A New Journey: Staying Positive with Cancer

My last competitive Masters Track races were in Woodbridge New Jersey in mid-September 2016 in the 100 meters, 200 meters and 400 meters.  I kept training and focused on the upcoming 2017 indoor Masters Track events which start in early January and continue into late March.  I was really looking forward to competing in the 60 meters, 200 meters and 400 meters.

September 9, 2016 - Woodbridge, New Jersey, USA

On a cold fall Saturday, in October 2016, I went to my primary care physician for a complete physical exam with the normal routine of tests.  Based on the results, all key parameters seemed within the various limits and I really felt good about it.  I read further and on the last page of the report, I noticed my PSA levels were very high. Accordingly, my doctor recommended that I see a local urologist and thus got a referral and made the appointment.

During a span of the next three (3) months, I went and met three (3) different urologists and got varying opinions and viewpoints.  I also got additional tests done, an MRI, and finally got a biopsy.  I was mentally prepared to just be brave and braced myself to accept whatever the results may turn out to be.  The results of the MRI and biopsy indicated I tested positive.  Upon hearing the news, at that instantaneous moment, I did not feel any emotion, took a deep breath and just kept thinking of the “C” word – Cancer.

September 9, 2016 - Woodbridge, New Jersey, USA

Thereafter, over the next few days, it felt as if I had hit a brick wall.  Deep in the back of my mind, I just kept on thinking and saying to myself to just stay positive and I must go through whatever hurdles I need to go through to get over this new bump-in-the-road, a new hurdle, and a new challenge.

Thanks to my closest family, friends, colleagues, teammates and inspiring coaches at Trojan Masters Track Club and USC Track & Field Program, with deep introspect, I renewed my inner faith.

I have duly accepted to be responsible to myself and those around me.  I made a commitment to seek-out, listen, understand and appreciate the guidance and advice of proper doctors, latest state-of-the-art science and technology, implement proper lifestyle changes (diet/nutrition, rest, balance, and motivation) and most importantly – overcome fear. A new journey has now started for me and I can never ever look back.  I realize I must keep walking forward, step-by-step, stay positive and, Fight On!

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