Michael´s original post is above if you scroll lots and here is what Chat GPT did with it (it looks much better in Word, but you will get the idea!)
Michael’s Advice: Tips & Rules for Living with Prostate Cancer
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1. Understand That Prostate Cancer Is Not One Disease
Prostate cancer is not homogenous. There are many types, stages, and treatment paths. Some men live long, full lives with a curable, slow-growing form. Others, like me, face a more aggressive version. If you have the latter, be prepared: people may not grasp the seriousness. This can be frustrating - especially with friends, family, work, or insurance providers. Seek support from your medical team to help navigate these conversations.
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2. Learn the Art of Waiting—Without Pausing Life
Living with cancer means living in a constant cycle of waiting for test results, scans, and appointments. But while you're waiting, time is still passing. Don’t press pause on life. Find ways to live meaningfully in the in-between moments. Don’t let cancer steal more time than it already has.
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3. Your Diagnosis Affects Others, Too
Even if you're surrounded by love and support, remember—your loved ones are also carrying a heavy emotional load. They don’t have your firsthand experience; they rely on your updates and your honesty. Try to be real with them, even if it means using humour to soften the blow. Lean on them, but also be mindful of their need for support.
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4. Accept - But Don’t Surrender
At first, I resisted slowing down. I thought accepting fatigue or pain was giving in. But acceptance doesn’t mean defeat - it means conserving energy for the right moments. Rest when you need to. Save your strength to enjoy life. That’s not giving in. That’s fighting smart.
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5. Focus on What Truly Matters
A cancer diagnosis changes your perspective overnight. Suddenly, all the things that used to consume your energy - work stress, minor annoyances - fall away. It becomes clear that very few things truly matter. Focus your time and energy on those.
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6. Stop Doom-Scrolling
Googling your prognosis rarely leads anywhere good. Online statistics don’t know you, your strength, or your support system. It’s natural to search, but try to limit it. Talk to your doctors. Stay informed, but don’t let the internet steal your peace of mind.
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7. Let Cancer Open Unexpected Doors
Yes, there can be positives. I’ve made friends I never would have met otherwise. I’ve had to leave work, which, surprisingly, created space for new experiences and meaningful moments. Cancer changes everything, but not all change is bad. Stay open to the good that might come from it.
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8. Hold Onto Hope and Make Plans
Even with advanced cancer, I still make plans - weekends with friends, time with family, and trips to recharge. These plans give life meaning. Keep looking forward, even if the future is uncertain.
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9. You’re Not Alone
Whether you're newly diagnosed or years into the journey, know this: you’re part of a community. Talk to people. Stay informed. Be kind to yourself. And don’t panic, you will find your way.
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10. Everyone’s Path Is Different
These are my learnings. Yours may be different. And that’s okay. The path is deeply personal, but we learn from each other. Share your story when you’re ready, and listen, someone else may need to hear it.
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Michael’s Final Words
“For those on a curative pathway, please stay cancer-free - I send all my positivity.
For those not, let’s hang on for as long as possible.
And for those just joining this club, don’t panic. Stay informed and keep talking to those closest to you. You will prevail.”