A Bump in the Road - Dan Leonard's Personal Story

Prostate cancer affects the entire family. My prostate cancer story is not just my own, but also my wife’s, my children’s, and my grandchildren’s as well. When I received my diagnosis in early 2019, it was clear that this was not a journey I would be taking alone.

My family doctor, who is also one of my closest friends, had been watching my PSA numbers rise and fall for quite some time. Over the course of twenty years, we did two biopsies and looked for any possible infection for prostatitis – a bacterial infection that could be a cause for fluctuating PSA levels. After my PSA refused to  come down, he sent me for one more biopsy, and this time I was positive for stage one intermediate prostate cancer. To say my wife and I were shocked and frightened at the cancer word is an understatement, and it took us a few days to process.

We told our family and friends, who all showed us with unconditional support and love. The outpouring of caring and concern was so wonderful and supportive emotionally, I can say that helped prepare us for what lay ahead. As we told our kids, they had all the typical questions that accompany a diagnosis: how bad is it? What are my treatment options? How will this impact my life?

Telling my kids was hard enough; sharing the news with my grandchildren would be even more challenging. However, little did I know that their reaction would be one of the most inspiring things I could hear as a prostate cancer patient. My oldest granddaughter, who was 11 years old at the time, painted a picture of a nighttime sky, with the words “I wish that one day, cancer will only be a zodiac sign.” When she gave this to me with a hug, a kiss, and sweet encouragement, my spirits soared and I knew that anything was possible with the love and support of family and friends.

My wife and I call the painting “A Bump in the Road.” It meant so much to us, and after we shared our story with ZERO Prostate Cancer, they used the painting as part of their holiday cards last year. Our encompassing team — the doctors, caregivers, and support of of ZERO — got us over the ‘bump;’ I truly couldn’t have done it without the love of my family, and the support that caregivers provide. I am so very thankful for the early diagnosis, the incredible science behind the treatment options as well as the generosity of organizations like ZERO who spread the word, raise funds and help create a brotherhood of survivors.