You could be forgiven for expecting it will be 'chronically painful' for
you to read and consider what follows. But my hope is that it isn't too
unbearable to read about the different aspects of chronic pain affecting
millions of us.

That 'C' word

Cancer in any form is utterly repellent. The doctor said "From your MRI, we have a strong suspicion you have Prostate Cancer. We want you to have a biopsy to know how best to treat it." He said,"Most men die with Prostate Cancer, not from it." I didn't find any consolation in his comment, not one little bit. I asked myself, "What else is going to go wrong!!" The silence was deafening.

So I had my biopsy. Some of the surgical team said the procedure went very well. Really? Who for, me or the surgical team? About a week later the surgeon called to assure me the procedure was quite extensive. I was waiting for the "but". Then he said, "But we found no evidence of cancer." The relief my wife and I felt was palpable. And we have given grateful thanks to God for sparing us from this dreadful condition. I am well aware many men are not so spared.

Why do some avoid this condition and others not? One more mystery question for which I have no answer. But then I have chronic pain in other parts of the body that other men may not have. It's a mystery I don't begin to understand. All I know to do is ask God for the grace, patience and courage to face each day. No matter what comes along. I don't know how else to stay reasonably sane where pain is a constant and unwelcome companion. Thinking positive thoughts hasn't worked for me yet.

We call him Sammy

'Tree-beard' is still there