In Living While Dying, Thom Barrett shares his journey and lessons learned while battling prostate cancer. His journey began with a wake-up call eight years ago. At the time, he believed he was already living life to the fullest but was now facing a potentially limited lifespan, which changed his perspective entirely. This book explores how, despite his diagnosis, he has embraced life and aimed to give as much as he has received from it. The journey started in 2015 with rising PSA levels, leading to a biopsy in 2016 that confirmed cancer at stage II. Initially, he believed removing the prostate gland would resolve the issue, but it turned out that the cancer had spread to the seminal vesicles, putting him at stage III. From 2016 to 2019, Thom enjoyed a life of travel and activity, thinking he had beaten cancer. However, in 2019, rising PSA levels prompted a new treatment plan: external beam radiation and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), which he underwent for six months along with thirty-eight radiation sessions. Life continued to be fulfilling as PSA levels remained undetectable. Thom traveled extensively, volunteered with various organizations, and cherished each moment. Then, in early 2023, the PSA levels rose once more. Extensive tests revealed that the cancer had metastasized to lymph nodes and the chest, marking stage IV. While the prognosis is challenging, Thom remains hopeful, defying statistics. This book seeks to shed light on the daily challenges of living with both the disease and its treatments and explores how it impacts those close to individuals facing this diagnosis. The goal is to outlast the survival rate and maintain a quality of life you cherish. At 67 years old, Thom has lived a full life and plans to continue doing so, despite cancer’s presence. While this isn’t a how-to book with secret solutions, Thom shares his journey of living with cancer, emphasizing the importance of a positive outlook and truly living life, not merely existing with the disease. This narrative will inspire readers to seize every moment, whether they are navigating their own cancer journey or supporting someone on that path
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