Silly though it may seem, the simple act of shaving is kind of a big deal for me since... well, to slightly alter a popular tune from My Fair Lady...”I’ve become accustom to my face”.
Aside from the fact that the goatee hid 2 of the three chins that I have developed thanks to a ridiculous increase in neck fat, I always thought it gave me an air of maturity that I enjoyed. Of course the second that I open my mouth that maturity quite often disappears, but I think that is a topic better suited for a future blog entry.
What has forced this drastic action which I took the liberty of executing LIVE on air this morning?
Check your calendars... it is MOVEMBER 1st.
A time where thousands of men all over North America (and around the World as I see upon joining the cause) grow moustaches to raise awareness about prostate health and the importance of getting a regular prostate exam.
I am not sure that I completely understand the connection between a moustache and having the Doc jelly up his finger to give you the ole “How ya’ doin’?”, but there are many things I will never see the connection to.
One thing that I do see... and that is the importance of getting a regular health exam that includes a prostate exam. Prostate Cancer is the second leading cause of deaths by cancer in men, but is certainly survivable if detected early.
While the digital rectal exam may FEEL like it takes an eternity, it is really quite quick and is probably the best gift any man can give himself in the way of health. Not only that, it can also provide you an opportunity at comedy unlike any other.
I can’t believe I am going to share this with the world...
So there I am getting my health check and it’s time for the DRE (Do you think that is what DRE stands for in Dr. Dre? Moving on...) and I am lying on the exam table in the Fetal position, pants and underwear around my ankles.
I read up on the exam before I went in and it said to make sure you breathe deeply and to try to relax and it seems to help as the DRE began. I understand why they advise you to breathe because the shock damn near took my breath away. But soon enough it was over and my Doctor politely said “Alright Raymond. All done, you can get up now.”
I no sooner started to think to myself that it really wasn’t all that bad an ordeal, when my doctor said something that I made me laugh hysterically.
I will never forget it. He patted the breast pocket of his shirt and looked down quizzically and said...
“Where did I put my pen?”
My uncontrollable laughter made him give me a look as though I had lost my mind until I asked him if he realised what he had said.
Once I told him that he had asked a question of himself that he CLEARLY did not mean to be spoken aloud...he smiled and blushed a little, while I told him that I knew where it wasn’t.
My doctor has since retired (no not because of this incident either) and I am on the lookout for a new one. And yes, if you must know, I am basing a great deal of my selection process on the width of my future doctor’s fingers.
Regardless of the digital girth... one thing remains the same. Prostate exams are important, and ALL men should get them on a regular basis along with their annual health check to ensure that they are free of symptoms.
Now... all stories aside I am going to throw this out there for you the blog reader.
If you had even the slightest giggle or chuckle upon reading this rather interesting personal experience... I would ask that you please visit my Movember website and make whatever donation you are capable of making in support of the prostate cancer research cause. (Or if someone close to you is raising money... make sure you donate to them.)
I will post some updated pictures of my face, what it looked like normally, what it looks like today, and updated pics on the progress of the moustache and all its glory. I am going to go with the Frank Zappa style I think... a combination of the Ned Flanders Cookie Duster (or the 70’s porn ‘stache if you wish) and a little “Soul Patch” under the lip for flava...
Thanks for your time...and gentlemen... what are you waiting for? Get your appointment for that exam NOW...there are pens to be lost... and found...
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