Write Your Own Destiny, Don't Let Cancer Write It For You

I heard about a TV news report over the weekend that shows life goes on in all sorts of magnificent ways. It also proves babies have no sense of timing.

While the Northeastern U.S. was being pounded by Hurricane Irene, 17 babies were born at a hospital, even as the wind howled, the lights at the hospital flickered and the rains raged. Babies don't care what time it is, or what the weather's like, they always seem to arrive on their own schedule.

Life finds a way, folks.

For me, that's just another reminder that I'm not dying of cancer, I'm living with cancer. … And I plan to enjoy a loooong life. Besides, I've got a big bucket list of things to do:

• See my wife with our first child.

• Run (or walk) a marathon.

• Drive a race car on a track.

• Find the perfect tiramisu.

• See the San Jose Sharks win the Stanley Cup.

• Tour all the state parks in California.

• Tour the world.

• Put together a gallery showing of my seascape photos.

• Create a short film entry for the Mill Valley Film Festival.

• See the end of cancer.

Some of these things might not happen, but I know some of these (and others not listed here) might still be checked off the list. I just need time, energy, determination … and maybe a little help.

I've thought about how my obituary might read and I don't expect it to say I brought about world peace, but maybe I can still save part of the world. Maybe ...

Life finds a way, so don't take it for granted. Remember to seize every day, because we never know just how many days we have.

Just as a reminder, September is prostate cancer awareness month and Marin General Hospital is offering free scans. The initial screening, a PSA blood draw, will be offered to registered participants Sept. 1-16 at Marin General Hospital Outpatient Laboratories. The second part of the screening is a follow-up exam Saturday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Marin Cancer Institute, 1350 S. Eliseo Dr., Greenbrae. Advance registration for both screening parts is required; call 888-99-MY-MGH.

Want to help? I'm joining the walk to raise funds for the Caring For Carcinoid Foundation.