noreply@blogger.com (Shawn Gilley) — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 03:12:00 +0000

Several weeks ago my dad was diagnosed with stage three prostate cancer. He is the fourth person in my immediate family to get cancer, and only one of two still alive. My Aunt Terry died of lung cancer and my Aunt Carol died of colon cancer. My mother-in-law is surviving ovarian cancer, and now, my dad is surviving prostate cancer. The good thing is that prostate cancer is survivable if discovered and treated early. The bad thing is my dad didn't find it early.

He is a retired pile driver, all steel and diesel, like some blue collar, steampunk demigod in his coverall bibs and hardhat with his hammer and cutting torch. You know, one of those old school, walk-it-off types that didn't go to the doctor unless something was cut off. Now that he's pushing 60 (and I am pushing 40) it doesn't make as much sense to pretend to be invincible.

I think getting cancer really drove that concept home for my dad. He still hates the doctor's office and getting him on-board with an aggressive treatment plan is a process, but I think he realizes the situation is serious. In any case, I'm finding the best I can offer is to be supportive, which brings me to Movember.

Starting November 1st, I, along with men all around the globe, will be sporting mustaches for a cause. I've actually never grown a mustache before... ever, I've always been the Abe Lincoln type. It's a small thing, so why not. Head over to my Movember page and check it out; register one for your self. And if you're really motivated check out my Team Momentus page and join the team.

One More Last Chance