Today went by quickly.  I suppose that was a good thing.  Tomorrow, I get the results from my Nuclear Bone Scan.  As I shared previously, my doc says that only 2 percent of these show any problem.  Of course, that doesn't prevent the nascent hypochondriac from conjuring up unaccounted for aches and pains too numerous to enumerate here by number (or letter, symbol, hieroglyphics, etc.) - I'm sure you get the point by now.  It's - let's just say unnerving - to know that any verdict received tomorrow is life-altering, although one road would be decidedly more perilous than the other.

Found in the early stages (like mine), the prognosis for prostate cancer sufferers is excellent.  The cancer is slow-growing, and generally contained within the organ itself.

On the other hand, the presence of any metastases is unwelcome news.  This involves a whole 'nother treatment protocol that I'm not even prepared to research at this point.  Call me a linear thinker if you will, but my brain just seems to work best when I connect one dot to the next one, and don't try to get too fancy in the process.

I really wasn't nervous about the cancer diagnosis - as I mentioned previously - but this decision has my attention.  Back when I was wrestling in high school, I (what? what was that you said? weight class? what do you mean, what weight class?) As I was saying, when I was (what? you really want to know? you just want to point at me and laugh? okay. 126 pounds junior year; 132 senior year. In fact, I have my senior year weight loss schedule in my possession - it's written on my creative writing folder from high school. Yes, I still have my creative writing folder, and yes, it has poetry in it - in fact, [stay tuned, nostalgia buffs!] I have some mimeographed copies... If you know what I am talking about, you are sniffing the air right now...  You can never - ever - forget the smell of a mimeograph...)

Holy segue, Batman - what a detour!  Sorry, boy wonder...

What I'm trying so hard not to say is that I'm waiting on the referee's decision.  Which way does my future go tomorrow? I'm thinking positively - and, by the way - thank you to all of you who continue to send prayers, best wishes, kind thoughts, and positive energy my way.  I feel ALL OF IT.  Thank you so very, very much.

I hope you'll keep reading the, and comment here or on my facebook page...  (Ken Petronis)

Be well!

Tonight's inspirational message comes from my friend Imani:

"Honestly you were the most humble, most fun, sweetest, most fun teacher EVER. I love the way you live your life with sooo much free will.  You're not afraid to surpass limits and break the rules.  I'll miss you sooooooooooooooooooooo much.  You are an amazing individual, and don't you forget it! Thank you for all you have done for me, Mr. P."

Again, I have to tell you, I just pick these messages at random, and Imani, did I ever need to hear that tonight - I've (I want to say always, but I can't) generally liked myself and who I am, but I've had more than my moments of doubt.  Messages like yours remind me that what I do is important and worthwhile, and that I AM a good person.  You mentioned humble, so I can't claim to be an 'amazing individual,' but it is still nice to hear it, especially from someone so aware and tuned in.

In closing, however, I feel compelled to point out that you mentioned 'fun' twice.  That's the good stuff, right there.

Good night all.

Carpe diem...