It’s been a long time since I posted. I’m not sure why.
Here’s what I’ve been doing.
- Competing in scentwork trials with my golden retriever (he’s awesome)
- Watching lots of TV shows and movies and escaping reality
- Missing my prostate, which was removed by a robot because it was full of cancer (well, a doctor used a robot to cut it out)
- Feeling depressed, which has fortunately gone away
- Working and feeling frustrated with the lack of control I have over my job, which is a result of having cystic fibrosis and not being able to build a normal career
- Fighting infections and suffering a lot during them. Glad I’m getting older, but it doesn’t make exacerbations easier. They’re getting way more painful. Not sure why
- Dreaming of doing something else with my life but not having the courage or knowledge of where to start
- Helping my wife and daughter raise money for cystic fibrosis research
- Getting stressed with having a President who’s not very bright and a tax cheat (I’m in a good place now and don’t read as much about him)
- Doing my treatments three times a day, every day, and trying to decode life at the same time
The Unknown Cystic 
It is GREAT to see a new post! I have often thought about you and wondered how things were going. Thanks for continuing to share the story.
Thanks, David. Appreciate it very much. Overall, hey, no complaints. Still fighting.
Prostrate cancer? Really? Ugh!
*prostate
Yes. Really. Can’t say it was a lot of fun. It wasn’t. But I made it through, even after an infection post-surgery.
I’ve been wondering about you! Glad you’re still around and kicking. Surprised to hear about prostate cancer. Glad you had that fixed and hope there are no lasting effects (I hear there’s a good survival rate). Scent work sounds like it’s probably a blast! Similar concepts to K9 search, but without the pressure or heroics of rescuing someone.
I know a bit about being in a professional rut and feeling like you can’t get out and that past career decisions limit you (in part because of CF, but in part because of fear of risks). My advice: be brave and dream about the thing you really want to do. Make a plan with several steps for how to get there. Then figure out how to put yourself out there professionally to achieve step 1. It took me 3 years take the leap towards and achieve step 1. Tell CF that while your care is a priority, the disease is not who you are and it’s not going to prevent you from becoming what you want to become. I don’t fully know where I’m headed professionally, but I know I’m in a place where doors could open in an infinite number of directions and I’m being intellectually challenged and building professional skills. When the time comes to take the leap to step 2, I will be prepared and less afraid of the risks.
So glad to see an update from you! 🙂
Hi, Nanos,
So thrilled to hear from you. Yes, so far so good with the prostate recovery. Thank you. Knock on wood. I really appreciate the thoughtful plan to move forward with work and a career. Being the scientist you are, I like your plan. Well thought out. I don’t know what I’m going to do. I really hate CF. And it has reduced my choices. But it’s not the end of the world, though it feels like it some days. I’m definitely at a fork in the road.
I’m sending you a bundle of good karma points for your help with developing a plan. Thank you. I hope you’re doing well and life is great.
Best,
UC
So great to see an update from you! I’ve really missed your brilliant posts and hearing about what’s going on. I’m glad to read that you seem to be recovering well from both cancer and depression. What And unfortunate and miserable combo! Keep fighting the fight!
Margie
Thanks, Margie, it’s great to hear from you. You are too kind. Life has been good. Yes, I get my rear end kicked sometimes, but it’s all good. I saw your great new on FB today. Yay
Yes John, it has indeed been quite some time since your previous post and we’ve missed that very much. Thanks for the update although it seems as if you’ve been through quite a bit lately and sorry for that. Glad you’re weathering the storm as well as can be. You’re a champ!
I know Griff is awesome and you’re lucky to have such a GREAT dog. He must provide you with much pleasure and pride. Thanks for sharing the pictures and videos of him on his Instagram Profile.
Prostate cancer. My gosh! Sorry to hear that but that’s one less thing to worry about in the future. Most likely something I’ll be facing some day as its one of those things most men go through eventually. Glad R2D2 or C3PO did a good job with Doctor’s guidance.
Good luck with the job decision. Wishing you the very best and well being.
Hi, Larry,
I always appreciate your support and best wishes. Thank you. I’m hoping prostate cancer never catches up to you. Make sure you get a PSA blood test. Best to catch it early. I’m very lucky to have Griff. Right dog, right time.
Go Dodgers,
UC
Yay! A post from you. Life doesn’t seem to have been kind to you recently. I hope you get a reprieve for a while.
Hi, Janette,
Ah, I’m just whining. Life has been very kind to me. I just find ways to moan about it and make it harder than it should be. I will take that reprieve you mentioned. 🙂 Best to you. And thanks for leaving a note.
Best,
UC