Journey Through Cancer – Chapter 40 – Officially from the Oncologist

Monday I had my appointment with the radiation oncologist to get the “official” word on the results the tests. Of course, following the current protocols in oncology today, he won't say anything definitive yet about whether we got the tumor, but he did say that the PSA test value of 1.7 was excellent. Furthermore, his digital rectal exam did not detect anything at all. Finally, he agreed that the absence of any prostate symptoms was also a good indication.
He wants to see me in another three months with another PSA test, as we continue the “surveillance” phase of the treatment plan. I do understand from the books I've read and the experience of other patients that I won't be declared a “survivor” officially until several years have passed cancer free. Nevertheless, I have pulled out the “I am a survivor” t-shirt that I bought weeks ago, even before my treatments were finished. I plan to start wearing it, because I now consider myself a survivor. I really don't care whether I meet the criteria to be “officially” a survivor. I am one now.
Once again I have survived another brush with death. However, I must not lose sight of the spiritual significance of this experience. Although death has come close and yet I still remain alive, I must remember that my death sooner of later will occur, possibly without warning. I can never know how long I have left to live. Nevertheless, the certainty of death and change are great truths with which we must come to terms. Furthermore, this helps us to establish the true value of everything else in our lives.
With that perspective, distractions which divert us from the path to enlightenment for ourselves and all other sentient beings are bad. On the other hand' everything that serves the cause of enlightenment for ourselves and all other sentient beings is good. Compassion, which is prerequisite to enlightenment, must have the highest value in our lives. Indeed, it is the force for all the good in our world, but its absence is a source of evil in our world. All the usual pursuits to accumulate money, property, fame and such are worthless. Furthermore, what we do to benefit ourselves alone is of little value, but what we do for the enlightenment of all sentient beings is of the greatest value.