
They had seen my star in the east. That is, they had known about my book Prostate Cancer And Me... Or You The Two Stages (Man to Man) that I had initially launched this work in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They had gotten words from others who had read the book, and wanted to get copies for themselves, and most importantly get me to speak to their husbands. These three women had even alluded to some kind of covert activity to get me to meet with them. Dinner, a movie, fishing then talk, was not out of the question.
These three women were indeed three wise women who hailed from San Diego county, California. Had they come together and at the same time, they could have as their counterpart the three wise men of biblical fame. These three women had been herded together by one common wave that had washed them up on the shore of fear and concern. unbeknownst to each other, they were banded by the anti-typical death of a brother and husband of one of their sisters and friend. Because of the anti-typicality of the sudden death of this brother from prostate cancer, these three wise women had no choice, but were hoisted to keep alert towards the calamity (not of the good) of prostate cancer and their men.
In fact, I had first hand knowledge of the untimely death of this brother. This catalyst of death had brought a whole throng of people together to mourn his loss and to celebrate his life at the same time. The dear brother had called me up. We talked. The symptoms to me were too tale telling of the dreaded eventuality. I prayed with him and could not tell anyone of my morbid fears that he was too far gone and may not survive. My fears were further confirmed when I visit him and saw the fraction of the man that he used to be, three months ago.
However, with all that considered what became most revealing was the hard stubbornness and uncooperativeness that their husbands were displaying. Indeed they stood out like igneous rocks even after the erosive circumstances of our brother’s death. It is hard to say take heart to these women and to tell them that they are not alone. The cold comfort that this provides is of no use. The facts are though, that men continue to surpass the mule in their stubbornness and displaying little or no malleability to their own demise.
The women of Jamaica, that beautiful island in the Caribbean sea, and from which I hailed faced the same problems with same accompanying difficulties. It seems so in-congruent as a rabbit growing horns, that a nation which produces the likes of Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world, Bob Marley and many others, would seem to want to live so precariously on the roof top of this awful disease. Although prostate cancer is most rampant in Jamaica than anywhere else on earth, they cannot get their men to go see the doc.
In a lead story by the Jamaica Daily Gleaner of September 2010 titled women at forefront of prostate cancer fight, and put on by the Jamaica Cancer Society, it was pointed out that nearly half of who turned out were women. One woman was even quoted as saying she had to force her husband to the event, which was a male concern. I agree with this article which stated that these women are just as keen to understand this disease by this show of force and interest. This disease is robbing these Jamaican women of the pleasures of their men. Three cheers to those island women, proving that they are not just sugar and spice but an army who continue to fight for and with their men.
Yes! It is indeed hard to get to us men. But please Women!, remember you were created to be alongside us. Here I do appeal as a survivor of prostate cancer, that you do not leave our side in these desperate times. Use all your feminine wiles to get to us if you must. James Brown said “it is a man’s world but it ain’t nothing without a woman…” Joshua Ledet on American Idol in a scintillating performance of that song, reminded us of your integral part to our existence.
So to all women of the world… KNOW THIS! KNOW THIS! KNOW THIS! Men are dying from prostate cancer and you can help. In fact we need your help. Please form and join organizations against prostate cancer. Get yourselves educated on prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society is a good place to go for great information, plus your other local cancer societies such as the Jamaican Cancer Society in Jamaica.
Your tactics might even have to be covert and underhanded but such means will justify the end. In that respect use the fear of impotence against them. Parade the goodies in front of them and remind them that they will not be able to touch it if prostate cancer takes hold of them. Tell them that they might have to get prosthesis implants to have sex. They might have to get a penis pump, and even a false penis, and live off Viagra.
Also create an active interest in prostate medications and cleansing agents of the prostate from Selenium to Saw Palmetto. You might even want to investigate the powerful remedies such as Guinea Hen and sour sop.
Educate yourself so that when you speak to your significant other that you do so from authority and with authority. Find men talk groups, which is usually a part of most Oncology or Urology organizations and ask the questions of the attending urologists for them. Take active interest in their diet and institute family-health nights even once a month. You might even have to solicit help from people that he respects and apt to listen to.
It is interesting to note that I was able to speak to one of the husbands of the three wise women. He has not been to the doctor though but his wife continues to nudge him. So please sisters continue to nudge, prod, entice, or cry if you have to. Just do not kick, as you might want to sometimes. With your efforts, and our voices, we can yet corral this runaway horse. Please read my story in Prostate Cancer and Me…or You the two stages (man to man) available at Amazon.com in printable as well as electronic form on Kindle. You will appreciate how my wife helped me.
Continue to look for the piece coming up THE REAL REASONS WE DIE.
Until then friends walk good and pack light.