Tag Archives: prostate cancer

“Benefits” Backstory Element: Prostate Cancer

One of the major backstory elements in my novel “Benefits” is the fact that the main character, Ben Schmidt, is a prostate cancer survivor.

“Benefits” is a sequel to my first novel “Benediction.” (Although I don’t think it’s required reading to understand “Benefits,” I’m sure it helps.) That first novel was written as a way for me to process what was going on with my body. Indeed, I am a prostate cancer survivor myself.

Why “Benediction”

I’d written creatively prior to the novels — but the fiction was limited to movie and TV scripts. I didn’t think my cancer story lent itself to those forms. Hence, “Benediction.” The action in that novel is primarily the story of Ben Schmidt working his way through prostate cancer treatment. Of course, there’s a few side plots involving sex, work intrigue, family relationships, and what not. Did I mention there was sex?

The cover of Jim Arnold's novel "Benediction" prior to a reading at the now-gone Different Light Bookstore in San Francisco, 2009. — “Benediction” on display before a reading at the (now gone) Different Light Bookstore on Castro Street in San Francisco.

Why “Benefits”

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Sex and lots of it. Because I like it and also because that’s one of the things that changes a lot for men post-prostate cancer. Thus, while “Benediction” took Ben through diagnosis and treatment of his cancer, “Benefits” follows Ben in the aftermath. As in: what is it like to live with the long-term effects of incontinence and ED (erectile dysfunction)?

So in “Benefits,” these side effects are just ongoing parts of Ben’s persona. They’re the things he deals with every day. Should he drop an erectile dysfunction pill in his pocket just in case the opportunity for sex presents itself? Will he be doing something sufficiently physical (working out, walking a lot or standing for a long time, etc.)? Stuffing a thin incontinence pad in his underwear might be a really good idea.

Those are just two of the realities former prostate cancer patients endure. In presenting a character that has this history, I hoped to enlighten those who are unaware as well as acknowledge those of us who live as prostate cancer survivors.

Those We Lost in 2013

So many people left my earthly circle this year, whether it’s friends’ parents, friends of friends, or acquaintances — it sure seemed like death was hovering over us more than usual. Maybe not, maybe I just paid more attention to it.

There were a few people I want to remember here, even if I did it before in the blog, as we close out the year I want to say goodbye once more.

Dennis Bogorad

Dennis Bogorad

Dennis died unexpectedly in his sleep last March. It was a great shock to all who knew him, and so devastating for his partner Mark and his other family and close friends. Dennis was one of my first fiction fans – someone who reached out into that internet ether and not only complimented me on my book “Benediction,” but wanted to get together to talk about it. What a way to flatter an author! So eventually we did meet. Dennis had also suffered through prostate cancer (a main theme in that book) and went on to found a number of discussion and support groups for gay men with those health concerns. He was a TV producer, sure, but he also brought those skills to his passion as an activist. He was one of those people who knew how to make things happen, and he leaves a great void in Los Angeles. You can read more about Dennis here.

Linda Palmer

Linda Palmer

Whenever I think of Linda I just can’t help but smile. She was just the most fabulous, bubbly, interesting, smart and wonderful woman! I just adored her. She’d been a studio exec, a wildlife photographer, a teacher and a writer. Probably many more things I don’t even know about! I knew her best as a writing teacher and then a writing colleague. She had such a way with students, so supportive and encouraging. Just the right amount, and not sentimental. She was, in a sense, very girly, but also very strong and independent. She was also someone to live her life on her own terms — something that so resonates here.

Joan Arnold

Joan Helen Arnold

Finally, my aunt Joan Arnold, who died in August at 92. Here’s a link to her obituary on this blog that I wrote earlier this year. What more can I say about her? One of a kind. Another great example of someone who lived life on her own terms, fiercely independent, definitely a role model for me as yet another single person in a big city. She definitely proved that not only could you work and go to the theater and out to dinner and pretty much do everything you always did well into your 90s: She also seemed to prove, to me, anyway, that in a big way the numerical age we all have is just some “idea,” to which we ascribe certain prejudices of what we should or should not be doing. Whenever I think of myself as that weird old guy on the bike with the blue lights, I think of my aunt going to work everyday at 92 years of age (and being a respected and valued member of the staff while there).

“You are remembered for the rules you break.” — Douglas MacArthur

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Dennis Bogorad: Finding Support, Gay Men with Prostate Cancer *

Congrats to friend Dennis Bogorad for writing this great piece for Huffington Post (Dennis Bogorad: Finding Support). *

As a prostate cancer survivor, I can attest to the simple fact that a PSA test did indeed save my life. Prostate cancer runs in my family; I had it in my mid-forties (very early for this kind of cancer) and one of my younger brothers has unfortunately followed in my footsteps, so to speak. If I hadn’t had that test at 46, my doctor probably wouldn’t have ordered one until age 50, at which point it might have well been too late. Once prostate cancer metastasizes, it’s incurable.

With the proper treatment, which, in my case included surgery for prostate removal followed by two months of external beam radiation, I’ve now been (knock on wood) cancer-free for over ten years.

Also in my case, there was a support group for gay men with prostate cancer in San Francisco, where I lived at the time. Going to those bi-weekly meetings over the course of about a year was crucial for me to get a sense of how my recovery was progressing, as well as for firmly understanding that I was not alone — the sense of which can be absolutely crushing.

Prostate cancer is awful and people don’t want to talk about it. Even totally successful treatment for the disease often involves various levels of erectile dysfunction and incontinence that can linger for years or forever. It’s not a shock that no one wants to think about it – believe me, especially those of us who’ve had it.

The medicine increases cialis line prescription the blood flow in penis, which invites sexual erection in a desired quantity. Hawthorn berry is one among the best herbal male enhancements used for stimulating the sexual http://www.learningworksca.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/CBD_Concept_paper_.pdf buy cialis levitra health of body. Since, it is a solid pills one need to consume one or two pills daily with water or milk after meals. learningworksca.org purchase viagra online How to increase your female libido naturally? The good news is there are natural ways to boost get viagra cheap your libido. That’s why it’s so great that these small support groups are there in Los Angeles, at the LA Gay Center at the Village. In a population that has a lot of other issues, not the least of which is the heterosexual assumption in medicine (as in, healthcare pros assume you’re straight until you tell them otherwise; many gay men never mention it) and the lack of any training to address this population.

As more of us “come out” about these aspects of our lives, one can only assume that the quality of our recovery will improve, as well as be an example for the world at large in discussing male cancers.

That simple blood test, once a year. PSA.

Oh, and by the way, I wrote a novel very loosely based on my experiences of that time. You can find out more about “Benediction” here.

* UPDATE March 26, 2013 – Very sad to report that Dennis unexpectedly passed away in his sleep on March 24. I’m honored to have known him and to have been a part of the important work he was doing around gay men’s health issues.

How Prostate Cancer Works!

Came across this little video which explains the process of prostate cancer in an entertaining way (entertaining for cancer, anyway). It was around the internets for Father’s Day, so I’m a few days late for that, but it’s always good information to have.
The video says that 80% of men can get PCa by age 80 – but obviously, that can come much younger.

The video also makes an attempt to explain rates around the world as well as some prevention measures, mostly focused on diet. So, get the man in your life to eat his tomatoes and fish oil!

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Links:

Prostate Cancer Foundation

Malecare

Livestrong

Blogtalk Radio, Together Again: Benediction

I was on blogtalk radio today with Coaches Jim and Marsha talking about prostate cancer and “Benediction” (It’s the 7 pm segment):

Together Again, March 19 2012 show

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The Last Movember Update

Jim's moustache on November 30, 2011

So here it finally is, this last day of Movember, how far this thing has grown. I started late, so it’s not quite as spectacular as it could have been, but what the hell. It’s for a good cause.

My moustache (Mo) has no doubt generated some laughs; all in the name of raising vital awareness and funds for cancers affecting men.

Why am I so passionate about men’s health?

*1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime (yeah, like me!)
*A man is diagnosed with prostate cancer every 2.2 minutes
*1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime
*24% of men are less likely to go the doctor compared to women

Please support my efforts by making a donation at http://mobro.co/JimArnoldLA.
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We only have a month to grow Mo’s and raise awareness and funds, so please come along for the ride.

Funds raised will help make a tangible difference to the lives of others. Through the Movember Foundation and their men’s health partners, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG, Movember is funding world class awareness, research, educational and support programs which would otherwise not be possible.

For more details on how the funds raised from previous campaigns have been used and the impact Movember is having please click on the links below:

About Movember
Prostate Cancer Foundation research
LIVESTRONG
Global Action Plan

Thank you for donating at http://mobro.co/JimArnoldLA and for helping me change the face of men’s health.

Movember Update, 11/28/11

11/28/11, casa de Jim

What is this caterpillar on my lip???

Just 3 more days to grow the damn thing, so I’m hoping to raise a few more bucks to support the fight against cancer.

Jim’s Movember Donation Page!
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Please consider donating $5 (or more) to Movember, by clicking the link above.

Your donation supports the Prostate Cancer Foundation, LIVESTRONG, and the Movember Foundation, all working the fight against male cancers.

I am a prostate cancer survivor. Thank you for your generosity during this Movember campaign!

Movember progress, November 26, 2011

Marie et Cie, November 26, 2011

Cannot Wait till the Damn Month is Over! Ha ha ha!

Jim’s Movember Donation Page!

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Your donation supports the Prostate Cancer Foundation, LIVESTRONG, and the Movember Foundation, all working the fight against male cancers.

I am a cancer survivor. Thank you for your generosity during this Movember campaign!

Movember progress, November 18, 2011

stache on November 18, 2011

Jim’s Movember donation area

It’s getting a little longer, a little darker…

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Your donation supports the Prostate Cancer Foundation, LIVESTRONG, and the Movember Foundation, all working the fight against male cancers.

Thank you – and join me in growing a moustache – movember.com to sign up.

Movember progress, November 16, 2011

November 16, 2011 stache progress (and new glasses, too!)

Jim’s Movember donation area

These jellies give you more staying power, bigger and harder erections and longer lasting stamina for more intense and more pleasurable intercourse with your partner. cialis super active Patients can also be treated with sildenafil österreich cold and heat therapy can be used to treat the patient. Generic cheap tadalafilBuy is an online pharmacy store which has complete stock of them for a month or two. You might still be able to take Kamagra Polo if you are suffering from these levitra 20mg generika frankkrauseautomotive.com conditions, but you are advised to consult a doctor. Stache is coming along. I’m growing it this month to support Movember, the month-long effort to raise funds and awareness for men’s cancers, including prostate and testicular.

I am a prostate cancer survivor. Ultimately, with research, this cancer will be eradicated. Each commitment, each donation moves us closer.