FAQ!
Frequently Asked Questions
CAUTION: THIS WEBSITE IS MAINTAINED BY AN AGING RETIREE; DON'T EXPECT MIRACLES.
What's on my mind!
Since my cancer diagnosis arrived and upended my plans, I have been informing my family and friends about my journey with the disease (and the ups and downs of treatment). Cancer is a bit of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it reminds you that we are all going to die some day (except it means I will die sooner than "planned"). On the other hand, it definitely forces you to start choosing exactly how you want to spend your time, pretty much every day.
If I had nine lives, I would spend one of them with a whole lot of books.
The downside of having so many wonderful friends is that there just isn't enough time to spend with them all. Especially when rumors of my demise are only slightly premature (as of this writing, anyway). Since I don't have any visible symptoms, you may be wondering how long it will take for me to die! Join the club. We all have busy lives and geography plays a role (my friends in Italy might notice my obituary after the fact, I suppose). Most of you are roughly my age, so you are likely juggling parenting or health concerns of your own. Some of you are even fleeing the country. I love Maine and I will stay right here.
I thought this might be a good way to answer some of your questions in advance, but you can always ask more [privately or publicly].
4 April 2025
What's on your mind!
When were you diagnosed with Stage IV Prostate Cancer?
April 2022
Does it hurt?
Not yet.
How are you being treated?
Hormone therapy; I have ruled out surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Have you had any side effects?
Yes. Fatigue, hot flashes, lymphedema, brain fog [possibly], neck and shoulder pain [possibly].
How much time do you have left?
Predictions vary from 9 months to 2 years; it isn't clear how much of my time would be enjoyable.
Are you uncomfortable talking about your situation?
Not really, but I would rather spend time talking about what you are doing and the things we usually enjoying discussing. A certain amount of discussion of symptoms and plans is inevitable, but in moderation. We will all die some day. It is not imminent. See my answer to the next question.
How do you plan to spend your remaining time on Earth?
Trying to live a "normal life", doing all the things I enjoy, including chess, programming, reading, watching movies and videos, keeping up with politics and economics, trying to find time for painting and drawing, listening to good music, eating [and that should probably be near the top of the list], spending quality time with Gale, family and friends.
What will you do with all your stuff?
Give it away or throw it away if nobody wants it.
What about your online presence?
We are closing down things like LinkedIn and the many chess website subscriptions that I no longer need [except for the ones I use regularly]. I have unsubscribed (or tried to unsubscribe) from a lot of magazines, newspapers and political sites. My email volume is gradually shrinking.
Do you have a bucket list?
Yes. Working on it. I have some ideas but I need to prioritize, obviously. Norway is off the table.
Do you have any wisdom to share before it's too late?
You can't fit five pounds into a three-pound bag. More to come.
Have you made arrangements for 'the end'?
We started shopping for a crematorium a little while ago. We want to get everything ready before the event occurs.