Connie S.

About Connie S.

Our story began about 2015 when we learned what PSA levels meant and the increasing number was not a good thing. Many doctor appointments took place before we were married in 2015. I am grateful somehow I was able to convince my husband to keep going to the docs. He was put on “monitoring” for too long and we ended up in late 2017 transferring to mayo clinic where we were given a surgery schedule immediately. At the time I was working a job that demanded many hours day and evening. We are blessed with family and friends including our new “brady bunch” so when I had to work I was able to find others to sit with him and assure his meds were given. I was so afraid when Jim came back from surgery and the cancer had grown to fill the prostate. We were told the margins were clear. Care after surgery is stressful ad well. Medications, cath care, doctor appointments In the spring of 2018 at the 3 month check up, the cancer had returned. We were devastated and scared. I researched by talking to other patients, reading and asking many questions at the appointments. We knew radiation was the next step and could not wait for him to start the process. 2 months later I was diagnosed with breast cancer. We were terrified!!!! We switched roles each time we walked into each others’ appointments. Every one is done together. We started radiation together and 9 weeks later we were done. My husband wants me to get care before he worries about himself. I am scared he will skip his meds or cares to put me first so I worry everyday and nag him often to be taking meds and agree to all appointments. We continue to attend all appointments together and advocate for each other. The after effects of prostate surgery are a struggle. We try many new medications for the stomach problems and the neuropathy. My husband is an extremely hard worker and needs a lot of encouragement to ask for help. I have gone behind his back and gotten friends and family to help with the farm because I am scared for his exhaustion and safety. I worry for him daily!! He is by my side and supporting me beyond words but then sets his own well being aside. I have turned to prayer and my faith for daily strength. Our journey through cancer has strengthened our marriage and our understanding of each other. I cannot imagine life without my husband. We have struggled through surgeries, aftercare, doctors, exhaustion and insurance. But together we have made it through. We will continue with mayo and have found a new local doctor who listens. Everyday is a different answer to how he feels. I know his anxiety about my health does not help so I had asked at the time of my surgery for medication for him. It has helped his blood pressure to some degree but he still worries more about me than himself. The journey continues and challenges us daily. I will do anything in the world to help the man I love so very much !!

Share on: Facebook | Twitter
Read More | Submit your Story