Issue 49
The I-Have-Prostate-Cancer Issue
Dear readers -
It is my honor to bring to you Issue #49. Thank you for being a part of my 2025 version of a Tumblr account.
Let’s jump into things! Welcome.
Putting the Glee in Gleason
As you probably gathered from the subtle subject line, I have prostate cancer.
Apparently, this is the “good cancer” to get. So I am grateful. I’ve never been one for popularity contests, but here I am, joining a club I never asked to be in, where the membership comes with terribly awkward urologist visits. Don’t ask me about the biopsy. Or do—I love uncomfortable social interactions.
You’re never prepared to hear those words. Even when they come dressed in early detection and manageable treatment options. But here we are. It was caught early, and that’s everything. I’m currently leaning towards surgery, but I’m still exploring my options—like deciding between the carrot cake or cannoli, except with higher, less-delicious stakes.
This diagnosis arrives after 18 months of—how shall I put it—soul excavation. I lost a job. I cared for and then lost my mom, I became a consultant (where the path is paved with rejection), I stood with Leslie as her beautiful coworking space closed its doors. I’ve done this all while trying to rediscover how to be a human being who feels everything and still gets out of bed in the morning to be a husband, dad, friend, et al—something I feel I have not done particularly well.
In the midst of that, I got serious about therapy. Focused on sobriety. Sought joy. And listened to my body instead of just dragging it along like the trash. Which is how this cancer was caught—routine blood work, annoying in its scheduling but magical in its truth-telling.
I’m not sharing this for attention, sympathy, or an early pre-order of the Nintendo Switch 2. (Although… no. No, stay focused.) I’m sharing this because authenticity and kindness is part of my DNA.
Because if this little update nudges even one of you—or someone you love—to get screened, then this paragraph becomes an important public service announcement. This is the only message I want you to walk away with.
There has always been a personal element to this newsletter. Although I’m a pretty private person, it has felt disingenuous not to mention some of the bigger things that pop up in life - like losing a job or a parent or my latest surrealist idea. Life is not perfect, and while I am always intentionally positive, behind-the-scenes, things can be depressing, messy, and scary.
I’ve realized there aren’t enough prostate cancer puns out there. A criminal oversight. But for now, I’ll leave you with this: I promise to put the Glee in Gleason.
And yes, I’m still going to be me—curious, creative, and occasionally inappropriate but predictably authentic. Be well. Stay kind. And please do the blood work and screenings.
Consumption
All the things going into my brain.
Watching
Cannot wait for this to come out!
OMG I loved The Life List a little too much.
White Lotus S7. Well, what do we think so far?
Woman of the Hour. Anna Kendrick is brilliant and has a real intellect. I enjoyed this movie but felt like the editing did not help the choppiness of the story.
Do Not Attempt. I am such a David Blaine fan.
Links
The Korean Clothing Brands All Stylish Men Should Know
They’re just letting anyone drive in Mario Kart World
Prostate Cancer is #1 for 118 Countries Globally
How Salvador Dalí's art found a home in Florida
‘Nowhere on Earth is safe’: Trump imposes tariffs on uninhabited islands near Antarctica
Thank You
There are over 500 of you subscribed to this newsletter. Eight of you are kind (and brave) enough to actually pay for it. That alone is wild. And I often hear from you. The messages are always generous, thoughtful, and far more encouraging than I deserve. One reader emails me after every single issue to say thank you and simply encourage. That sort of thing makes me pause. Every time.
When I started this, it was a creative outlet. Just for me. A place to let things out—words, feelings, half-baked ideas, surrealist life goals. The fact that any of you have chosen to tag along for the ride is, sincerely, one of the greatest compliments I could ever receive.
Writing makes me feel alive. Truly. Regardless of the subject—even this one. And I think that’s the point of life, at least part of it: to feel alive as often as we can.
I am so grateful to all of you. Much love.
Daniel
Three cheers for early screening, putting your health first and making the right decision between the carrot cake and cannoli.
Love you bud. Get after it and show those boys of yours how it's done. xo
Substack and Daniel Incandela? Loving this! But on a serious note, thank you for your vulnerability Daniel. It’s beautiful to witness. I also feel empowered by it. You are persevering and with such grace and manage to wrap it in splashes of humor. Chef’s kiss! You’ll fight this and you’ll fight it from the root up! I wish you the best in all endeavors and sending virtual peace on still working through the losses. The loss in particular of a loved one lingers at times and can chart its own course. No grief recovery is the same. But you’re keeping your head up and a corner of your mouth curled for a slight smile and trying your best. Thank you again. I salute you.
Warmly-Malene (yes the old RP connect)