Community Spotlight: Cliff

Cliff Hauswirth shares his story of learning about and living with his stage IV prostate cancer. After his doctor broke the news and told Cliff he only had months left to live, Cliff decided to fight his cancer and dedicate his life to helping others.

The day I learned about my prostate cancer

Hi, friends, my name is Cliff Hauswirth and I am 64 years old. Three years ago I went for a physical for the first time in over twenty years. My bloodwork revealed a PSA of 2136. My doctor referred me to a urologist. He arranged for all the scans and more bloodwork and 14 biopsies.

On the way to get my diagnosis, I was hoping for stage III since my PSA had risen to over 4000. The urologist opened my file and said I had stage IV prostate cancer with a Gleason 9. He told me that I should get my affairs in order as I only had two months to live. It was a terrible day for my family with lots of tears. The next day I decided to fight the beast with everything I had.

Dedicating my life to helping others

I start each morning by looking out the window and saying thank you and ask for strength. I end each day on my knee and say thanks for today. Most days I focus on what I am grateful for. Sitting at home waiting to die was not an option for me. I dedicated the rest of my life to helping others in recovery from alcoholism and prostate cancer.

When I go to medical appoints I smile and say that today is the best day of my life. I look for an unhappy-looking person and sit with him and listen to his story. I offer words of encouragement.

You don't need to face this beast alone

Being a member of AA for eleven years has helped me fight the beast.

I have a cancer sponsor who has been fighting cancer for nine years. I call him often. The program has taught me to fight for my life and accept what is, to do my best each day is good enough, it's ok not to be strong every day, to reach out for help, and not to be self-centered.

The enormous outpouring of love and prayers from the members has really helped me.

Making my treatment decision

A friend took me to our local cancer center where I was to see three different oncologists. I had done a lot of research and it seemed that my only chance was ADT. After looking at the side effects there was no way I was going to take it. I was going to go out in a blaze of glory.

The doctors said that Zoladex with Casodex was my only option. I said no and they encouraged me to stay and think about it. After whining and complaining for an hour, I realized that I was being self-centered and took the shot.

Remember to be grateful and enjoy each day

In the last three years, I have learned to deal with the side effects. Plenty of rest and exercise helped. It wasn't really that bad. The side effect that is wonderful is that I'm alive and well today.

The best advice that I can give to my fellow Warriors is to be grateful for today and to enjoy each day. Gratitude and self-pity cannot coexist. Living in the now takes away the fears of tomorrow.

I wish you all the best in your fight against the beast.

Peace and Love,
Cliff

Cliff chronicles his life with stage IV as well as his sobriety journey in his blog, Too Busy Living To Die