How I Thrive with Stage IV Cancer

Best times continue when hope flows within you

Early 2020—“It’s progressed to Stage IV Prostate Cancer,” Dr. Jack said, nodding, “I’m so sorry.”

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer on June 2, 2009. Eleven years later, advanced prostate cancer had invaded my lungs and spine.

Me “How long have I got?”

Doctor Jack “You’ve got a 30% chance of surviving 5 years.”

In April of 2025 it will be five years since the tumors were found in my lungs.

Doctor Jack gave a long, firm handshake, “I feel sorry for the cancer,” he said and peered into my eyes, “It will not like putting up with you and your uplifting outlook.”

Having the Best Times while Battling to Live!

It was a blessing to be there at Hannah’s incubator in the NICU for hundreds of hours in 2009, late into the night, long after the other parents had left. Those precious daddy-daughter bonding dates, three months before Hannahs due date, taught me to live in the moment without fear or worry. I’ve continued living life as usual, staying busy while pursuing my dreams.

Introducing a holistic doctor to my medical team was crucial and complemented the traditional medical approach. It empowered me to take more of an active role in my healing journey.

Enduring Pulmonary Embolism twice in 2021 (multiple blood clots in lungs) and Pulmonary Effusion in 2023 through the summer of 2024 (massive fluid buildup in my left lung)(prognosis 10 months) almost murdered me. I defied the odds. Persevering through the brutal challenges gave me the confidence to conquer anything.

Since the Stage IV diagnosis, I've finished my book, Touched by Hannah, (which is being proofread). I’ve also penned twenty personal essays for HennSchtick, produced four award-winning films with victorious victories in NYC, San Jose, Yuba City, and Houston, and twenty-five episodes of my award-winning cable TV show, Yolo YoYo’s. One day I’ll tell you where the name Yolo YoYo’s came from. Now’s not the time this is serious stuff. 😂

I've also presented at several writer’s groups, including three writers' conferences.

I’ve got a secret—I’m not done. mShhh! There’s so much inside that needs to creatively work its way outside. It’ll be epic times infinity if I have the chance to achieve all of the projects my brain has filed in a fissure, ‘epic projects to do.’

This winter has been rough. I’ve suffered immensely from the horrible high-risk cancer drugs and their life-altering side effects, but I’d like to thank CVS for providing my monthly stash with no co-pay.

Countless molten lava-like hot flashes morph from your soul up through your existence in slow motion and the mental aspect could be described as mood swings on steroids. Neuropathy is a painful nerve disorder side effect from thirty-five radiation treatments = 8 pain 24x7. The other issues I never mention publicly.

It's my reality. I've accepted and can handle it.

I’m blessed and proud that I’ve spent plenty of quality and quantity time with my family. Without them, faugettaboutit, I’d be long gone. Goodbye.

I love my princess Hannah, little pumpkin Heather, and momma Betsy—born Betsy Walter. She’s solid, tough, hard-working, and godly like her mom and dad, Stephaine and Denny Walter, who’ve been married more than fifty years and are the boulders of our tight-knit clan fam.

I also pursue enriching activities with enriching folks. I’ve been helping my friend Mark Purdy, the San Jose Mercury News Hall of Fame Sports Journalist, to promote and publicize his stunning book, "The San Francisco 49ers: An Illustrated Timeline."

I read Mark’s column daily at San Jose coffee joints for two decades before starting my work day. I’m psyched to be able to help him out this Saturday. (Feb 1, see below)

Hey Sacramento Area 49ers Faithful! A Book Signing in Elk Grove, CA

Mark Purdy's upcoming Book Signing Event is Saturday, Feb 1, from 2 to 3:30 pm at A Seat at the Table Books, 9257 Laguna Springs Dr, Elk Grove, CA.

The event will allow fans to share memories and hear stories from a nationally award-winning journalist who covered the 49ers for over 30 years. I’m excited to be there to support Mark and film/take a few photos. Mark will sign his book, which will be available for purchase.

Below is the must-see Trailer film I recently produced to assist Mark’s journey.

And in the End

If you’re in the Sacramento area this Saturday afternoon, Feb 1, please drop by A Seat at the Table Books. We’d love to see you, and a good time is guaranteed!

I’m about to head into pristine sunshine, windless, and 60F with my daughter Heather for a two-mile walk through our historic hood just blocks from downtown Woodland, CA. Then, back to the house and into my awesome office, which overlooks lovely College Street, a bright, vibrant vibe that I dig.