About Living While Dying
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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Author Bio:
Thom's journey mirrors an adventure novel, distinguished by his resilient spirit against life’s challenges. As a former PwC partner, his 35-year career was not just a testament to his business acumen but also to his creative flair and passion for technology, all intertwined with an ever-present zest for adventure.
Now enjoying the tranquility of Cape Cod in retirement, Thom dedicates his creativity to crafting furniture. His commitment to community shines through his work with Habitat for Humanity and his role as a set builder for the Cotuit Center for Performing Arts. Beyond the serene Cape, Thom’s heart beats for exploration – his travels have taken him from the vibrant villages of Central America to the untamed beauty of North America’s landscapes.
Gazing into the future, Thom's ambitions are limitless. He is poised to delve into the majestic allure of Antarctica and undertake a momentous trek along the western coastline of South America, journeying from Ushuaia, Argentina, all the way to Colombia. His thirst for adventure doesn't stop there; the following year, he plans to complete an awe-inspiring circumnavigation of Australia.
Yet, amidst this vibrant mosaic of exploration and giving back, Thom is engaged in a deeply personal and valiant struggle. For the past eight years, he has been bravely facing cancer, which has recently progressed to stage IV. Despite this, Thom confronts this challenge with the same courage and zeal he brings to every facet of his life.
Thom's story is more than a collection of experiences; it’s a source of hope and motivation. His writings, born from a rich life and bravely fought, aim to empower readers. Whether grappling with a health crisis or standing beside someone who is, Thom’s narrative is an inspiring call to action – to embrace and cherish every moment of life. His words, a blend of adventure and resilience, are a testament to his journey and a guiding light for others navigating their paths.