When I first received the news of my prostate cancer diagnosis, the weight of those words felt like a fog. The reality of hearing the 'C-word' attached to my name left me momentarily deaf to everything else.

It took weeks for me to acclimate to the news. By July, I'd learned I had Stage 2 prostate cancer—a diagnosis that came as both a shock and a solemn blessing. Despite the overwhelming nature of the situation, I found myself faced with treatment options, a rare chance to combat this disease early thanks to routine check-ups and PSA tests.

The Options: A Heavy Burden

Sitting in my urologist’s office, I held a paper outlining various treatment approaches. My wife and I quickly eliminated the first option, 'Active Surveillance.' We were both adamant: 22Oh, hell naw.22 I wanted to eradicate the cancer, not sit idle and wait.

As we explored options like robotic surgery and radiation, my daughter joined the discussion through FaceTime from Los Angeles, while we bombarded the urologist with questions. It felt essential to arm ourselves with knowledge.

Faith as a Guiding Light

After our consultation, our shared Christian faith became an anchor. The urologist surprised us by asking if he could pray with us—an experience that only solidified my resolve. A week later, I publicly announced my diagnosis and declared my intention to fight it with faith.

My family has a history with prostate cancer; my father succumbed to it decades ago. The statistics are grim—one in six Black men will face this diagnosis, with a much higher mortality rate compared to white men. That reality hung over my head as I navigated through the whirlwind of emotions and decisions.

Choosing to Wait

Despite the tumult, I clung to my faith and resisted the urge to dive into online research. Instead, I leaned into scripture, anchoring myself in passages that spoke of strength and renewal. Yet, I also knew I needed to consult other urologists. One encouraged active surveillance, a choice I had dismissed initially.

After deliberation, I began to take this option seriously. My urologist agreed that monitoring was still a feasible approach, particularly after running a genetic test that indicated my cancer had a low risk of metastasis.

A Spiritual Journey

The term 'active surveillance' feels like an oxymoron—waiting while doing something. I’ve shared my journey with only a few people, who often ask how treatment is going. 22Great,22 I tell them, because it truly feels right for now.

This unexpected delay has heightened my spirituality, compelling me to trust in a higher power while also embracing medical wisdom. As I await my next PSA results, I feel a profound peace in the plan I’ve chosen.

In a world of uncertainties, I’ve learned that sometimes, waiting is the bravest option—allowing both faith and science to guide my path.