... be you the HoH, TiH, Dominant, Submissive, Top or Bottom, husband or boyfriend ... if you are male, this little PSA from Frank and Nora Jean Cawder is for you ... and your SO because, ultimately it affects you both ...
October is almost over and November is lurking ... yes, that is my little tongue in cheek reference to the fact I understand, from reading many of the last year blog posts, November is ttwd Blogland's "LOL (Love our Lurkers)" month. However, for some of us, November is also known as Movember ...
Whaaat the heck is Movember?, you say .... here is the description straight from Wikipedia ...
Movember (a portmanteau of the Australian-English diminutive word for moustache, "mo", and "November") is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men's suicide. The Movember Foundation runs the Movember charity event, housed at Movember.com. The goal of Movember is to "change the face of men's health."
By encouraging men (whom the charity refers to as "Mo Bros") to get involved, Movember aims to increase early cancer detection, diagnosis and effective treatments, and ultimately reduce the number of preventable deaths. Besides annual check-ups, the Movember Foundation encourages men to be aware of family history of cancer and to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Since 2004, the Movember Foundation charity has run Movember events to raise awareness and funds for men's health issues, such as prostate cancer and depression, in Australia and New Zealand. In 2007, events were launched in Ireland, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Spain, the United Kingdom, Israel, South Africa, Taiwan and the United States. As of 2011, Canadians were the largest contributors to the Movember charities of any nation. In 2010, Movember merged with the testicular cancer event Tacheback.
Why do Frank and I care enough to bring this to the attention of Blogland? ...
Fourteen years ago this Fall, one month shy of his 54th birthday, Frank was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Four months later he had a radical prostatectomy. We were, at the time, fortunate enough to be living in an area that had one of the top prostate cancer research centres in the world. Frank was able to access the skill and care of one of the centre's top surgeons. The early discovery and the low staging of his tumour, meant he was able to come out of the surgery with nerves intact ... all of this was life changing but not as life changing as it could have been if it had gone undetected.
We bring this month of Movember to your attention because it is well known that men are notoriously bad about looking after their own health. In the case of prostate cancer, it will strike one in seven men in their life time ... not a trivial number. For more statistics and an interesting article on prostate cancer (part 1 of a 7 part series), check this out.
Regular (as in yearly) medical checkups are recommended for men over the age of 40 ... particularly if there is family history of cancer or other similar health issues. Take care of yourselves ... your partners want you around ... there is no ttwd without you!
So wanna have reason to grow some hair on your face? or wanna a reason for your man to grow some facial hair? ... check out Movember (each supporting country will have it's own specific site) ... grow that 'stache (or 'mo') you've always wanted or if you already have one, grow it bigger or crazier than it is today ... and raise some money for a good cause.
... and even if you don't 'do Movember', do take yourselves to your Doc if a checkup is due! ...
Fourteen years ago this Fall, one month shy of his 54th birthday, Frank was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Four months later he had a radical prostatectomy. We were, at the time, fortunate enough to be living in an area that had one of the top prostate cancer research centres in the world. Frank was able to access the skill and care of one of the centre's top surgeons. The early discovery and the low staging of his tumour, meant he was able to come out of the surgery with nerves intact ... all of this was life changing but not as life changing as it could have been if it had gone undetected.
We bring this month of Movember to your attention because it is well known that men are notoriously bad about looking after their own health. In the case of prostate cancer, it will strike one in seven men in their life time ... not a trivial number. For more statistics and an interesting article on prostate cancer (part 1 of a 7 part series), check this out.
Regular (as in yearly) medical checkups are recommended for men over the age of 40 ... particularly if there is family history of cancer or other similar health issues. Take care of yourselves ... your partners want you around ... there is no ttwd without you!
So wanna have reason to grow some hair on your face? or wanna a reason for your man to grow some facial hair? ... check out Movember (each supporting country will have it's own specific site) ... grow that 'stache (or 'mo') you've always wanted or if you already have one, grow it bigger or crazier than it is today ... and raise some money for a good cause.
... and even if you don't 'do Movember', do take yourselves to your Doc if a checkup is due! ...
as as always ... thanks for dropping by ... nj & Frank
Thank you Frank and NJ for highlighting this very important issue. I'm glad to say Movember is very strong here in NZ and well supported. We also have Blue September here to raise awareness and fundraise for men's health.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you have been personally affected by prostate cancer and so glad it was detected early and that Frank received the best care and treatment.
Hugs
Roz
Hi Roz ... Happy to hear Movember is alive and well in NZ. Frank doesn't worry about the prostate cancer so much any more. Its been a long time. We've made all the life adjustments needed over the years. Now it's the twice a year kidney cancer checkups that put him on edge. He has one more test today, with results in 3 weeks and then he can relax for another 6 months ...
DeleteHugs! ... nj
Believe it or not I heard about Movember from my youngest daughter a number of years ago. She bakes moustache cookies and sells them at work -- her dad made her the cookie cutter -- and everyone in the family pitches in -- mostly with the decorating... last year she made 500 moustache cookies and sold every last one of them -- all money going to research.
ReplyDeleteWe all need to say alert when it comes to cancer -- and all need to encourage our loved ones to be tested - for prostrate - for breast - for bladder - for all cancers !
But then I'm a bit rabid on the subject :)
Wow, Morningstar! ... thats a lot of 'stache cookies! ... I am happy to hear about support coming from the younger generation.
DeleteI hear you on your passion for the subject. Prostate cancer was Franks first run in with cancer. The kidney cancer he had 3 yrs ago, although not as life impacting overall, was/is a heck of a lot scarier. ... nj
OH Lord !! NoraJean -- you two have had more than your fair share of scares!!! I remember a blog that said that the medical news was good -- so I am assuming Frank is in remission?
Deleteit's a scary thing -- reminds us of our mortality for sure.. but I find it makes me more determined to squeeze in as much living as I can in every day :)
Yes, Frank has had more than his share of health issues including 2 bouts of cancer. However he is healthier now than he has been in years. At his last checkup his Doc, after first saying not til next year, decided he did want another CT as a precaution so that's what he had today. We were assured all routine, no need to worry. Yeah right :))
Delete... we made big life changes including early retirement and moving here all as a result of that first bout of cancer. No regrets what so ever! ... nj
My daughter asked her uncle yesterday if he was participating in 'no shave November'. Much the same thing. Nick is good about going once a year for his check up. I've never seen him without a beard and mustache. There is an added bonus for the ladies - I won't go into details. I'll let you discover it on your own.
ReplyDeleteYay! ... again, so encouraging to hear the younger folks taking up the cause. Frank has always had facial hair as well ... both a mustache and beard, until a year ago when he had to shave the beard for a CPAP trial (which didn't pan out). However, I and others convinced him to keep the no beard look ... he looks younger without the snowy white beard and the rest of me doesn't really miss either ;)) ... nj
DeleteI just checked with my Sherriff, he wont be participating in Movember, but blissfully is diligent in check ups.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding us NJ. I am glad you have your Frank.
Boo
Happy to hear your man gets in a regular checkup, Boo. Yes, I happy to have my man as well. His numerous health issues over the year have made me realize just how lucky I am ... nj
DeleteHold on tight yo him NJ, the best is still ahead of you!
DeleteBoo
Nora Jean and Frank, Thanks for this important message. We really support the work being done and the doctors dedicated to treatment of this cancer.
ReplyDeleteJust last week, Sam and I had a long talk about how the media educates women about mammograms for the early detection of breast cancer, but hardly ever mentions the necessity for men to check for prostate cancer.
From One Who Knows,
Ella
I know what you are saying, Ella. I think prostate cancer is often thought of as an 'old man's disease' ... so yes, there needs to be more campaigning to clear up that myth and to encourage men (and in some cases, the medical profession itself) to start regular prostate screening after 40.
DeleteHugs! ... nj
Interesting fact about Canada being the leading raiser of funds in this area. Our families have both been touched by prostate cancer- B's father, though he was much older and they let it be as they said it would be slow growing at his age, and my favourite Uncle, who they manage it but he didn't fair as well as Frank the operation was damaging. HOWEVER he's still here! Initially they thought my Dad had prostate cancer, but unfortunately it was colon. Men's health and cancer can be just as tricky to diagnose in 'that area' as women. Very important we all are vigilant that is for sure. Cancer is so incredibly sneaky.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to all who are participating. B has a beard already and we are not heading for Duck Dynasty or ZZ top over here ( doesn't work with his line of work).
willie
I'm sorry to hear about B's father, your father and your Uncle, Willie. Colon cancer is another big concern as well, for which there is also now a simple routine test that can be done. Frank and I participated in a trial for that program here in western Canada. I guess a key message is regular medical checkups should not be ignored.
DeleteLaughing over Duck Dynasty and ZZ Top. We've had a few of those in this household over the years! ... most recently from our son :))) ... nj
Unfortunately my Dad succumb to colon cancer before regular screening was a thing. But because of that the rest of us now know the importance!
DeleteThanks for this information, NJ. Movember, eh? I'm not fan of the facial hair on Storm because it hurts my face when he grows it out during that very prickly stage. Ugh! Hugs! Windy
ReplyDeleteFrank used to be one of those guys who, after shaving in the morning, would have a five oclock shadow by noon so a beard was preferably to whisker burn :)) Now, with age, he stays smoother longer so I no longer miss the beard. Hugs! ... nj
DeleteHi Nora Jean you sent me an email this morning. I didn't reply as it came with a scary this email is dangerous message! Also I didn't send a message to you first so I have no idea where it came from in the first place. I am not about blogland much at the moment. Please don't think I am being rude not replying. Hope you are okay
ReplyDeletelove Jan, xx
Hi Jan ... I've also been getting a number of those same somewhat scary looking messages from other gmail accounts ... including my mom and kids so I will have to check further see what the big deal is. In my case followed the directions to put in a filter that said such emails weren't spam.
DeleteVery weird that my blog email received notification of an outdated post of yours, especially if you haven't been around about in Blogland ... We are fine ... and since you haven't been around, I hope you are ok! .... hugs! ... nj
NJ,
ReplyDeleteGreat advice for couples to follow. Our physicals for our health insurance mandates tests and checks each and every year. So wise to do. Thank you for the psa.
Meredith
Hi Meredith ... so great that your health insurance makes sure all the boxes get ticked. And yes, the PSA test makes it much simpler now than in the past, although it was a physical examination that first detected Frank's cancer. ... nj .. xx
DeleteNo ‘tache for Harry, it just doesn’t suit him! I think we’re a long way behind here in the UK, no regular screenings. Harry has been checked out but he had to push for it.
ReplyDeleteRosie xx
Hi Rosie ... if you and Harry prefer him 'naked' (haha!) then that's the way it should be. However, not good that you have to push to get what should be regular screening. Glad Harry pushed. Tell him to keep pushing! ... nj ... xx
DeleteHi Nora Jean,:) This is an important and wonderful post! Thank you for writing it.
ReplyDeleteAs a nurse, and a wife too, I know how hard it is to get fellas to get in there and have a physical. I nagged enough (worth the spanking if anyone has to go that route, though I did not receive one for that kind of insistence) over the last few years, and luckily Rob has taken it to heart. He keeps up with his physicals and screenings. Next month he has his annual physical.
Rob has been sporting a beard since the early years of our dating, many moons ago. I love Love LOVE his beard and moustache. It has found its way to looking salt and peppery in recent years, which I find incredibly good looking. Thank you for sharing. So glad that Frank got an early diagnosis years ago, and that all has gone well! Many hugs,
❤️Katie xoxo
You are welcome, Katie! :>)) I am happy to hear Rob is getting himself checked regularly. Yes, we are do fairly well, all things considered. Funnily enough, we find that most of the 'adjustments' we had to make as a result of the prostate cancer, are adjustments many of our peers are now having to make because of age ... lol! ... which has me figuring we are ahead of the game :>)) ... thanks for dropping by ... it was good to 'see' you again! ... nj ... xx
DeleteI’m behind on reading in blogland but wanted to comment here because your message is so very important.
ReplyDeleteFirstly, I’m happy to hear that Frank is healthy and doing well, two scares is two too many. May sailing for you both be smooth from here on.
Secondly Movember is a wonderful movement worthy of a lot of support and attention. It’s great that you’ve used your blog to bring even more awareness to it. Good for you.
I’m happy to say that here we both have regular checkups and always have. Taking care of our health is a priority.
Finally...I LOVE my guy with facial hair, that sexy, scruffy look is so appealing to me. I am now going to talk this up big time to him....a little growth, and a donation could go a long way!
Great post Nora Jean!
Hi Laurel ... thank you for the well wishes. Yes, although Frank has had 2 bouts of cancer, there are others who have been through more trying times re diagnosis and treatment so in many ways we consider him lucky. Good that you both are conscientious about taking care of yourselves!
DeleteYes, do take advantage of the time of year and get your man to give you that bit of scruff you're looking for :>))) I have always loved facial hair as well and Frank has always had it in some fashion ... right now it's the least he's ever had but it does make him look younger as his beard had gotten very white.
Thanks for popping by, Laurel! ... nj