to extend my life, not to get rid of the cancer. Twenty years has been mentioned and online it sounds like clearly I have five years as at the moment as I am vigorous and healthy. While it's clear to me that I may die from this cancer, it's not "freaking me out" as one close friend had boldly inquired. In February I took inspiration from Thich Nhat Hanh, The Most Wonderful Moment of Your Life, and thought about Thomas Merton's comment before his accidental death. In March I added how I had formerly feared having a heart attack but how yoga and Buddhism stilled those fears. I added how Geoff Dawson said "even life and death in itself is a rhythm" and Jane Hirshfield's image of us being like a cricket on a branch floating down the river towards the rapids. I titled that entry, Ready for this Moment. I recently had a financial plan prepared by a computer online that didn't me any more time than that. So I am clearly in the sunset portion of my life. One of my doctors said I am young for my age. So I keep checking in to see if I am really as calm as I seem to be. I don't have a bucket list except to be present to my my wife, grandkids, daughter, and family and friends. I would like to get rid of a lot of junk to go out cleanly so my wife and daughter don't have to sort through so much junk that I've accumulated. I'm also feeling a little bit freer with money. I've always been a little tight and My preparation for retirement has paid off in that the financial plan says we have plenty that will outlast us.

I was surprised and pleased to find that two years ago I blogged the Buddhism and Wholistic Health talk on May 1, 2022, by Geoff Dawson, Ordinary Mind School of Sydney. My blog entry title was Radical Sense of Acceptance. I am following the path on the HealthyMinds program app. I decided to search for change on this blog and found this perfect word for this change I am going through.

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Keep in mind that most men are around 70 when diagnosed with prostate cancer. Over, say, five years, many of these men will die from other medical problems unrelated to prostate cancer. Men with prostate cancer that is localized to the prostate or just nearby have a high long-term survival rate for their prostate cancer. Almost all will survive their prostate cancer for longer than five years -- and well beyond for many men. Prostate Cancer Survival Rates: What They Mean- WebMD