Start Here
A faith-filled journey through healing, hope, and the backroads of recovery.
Welcome to Backroads to Recovery
If you’ve found your way here, chances are you — or someone you love — is walking through something hard.
Maybe it’s prostate cancer.
Maybe it’s diabetes, stress, fear, or the weight of life piling up.
Maybe you’re searching for answers… or maybe you’re just looking for someone who understands.
Maybe it’s diabetes, stress, fear, or the weight of life piling up.
Maybe you’re searching for answers… or maybe you’re just looking for someone who understands.
You belong and are not alone.
You are not alone.
You’ve landed in the right place—let me walk you through what to expect and how to get started.
You’ve landed in the right place—let me walk you through what to expect and how to get started.
Backroads to Recovery shares my real-life experience coping with prostate cancer and health challenges. My goal: to offer you honest stories, practical support, and a welcoming community. Faith and prayer are part of my journey, and I include them here for anyone who finds comfort in them. While prostate cancer is my main story, this site is for all who face chronic illnesses. No matter what you’re going through, you’re welcome here.
You’ll also find ways to connect with others who are walking a similar road. Whether it’s through our comment sections or online forums, you can reach out, share your story, and find some encouragement from people who understand what you’re going through. To join the conversation, just create a free account by clicking ‘Sign Up’ or ‘Join’ at the top of the page. You’ll be guided through a quick registration—simply choose a display name and provide your email address. Once your account is set up, you can immediately participate in discussions, post comments, and start threads in our forums or comment sections. If you’d prefer to just read at first, that’s completely fine too—take things at your own pace. Whenever you’re ready, you’re welcome to jump in and share.
This page is your starting point, guiding you through what to expect and where to begin.
What This Site Is About
This isn’t a medical website.
This isn’t a place for perfect people.
This isn’t a place where we pretend everything’s fine.
This isn’t a place for perfect people.
This isn’t a place where we pretend everything’s fine.
This is a place for:
- Men facing prostate cancer
- Spouses and partners who are navigating the unique worries that come with caring for a loved one facing prostate cancer. I know you carry the weight of supporting someone you love, all while looking for understanding and strength for yourself. There are dedicated resources and community spaces designed just for you, so you always have support and a place to connect. Your needs are as important as those of the men on this journey.
- People living with diabetes, arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, or any other chronic health challenges are also welcome here. While the main focus is prostate cancer, anyone dealing with ongoing health issues can find support and encouragement in this community.
- Anyone who needs encouragement
- Anyone tired of feeling alone
- Anyone who wants honesty without heaviness
- Anyone who believes faith and grit can carry you through
I don’t write as a doctor. For medical questions, diagnoses, or treatment options, I strongly recommend consulting your healthcare provider or trusted medical sources, such as the American Cancer Society or the Mayo Clinic. Whenever I share advice or personal tips, I make sure to check reputable health organizations and official guidelines to provide information as safe and responsible as possible. My stories always come from my personal experience, not medical expertise, and I encourage you to use this site alongside your doctor’s advice—never as a replacement. I also want to be clear that I’m not a pastor or spiritual counselor, but I do share spiritual encouragement and reflections from my own faith journey. If you find comfort in faith, I hope you’ll find honest support and reassurance here, but please know I’m simply offering what has helped me along the way. Whatever your beliefs—whether you come from a different faith background or have no religious beliefs at all—you are welcome here. Everyone is invited to be part of this community, and I hope you’ll find understanding and encouragement, no matter your perspective.
Instead, I offer my perspective as a man who’s been through the fire—and is still moving forward. If you’re just starting out, here’s what I hope will help.
Instead, I offer my perspective as a man who’s been through the fire—and is still moving forward. If you’re just starting out, here’s what I hope will help.
If You’re Newly Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer
First — take a breath.
I know the fear.
I know the confusion.
I know the late-night Googling and the early-morning dread.
I know the confusion.
I know the late-night Googling and the early-morning dread.
You don’t have to figure everything out today.
Start with this truth:
“You didn’t cause this. You’re not weak. And you’re not alone.”
I’ve put together a simple guide to help you take your first steps. Inside, you’ll find tips for navigating those first days, emotional support, practical advice for doctor visits, and suggestions for talking to loved ones. For example, one tip explains how to prepare a list of questions before every appointment so you don’t forget anything important when emotions are running high. Another tip suggests setting aside a small bit of time each day just for yourself, even if it’s only ten quiet minutes outside, to help manage stress and ground yourself. If faith is important to you, I also encourage making time for spiritual practices like prayer, meditation, or reading a favorite scripture daily, as it can offer peace and strength during uncertain times. My aim is to walk you through what to expect, how to take care of yourself, and how to find the support you need.
👉 Start Here: A Guide for Men Newly Diagnosed
It’s written in plain English, man-to-man — the things I wish someone had told me on day one.
If You’re a Spouse or Partner
Your world just tilted, too.
You’re carrying fear, questions, and the pressure to “stay strong,” even when you’re shaking inside. You deserve support just as much as he does. If you’re not sure where to begin, I invite you to read our Companion Guide for Spouses & Partners (linked below) or join the conversation in our online forum, where you can connect with others who truly understand. To join the forum, just click on the ‘Online Forum’ link in the main menu or on the homepage. You’ll be able to create a free account in just a minute, then start reading posts and sharing your own story right away. Our community is active every day, with new posts and helpful responses from other members and moderators. Most questions get replies within 24 hours, so you’ll never feel left waiting alone. To help everyone feel safe and respected, our forums are actively moderated and are governed by clear community guidelines. This way, you can share openly and know the space is protected and supportive. Reaching out is a powerful first step—support and encouragement are waiting for you here.
I wrote something just for you:
👉 A Companion Guide for Spouses & Partners
Inside, you’ll find tips for caring for yourself, communicating with your partner, and finding support during this journey. The guide includes honest advice on managing stress, understanding your loved one’s needs, and taking care of your own wellbeing every step of the way.
Remember, you don’t have to walk this road alone. If you’re seeking general encouragement, keep reading.
If You’re Here for Encouragement
You’ll find plenty of that here.
I write about:
- Faith: I share prayers that have given me comfort, scripture reflections that have helped me find perspective, and simple devotionals for challenging days. Whether you are looking for a short encouragement, a meaningful verse to meditate on, or words to help guide your own prayers, you’ll find honest faith-based support woven throughout these posts.
- Gratitude
- Recovery
- Mental strength
- Life with Peanut & Sissy (our loyal dogs who keep us laughing and grounded)
- The small blessings that keep us going
Some days are heavy.
Some days are hopeful.
All of them are honest.
Some days are hopeful.
All of them are honest.
Why I Started Backroads to Recovery
After my prostate cancer diagnosis and recovery, I saw that men—and their loved ones—often struggle in silence.
And because of that, too many men suffer in silence.
I wanted to change that.
This site opens the door and invites conversation about the things few discuss.
If my story helps one man get checked…
If it helps one spouse feel less alone…
If it helps one person find hope on a hard day…
If it helps one spouse feel less alone…
If it helps one person find hope on a hard day…
Then every word is worth it.
Where to Go Next
Here are a few good places to start:
👉 My Prostate Cancer Journey
👉 Start Here Guide for Men Newly Diagnosed
👉 Guide for Spouses & Partners
👉 Faith & Encouragement Posts
👉 Men’s Health & Daily Habits
👉 About Me
A Final Word
Life takes us down some rough backroads.
Some we choose.
Some we don’t.
But every backroad has a way forward.
Every hard season has a lesson.
Every valley has a sunrise waiting on the other side.
I’m glad you’re here.
I’m honored to walk this road with you.
And I hope you find something here that gives you strength for the next step.
One day. One prayer. One step at a time.
— Scott Williams
Backroads to Recovery
Lord, walk beside every man facing prostate cancer. Give him courage for the hard days, peace for the uncertain ones, and hope that rises stronger than fear. Surround him with people who lift him up, remind him he’s not alone, and guide his steps toward healing. Let Your strength be his strength, and Your light be the path beneath his feet. Amen.
.