by Phil Goss | Special to the Courier

Hello. I am a prostate cancer survivor and a graduate of The Claremont Club’s free Living Well After Cancer Program.

I joined The Claremont Club after businesses were allowed to open back up after the Covid pandemic. I noticed information posted about its Living Well After Cancer program, but I didn’t pay much attention to it other than think, “What a great program for someone dealing with cancer and the aftermath.” Little did I know at that time, three years later I would be joining the “one-out-of-seven men’s club” of men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

One of my best friends is a retired physician. I have shared with him my medical history regarding my spinal stenosis and subsequent back surgery. I asked him to look at a recent MRI report and explain to me what the report was saying about my prostate. It was the evening of Super Bowl Sunday 2024 that he told me I had prostate cancer. It is hard to put into words the feelings I had after hearing the diagnosis. I had just gone through back surgery 11 months prior. It was the follow-up MRI my neurosurgeon ordered that revealed another surgery was most likely needed.

After meeting with a surgical oncologist several times and having a biopsy confirming prostate cancer, I made the decision to have a radical prostatectomy, where the entire gland, supporting ducts, nerves, and some lymph nodes were removed. This decision eliminated radiation and chemotherapy for me, since there was no cancer found anywhere else in my body. What a relief!

After six weeks of recovery, I decided to inquire about The Claremont Club’s Living Well After Cancer Program. It provided me physical training, and I gained back confidence, dignity and fitness. It has been nothing short of a blessing. The program has changed by whole outlook on life. I am not a cancer victim; I’m a proud cancer survivor.

I was part of a four-man training group that met twice a week for three months. During this time, our group bonded and became friends, rooting each other on through the good days and not so good days. This camaraderie is the biggest takeaway for me. Many men don’t feel comfortable talking about their struggles, but I found it very helpful to have friends to share what was going on with my cancer journey.

I can’t speak highly enough about the program and Joy Powell, the program coordinator. She goes out of her way to make the program as successful as it is. I would highly encourage any reader to take advantage of this opportunity; it is free, and you don’t have to be a Claremont Club member.

Phil Goss is a retired mortgage professional who lives in Glendora with his wife Peggy.