Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro: 25 oC, hottish, slightly sunny and overcast.
I’ve been trying to rest, but it’s difficult because I have a very strong cold.
It started on Thursday evening with a slight sore throat. On Friday, I developed a runny nose, and yesterday, the symptoms worsened. Today, I am coughing a lot and feeling weak all over.
I believe this is the first time I’ve been ill this year. I can’t recall any previous instances of having a cold before this year. Interestingly, I think my illness coincides with the fact that I’ve been exercising regularly. Since I started my exercise routine, I’ve been sick very rarely. I’m not sure whether there’s a connection between the two, but I have a feeling there is.
Regarding illness, I want to reflect on the past week. A long-time student of mine recently discovered that he has Grade 1 prostate cancer. Grade 1 indicates that the disease is still in its early stages. As with all cancers, the earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome.
This news can be overwhelming; it feels as if your world is imploding when a doctor tells you that you have such a serious condition. I have always believed that men are often less prepared to face illness than women. Women seem to be more practical and resilient when dealing with such situations.
I have known Tadeu, whom I consider a friend rather than just a pupil, for over 15 years—almost 20. We shared familiar friends from Flamengo in the past as part of a group of dog owners who would regularly meet at Aterro, an enormous public park. This park is one of the best places to walk dogs in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro.
We had a mutual friend named Celso, a remarkable man in his late 50s. He was very strong and would have been extremely useful in a fight. At that time, three people in our group discovered that they had cancer: Celso and two women.
The women underwent various treatments and, despite their struggles, survived and are still living healthy lives today. Unfortunately, Celso started his cancer treatment but quickly fell into a deep depression and passed away within a year.
About two or three months before he died, there was a meeting with friends at a local bar in Flamengo. When I met him, I was utterly stunned by his appearance; cancer and chemotherapy had devastated him to the point that I was now looking at a man, my friend, whom I ideally respected and liked very much, but who now looked like he was in his 90s: slow, weak, and confused.
It completely shocked me how much my friend had changed in such a short period. A little later, after that meeting, he passed away.
Cancer is a terrible disease, and for men, it can be even more challenging than for women. It’s difficult to admit this, but it seems that men often lack the emotional tools and conditions needed to face and fight against the disease.
I believe there was a moment when Celso looked at himself in the mirror and couldn’t recognise the person staring back at him. Was he ashamed of who he had become? This led him to depression, and ultimately, he passed away.
In contrast, the two women who were diagnosed with cancer at the same time as Celso confronted the disease with determination. They resolved not to give in to it and continued their daily routines without letting cancer slow them down. Their strength and resilience are awe-inspiring and admirable. They are still living their lives today.
Steve Jobs was a billionaire who, despite all his resources, could not escape the reality of life. This is why I always say that we cannot predict tomorrow; we must live each day as it comes. If you happen to have cancer—something I wouldn’t wish on anyone—it’s crucial to maintain a positive mindset.
I believe that tomorrow will be better. If tomorrow isn’t better, I hope the next day will be. And if it isn’t better that day either, trust that the following day will bring improvement. This is the only way I know to face such a terrible illness.
Today is the presidential election in Argentina. A lot is at stake in these elections, and it will be interesting to see whether the left continues to hold power or if the right takes over. Argentina is struggling significantly, with inflation exceeding 100% per year and 60% of the population living below the poverty line. Endemic corruption is also associated with the left, which has become a social cancer.
The right-wing candidate is an economist with a unique personality who aims to free Argentina from the constraints of social and economic stagnation caused by a corrupt left-wing government that has been in power for too long.
I’m looking forward to seeing the election results. What happens in Argentina will directly impact Brazil, both economically and politically. Let’s see what unfolds. I’m crossing my fingers because Argentina is a very special country, like any other country.
Today was mostly spent doing very little. In the morning, I took a walk with Perola, and I just relaxed for the rest of the day.
How good is that?
In bed by midnight.
Thank you.
Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.
Richard
