James became a part of the Bringing Hope Home Family in June 2024 after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. His treatments were at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. While his treatments are complete, and he is cancer free, the stress from the diagnosis continues. He is a self-proclaimed “people person” who enjoys connecting with people and helping when he can. “I like to make things happen!” He has a strong faith, a wonderful voice which he uses as a member of the men’s choir of his church. He is passionate about his faith, friendships and his work.
Early in his career, James worked in insurance. Then he started his work as a Flight Attendant, which he retired from. Prior to his interview with BHH, James’ received disheartening news that his unemployment had been denied again for the 2nd time. While his financial and emotional toll of the cancer diagnosis continues. Today, he is proud (& hopeful) that soon he will be flying again with a new job as a flight attendant. Being a “flight attendant is his passion “and he is thankful that he can pursue this.
James found out about his cancer when he had his PSA level checked. “My doctors and the team were great. They supported me and advocate for me.” James shared when he first stepped into the room for his radiation treatments, the “machine” is very intimating. “Even though you know your team of people are outside the room, it is just YOU in that room.” He shared he cried when he entered the treatment room, “that is when you ask the question. Why?” When he successfully completed treatments, he had a whole crew of his friends join him ring the bell with him.
How Bringing Hope Home helped:
“I felt very much supported with the help Bringing Hope Home gave me. It helped with my mortgage payment. The food gift card was so helpful in getting grocery.” Just as his care team supported him, he feels that BHH supported and helped him through this difficult time. Keeping connected to Bringing Hope Home remains to be a helpful resource for him. During our interview, James advised he was feeling overwhelmed the past few days. “It was helpful to speak with someone who understood all he had been going through.”
What would you like to share about your cancer journey?
“It was a journey”, and he tried to keep the faith. Church became a big part of keeping faith. He talks to his friends, family, especially his sisters who he talks to about everything. The biggest bump in the road was having to learn how to navigate the thoughts about dying. Having time on his hands with no set agenda or schedule has been difficult for him. He gives himself permission to have a down day, but he has made a promise to God that he is going to change the way he does some things in his life. “I look for signs of progress by trying to take time for myself and to be alone with God. James tries walking 3-4 miles daily. “As you get older, you realize your body changes; the aches and pains you feel a little more”. James credits his commitment to keep moving that has helped him keep his weight down which improves his overall health and keeps him motivated.
What advice would you give someone who is facing a similar diagnosis?
“Being diagnosed with cancer is a hard pill to swallow and you are going to get through it.” Trying to still enjoy living life and not focus on dying. “I needed to stay a busy as I could to keep my mind off it”. Have friends and family nearby to help drive you to treatment if possible. “It was meaningful to me to have someone who knew me to drive me to treatment. Someone I could talk to about everything that was going on.”
Here are a few more of James’ suggestions:
- Find a good therapist
- Stay positive – find either a good church community or creative community that you connect to.
- Look for a “buddy” within your cancer treatment program.
- Let people be there for you, don’t do it alone if you don’t have to.
James continues to be hopeful and move forward through the ups & downs since his cancer diagnosis. “I just keep trying to make things happen!”. He recently had a birthday and when he walked into the house all these people were there to surprise him – he was shocked but again remains very grateful for his friends and family.
James continues to move forward and is cancer free. Thank you, James, for being a part of HOPE Nation!