Support Robert's Journey to Health and Healing

June 18th, 2024 is forever embedded in my mind. It was a typical workday, until it wasn't. Early afternoon I received a call, from my urologist, regarding the results of my biopsy.

The shock, the sadness, the anger, it all hit me at once. I didn't wait. With hot tears streaming down my face, my first call was to my wife, my mama bear. Hearing that her papa bear, me, her rock, crying through the phone that I have prostate cancer was life shattering. It was what she later described as an immediate and very powerful punch straight to the gut.

I have cancer, and I'm man enough to say that I'm scared. My Gleason score of 7 is unfavorable and although it puts me at an intermediate-grade cancer, it also puts me at a greater disadvantage. It's indicative of more aggressive cancer cells.

After much research and doctor visits, we've concluded that having my prostate removed is the best option. We're very optimistic of a positive outcome and that I'll be victorious on the other side of this, and beat cancer. The best possible news, by far, is that the cancer hasn't spread beyond my prostate gland. That, in itself, is the silver lining and how we choose to look at the glass half full, opposed to half empty.

My surgery date is scheduled for September 27th of this month. It's only days away now, and I've been putting in a lot of extra hours at work to try and keep afloat. No matter how bad or how tired I'm feeling, it's been extremely important, to me, to work right up to the day before my surgery. I've incurred a lot of medical expenses in such a short time. Post surgery those expenses will only increase significantly.

For anyone unfamiliar with this type of procedure, to begin, it's a five hour surgery. In addition to the removal of my prostate gland, two pelvic lymph nodes will also be removed using the robotic approach. A catheter will be set in place for 7-10 days. After the catheter is removed, incontinence will consequently result to a diaper phase. Most men regain bladder control within 3-18 months.

Can someone tell me something? What is it about having cancer that causes such transparency? It just happens suddenly out of the blue, one day. A new kind of bravery surfaces. It emerges from right within your pores, your very essence, and screams aloud at you to acknowledge what is true.

In my case, I want to fully acknowledge that I haven't always been the man that I am today. Today, I am a drug counselor. I have a lot of people counting on me. I wasted a lot of years battling with my own addiction and the full blown addict that I used to be. Oh, the irony! I once was blind, but now I see...

I'm ten years sober now. The reward, alone, of reaching and connecting with those still out there on the battleground is far greater, to me, than any high I've ever experienced. It ripped me apart from a very close knit family, family members and loved ones for many many years. Family so dear to me... and I'm so proud to say have welcomed me back over time, because I was hell on wheels. Family is forever...

My urologist approximates my recovery time to return to work is within 6-8 weeks, post surgery. I'd show back to work in half that time if it were up to me, but mama bear is not having it. She stands firm, as all mama bears do, with a stern, "No, Papa, no! Not until you heal!"

Let me just clarify that my first name is Robert, Robert Alvarez. Mama and Papa Bear, we've known each other since young teens. Sometimes I don't know how she puts up with me. I'm more worried about money than I am about healing. In advance, I would like say that your donations both big and small are greatly appreciated. I can really use your help.

If this doesn't work out, maybe mama bear will let her papa bear go back to work a little early if I need to? No fat chance of that happening, lol. I already know. Just one thing more, very importantly, last but definitely not least, please pray for me...

With all my Love and Gratitude,

Robert Alvarez Sr