Jim Z.

About Jim Z.

Prostate cancer hit me in 2009 at age 43. My wife, Brandi, was already busy taking care of our three kids aged 7 to 15. Now she had to deal with this too. Through the years she has been there for me and taken care of me. First, my surgery was done just in time to see me spending the holidays with a catheter. She organized a group of family and friends to put up the outside decorations that I always did, but was physically unable to do. Then there was the bad news of incontinence leading to a second surgery to put in a sling. No young wife should have to deal with this. She captained a Relay for Life team for me as a way to fight back against this disease. 5 years post surgery was the even worse news of a rising PSA. At the time, my doctor advised me to “eat right, exercise and reduce stress.” Brandi makes sure I eat healthy – she is a fantastic cook – and take daily walks. Stress? She is such a blessing and so good at raising our children that I worry less. I just lost my little brother Thor to breast cancer this past August. Brandi was there for the tears and heartache. Always reminding me that we will all be together again one day. Now, we are waiting for insurance approval of the new PET Scan and, hopefully, salvage radiation. All the while, my wife remains my upbeat, lovable companion. We cuddle more and dream about growing old together. We will see our kids become adults and enjoy the reward of being grandparents together. We continue to celebrate life and make every day count. She means the world to me.

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