Cancer treatment

I can’t remember when it was that I first started to hear about the importance of having regular prostate checks but it must have been some time ago because by the time I was 50 I was already thinking it was something I must do “sometime”. Of course time slipped by and by the time I was 54 I still hadn’t actually done anything about it but I was noticing I was peeing far more frequently AND having to get up to go to the toilet through the night as well.

A cursory look on the net at “prostate symptoms” all seemed to suggest that the most common symptoms involved difficulty with peeing – hell, it was all I could do to hold it in once I’d had anything to drink- so I didn’t really take too much notice of the fine print that also said symptoms could also be frequent urination.

When I finally made it to my doctor’s, he didn’t seem too concerned about doing the digital test so we did the blood test. At the time I had never heard of a PSA test so was delighted I didn’t have to go through the indignity of having the “gloved finger trick” done on me. A subsequent visit for the results showed me as being on the upper side of normal high- at 4.3. Doctor Ross said we will keep an eye on that because the reading is elevated but not especially concerning so I reasoned next time I was in there, we would check it again.

That next time turned out to be early January this year, 12 months later. Amidst getting other things attended to – like getting a couple of skin cancers burned off, and getting a scrip for some asthma medications, I actually ended up on the street before I realised both of us had forgotten to do the blood test for the prostrate. When I think back now, I almost shudder when I realise how close I came to making a decision that could have spelled disaster. Even now I still remember thinking, “Bugger it- too much trouble for nothing, I’ll leave it till next time”. It was summer after all and my constant peeing hadn’t worsened – it was only the winter nights that really irked.

I don’t really remember what it was that changed my mind to phone up Doctor Ross again and make another appointment, but thankfully, that’s what I did. If I hadn’t done it, it would have probably been another year (or possibly more) before I had been retested.

This next time, with nothing else to distract proceedings I insisted on getting both tests done- the digital and the blood test. It was the first time I had ever the digital test- and it did not reveal anything. Doctor Ross said, “It seems to be satisfactorily squishy.”

January 8th 2007

Another week went by and another visit for the results of the blood test. This was the seminal moment (no pun intended) when my life started to change and for the first time the new experience of “being a passenger” on a train going somewhere I really didn’t want to go, began.

Doctor Ross was direct. “Your PSA has risen over one point in the last 12 months and you now have a reading of 5.7 so I’m going to send you to see Dr G and he’s going to want to do a biopsy to find out what’s going on.”

That was it! There was no discussion about soft options – there weren’t any. Everything was flat and matter of fact. While I didn’t know how the heck the procedure would be done, I was aware that it was a sufficiently “big deal” in that it would involve a surgical procedure under general anaesthetic. Not for one split second did the thought cross my mind that anything nasty would be found. All I could think, was that some small, stupid irregularity somewhere was going to cause me to have to go through a whole lot of “stuff” for nothing – a total waste of time and money! I was even almost resentful of the way Doctor Ross grabbed hold of his pad and started to write the referral. He never even asked me if I thought it was a good idea- it was a done deal!

Prostate cancer kills the same number of men each year as breast cancer kills women, yet while public knowledge of breast cancer has increased ten fold in recent years, prostate cancer (which has quickly become just as prevalent), has generated nowhere near the same level of public awareness.

The difference between how men and women traditionally confront personal problems could be one explanation as to why it has taken so long to raise awareness. Men are typically known to take a passive approach; if something isn’t hurting them, they see no need to look further, for the problem. This is very bad because leaving things until symptoms (or the situation becomes chronic) robs the man of achieving an early diagnosis and treatment, where he has the greatest chances of a cure.

Often thought of as an ‘old man’s disease’, Specialists and Urologists are quick to point out that it is not so much the older male population that needs to understand it, but the younger population. They say it has now become a younger man’s disease that they can be cured of providing they have early detection.

It is a fact that although men as young as 32 have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is rare to see it in those under the age of 45. The key factor in prevention is the age at which to start testing. Ideally, it should be a time when the cancer can be diagnosed at an early curable stage, when the person is preferably still under 55. Those with a history of it in their families, are more susceptible, particularly if the relative who has had it, is a father, brother or uncle.

It is commonly said that among men that as soon as you start talking about prostate cancer, it’s amazing, how quickly other men “turn off.” It is even not uncommon to hear someone say “I don’t want to know. I just don’t want to know anything about it. If I die I die.’”

In my own family I remember when I was about eight years old, my Grandfather was admitted to the local hospital for an operation we were told was so private we (everyone in the family) was told we were not allowed to talk about it. Years later, I heard it whispered that it was something to do with his prostate. I was none the wiser- what the heck is a “prostate?”. Now I don’t even know what procedure he had because he is long dead and the only other person who would have known anything about this episode was my father- and he died last year.

Now I realise we were not so different to many other families- these issues were simply on the list of things that was not polite or proper to discuss in those days. Indeed there was a wall of silence even within families that was so effective, I have been told by medics today that when they ask patients if there is a history of prostate disease in their families- they will still frequently encounter a stone- faced look because the person has no knowledge of it- and most have never heard any discussion about it within their family.

Certainly, times have changed and today we as individuals are much more “open” to discuss things that not so many years ago were taboo! However, it takes time to effect real change to the point where attitudes become changed due to new awareness and habitual actions become the norm (testing). As said previously, at this time men still lag way behind women who have been used to being screened regularly for cancer. Only by those among us (who have, have had, or are facing this disease) speaking out and educating other men, do we stand a real chance of getting other men to do the right thing and make annual PSA checks part of their annual routine.

This is one of the reasons I felt obliged to spread the word by creating a website that talked about this issue (and the issues surrounding it) in honest, no nonsense, layman’s terms. God or a guardian angel gave me the gift of finding out early that I was suffering from this disease. I count myself as being extremely fortunate because everything I have ever heard about cancer always says - catch it as early as you can and it need not be a death sentence.

Also, I must mention the “good” that has already come out of my experience. My younger brother had not been to his GP for a checkup since 1996. Of course when I told him I had been diagnosed with cancer, he finally felt obliged to go. They discovered he was a type 2 diabetic- and worse, the following week they discovered he also has “leaking kidneys.” If he hadn’t been checked when he was, Heaven knows what the outcome would have been- a stroke? Renal failure? Dialasis? Heart Attack or death? Thankfully we won’t know now because his life has changed and he is being monitored, recieving treatment and changing his lifestyle. He now has a real chance of living a normal life for much longer.

This has to be a great outcome and way better than any one of the alternatives. Being “checked annually” is far more than just checking a man’s prostate. It is time for men to take a “whollistic” approach to their health and realise that part of being a man is also having an annual check to make sure “the machinery” is functioning properly. As great as the scientific advances are today, there is always a limit to what can be done- when the “inspection” comes way too late.

January 31st First appointment with specialist, Dr G.

He seems a youngish guy – 40 something – I’ve been told he has an excellent reputation. He gets right to the point. They are going to take about 13 needles full of tissue from the gland itself. Under a general anaesthetic the “entry options” are either via the penis (ow) via the bum (sterility issues) or the preferred- the area between the balls and the anus. That sounds much better to me too. It’s a day clinic thing – into the Private Hospital early in the morning and out early afternoon. The procedure is booked for March 13th and I’m sent to have another blood test on my way out the door.

Feb 21st

I receive a phone call from Pam (Dr G’s assistant). She tells me they have a vacancy first thing Monday morning next (Feb 26th) and want to do the biopsy procedure then. That suits me- let’s get it over with. I’m still thinking- this is a total waste of time.

Good mate Silvio, kindly volunteers to be my driver for the day, taking me into the hospital and collecting me afterwards. When I had a knee job done 2 years ago he did the same thing. I feel awkward about disrupting his schedule yet again (for nothing).

Monday Feb 26th

Silvio sleeps at my place the night before so we are ready for the early start, to be at the Hospital by 6.45 as instructed. All goes to plan and I’m told I’m going to be the “first cab off the rank” that day. As usual, fill the obligatory forms, pay some money to the hospital and am then taken to the admission part. Have to put on the usual light green garb with the split up the back – complete with the paper cap and get into bed. It seems I have to keep answering the same questions over and over- no I haven’t eaten or drunk anything since late last night and yes I did give myself an enema early this morning. The Anaesthetist comes around – she seems to be a nice middle aged lady and seems to have a sense of humour – especially when she asks about my smoking habits and I tell her I do but I don’t inhale. They give me a pre med injection and put in a needle thing into my left hand. It all feels pretty cool actually- I’m slightly enjoying the tipsy feeling when they wheel me for what seems like a short while. I vaguely recall we arrive somewhere and that’s it- whammo- I wake up in a room somewhere else with a garbed lady asking me if I would like a cup of tea and something to eat. The “something to eat” is some really nice sandwiches.

Once dressed I’m told Silvio has been called to collect me and Dr G will see me before I leave.

We wait a while as Dr G has been caught up- he arrives apologetic – the usual stuff, all went well and phone us tomorrow afternoon for the results. We leave and I’m still apologising to Silvio for wasting his time. I’m not in any pain but just a mild ache is about as much as I can feel. I’m already putting my thoughts back onto my work projects and imagining walking into my Doctors clinic “soon” to say “well that’s all clear- now what?”

Tuesday Feb 27th.

I’m working from home this morning – remind myself not to forget to ring Dr G after lunch to get the all clear and keep on working.

10.15 am the phone goes- it is Pam from Dr G’s. In an instant my life changes as she says, “Dr G would like to see you at 2 o’clock this afternoon – and please bring a friend with you”. She goes on to add, “It’s just that he’s got some important things to say and two sets of ears are always better than one”. Yeah right! I think. I’ve already got the picture. I get off the phone – my mind is in a whirl. Everything I thought before- every reality has changed. I don’t even know how to react.

Immediately I think, well I’ve got “it” but how far has it spread? I try to console myself with the thought that he only examined the prostate didn’t he?- so if it has spread further he wouldn’t know anyhow – would he? Those thoughts only make it worse. Why the friend bit? It must be really bad. No one is around so I say “shit and fuck” loudly several times over hoping somehow it might help but it doesn’t.

I know I have to ring Silvio but I also know it’s his recording day in the studio and he won’t be able to be the one to accompany me and I know that will upset him. I ring him- he is likewise stunned- I’m relatively calm on the outside but inside I’m churning. I have another person in mind whom I can phone – long time friend and work colleague, Luke. I ring him and ask if he’s free- he is. I congratulate him telling him he has just won a lottery etc and is about to go through a “new experience”

We turn up at 2pm- Dr G is delayed a while. Finally get in there and he says “I’m not going to beat about the bush, you have prostate cancer”. After this morning’s phone call it’s no surprise but just hearing it still kinda stuns me. I’m pretty calm – how am I meant to react?

He starts to explain- 13 needles of tissue = 3 positive – 2 from the same tumour category 5 (as bad as you can get) and one lesser, smaller category 4, mainly on the right side of the prostate. “By the way”, he mentions “I never told you before the procedure but your last PSA test you did came back reading 8.7 (a rise of 2 points in a month).

He goes on to explain that the best course of action is to either remove or neutralise the gland. I’m too big (fat) to operate normally- it would be too difficult. He gets me on the couch again to prod around and confirms his thoughts. Robotic surgery might be a good option- or else Brachytherapy.

Before anything else- next step is to do CT scans and bone scans to make sure the cancer hasn’t spread. He’s confident it hasn’t because I’m “thankfully” so early stages. If it hasn’t spread he says I’ve got a 95% chance of beating it and being cancer free in five years- that’s a pretty good bet I reckon!

He adds that once it has been confirmed “no secondaries” they will put me onto Hormone therapy- which will shrink the prostate and stop the cancer from spreading while further assessments are done to decide which treatment is appropriate for me- to be done some months ahead.

Doc is generous with his time and continues to answer all questions matter of factly. The stuff he tells us about the side effects such as impotence and incontinence almost seem surreal at this time- my mind is still concentrating on the survival aspect so I barely take it all in, just noting “things are going to become very different” in a lot of ways.

I wryly note that many of the questions are now coming from Luke who has been clearly “overtaken” by the experience. When we leave he can only say, “Shit Dan! When I woke up this morning I had no idea I would go through something like this today- how do you feel?” I admit if I really think about it I want to stand on a mountain top and scream. I didn’t tell him the reason I say this is because I’m mainly thinking of all the disruption to my life and I’m not really sure “how” to react anyhow. I’ve been around too long to get into the puerile “why me?” routine. I like to think I’m a realist and have known for many years that life is really “why not me!”

Anything can happen to any one of us at any time – I can only be grateful that it’s not something worse and will take the “good bits” that I can, out of the things to come.

Luke is younger than me by about 8 years– I’m already thinking, this is good – my experience will help spread the word to another man – who needs to know.

Not sure now what to tell people. Have decided to only tell people really close that I have to tell, until I have been cleared of “secondaries” because that in itself will determine “the gravity” of my story. I am hoping to be able to put out something that while it is negative- also has a huge positive side.

I get home and ring to arrange the CT scans and bone scan- schedule CT scan Thursday and bone Scan Friday.

Thursday March 1st

p> CT scan day. I turn up and have to drink three raspberry flavoured weird tasting drinks over the preceding hour. I am then taken through and put onto “the machine”. It all goes routinely- the staff seem cheerful and I take heart later when they don’t ask me to stay back for more (which can be a sign that there is something there). Friday March 2nd

Bone Scan Day. Very similar to the day before on a slightly bigger scale. The drink is taken three hours before they put you on the scanner – plus there is a small injection then you lie on the table and “move in and out of the machine”. I am quietly amused the way they set you up then leave the room to carry out the procedure from an adjacent lead-lined room.

The “operator” tells me she is amazed at the number of people she sees coming through there but adds – “from now on you will be treated and monitored so count yourself lucky” – I do – but please, God – let there not be any secondaries!

I ring Pam at Dr G’s who tells me she will get the results on Saturday morning and put them in front of Dr G- she will then call me.

Saturday March 3rd.

Nothing happens. I wait for the phone to go but it doesn’t. I phone my friend Noelene, who is a font of information about Specialists and the way they operate (due to a professional association). She assures me no news is good news and reminds me they (specialists) always get caught up and disrupted so don’t worry. I feel anxious regardless as so much seems to depend on this phone call.

Sunday March 4th

I go over to my friend Bill’s place (as I do most Sundays) to have morning tea on the veranda. I am surprised by a phone call from Pam to tell me Doc still hasn’t seen my files because he has been diverted in coming into the surgery but she can confirm the tests are all negative so Doc will be in touch. Great news- Noelene was right -I’m very relieved.

God bless them all - for they are our “rocks.” They are also all “too human” sometimes and they all react in different ways - and sometimes not in the way you would wish.

When I was diagnosed, as a single man I was immediately faced with the decision “who to tell” and “who not to tell”. As early detection seems to promise me a good outcome long-term, after the initial shock and CT scans and bone scans had shown I did not have any cancer spread elsewhere, I felt a small sense of being honest and open with people for two reasons.

One, I didn’t want my “outer circle” friends hearing wrong/alarming information from others when the prognosis is promising.

Two, I felt my story could be an encouragement to other men to “do the right thing” and get tested. I have to say that as a direct result of my experience just a short time ago, many others have been tested and plan to get tested every year from now on. Also, the questions I have been asked by much younger friends has left them much more enlightened – some of them didn’t even know what the prostate did until now.

Also,as a direct result of my diagnosis my brother went to get a medical check for the first time since 1996. It was discovered he was a type 2 diabetic and on top of that was experiencing leaking Kidneys. He was a walking time bomb. Thankfully now he is under treatment and medication and going through some serious lifestyle changes which will enable him to control his health better and live longer.

All this has been very positive and I don’t regret telling those I have told, however, there is a small downside and that is, some people do tend to “overreact” and sometimes the irony is not lost on me when I realise I’m the one constantly reassuring others that long-term I really am going to be fine (statistically). When one lady burst into tears on me, I had to tell her “congratulations – you’ve just shed more tears than I have!”

One of my family members started phoning me each day until I asked her, why?

Daily phone calls are fine in my books, but given a long history of a phone call once every six months I had to point out to her she was acting as though I was going to drop dead anytime- and suggest that perhaps a nice balance of phoning just a little bit more regularly would be great.

I have to mention the worst incident of all that really did seriously upset me. I was at a dinner party with 8 people (very senior) around the table. For some inexplicable reason, our host suddenly announced to the table “Well, everyone knows- Dan’s got cancer!”

There was almost a gasp and a stunned silence. I was stunned and didn’t respond. No, hardly anyone knew about it - and no one wanted to talk about it. There was muffled embarrassment until someone changed the subject The night was ruined and as this happened just as dessert had been served I noticed that everyone made excuses to leave as soon as possible. There is no explanation as to why this happened other than those close to this person were at pains to tell me he’s known for making gaffes and really meant no harm by it.

I was told later he said to someone he went too far- good! I’m glad he realised because for me it was like being raped. He hasn’t come to me to apologise either- so that will slant my opinion of him from now on.

All this is just to say that IF you are in my situation and prepared to share openly with others- it is wonderful to recieve the support, but as per my last story, some people will not always act (or react) the way you would expect them too.

If you are like me, you want to be open with those close to you but don’t want to become defined by your illness. It is a difficult thing to achieve because you are not in control. That’s the thing about this disease, you soon find out how little control you have- once diagnosed with something serious, you pretty well become a passenger on a train.

In the longer term I’m sure that things do get easier as others become more accepting and understanding and are better able to put things in perspective.

I have taken the view though, that as I have been open with people, this does have a positive effect on me. It helps to reinforce in my own mind the fact that I’m really not so badly off.

Inasmuch as I have to get used to “the situation” – I suppose others too have to make their own adjustments and I just have to allow them time to do that. It’s just wonderful that they care and I never fail to appreciate the fact.

Let me say from the outset- I am in no way offering anyone advice – (I’m no expert) I am only saying as a very ordinary person, what works for me in maintaining a positive attitude.

I’ve been told of other guys in my situation who have become highly emotional when told “the bad news”and become “basket cases” for days. I can understand that and I won’t deny that at one point (for a short time) I did want to stand on a mountain top and scream for no reason, because it is scary confronting stuff, but it is not my natural response. I find I never have to look very far to find someone who is worse off and just like Polyanna I find that “be glad game” works wonders.

I learned many years ago that in life it is pointless to ask, “why me”- because the real answer to that has to be “why not me?” Having accepted that, the only thing that remains is to add up the plusses. When I look around, I never have to look far to see someone who is much worse off than I. Over recent years I have lost several friends who have developed brain tumours. I can only thank God, that my challenge is way less than that.

I also am grateful that in this country I do have access to top specialists and the best technology for treatment- and I will be treated. In many countries, this would not have been possible. For these reasons, I feel very positive to the point where I really don’t feel I have the right to complain at all. If things turn bad on me later on, I will have to deal with that if it happens, but meantime I will go on “feeling lucky”.

The lady who took my CT scans said something very powerful. As usual I used my sense of humour when she asked me how I was feeling.

I said to her, “I’m sorry to have to say it but you run a dreadful party- first of all the drinks were disgusting, then you invite me into the lounge room and throw me into the middle of a large record player that doesn’t play music and you then run out of the room leaving me all alone for ages”.

She laughed and said, “Well, I hope you didn’t dislike it too much because we are going to see one another every year from now on to keep monitoring you! Just think how much better off you are going to be than the thousands of people who are running around out there who haven’t been tested, who have no idea that cancer is growing inside them already – you at least have a chance of cure and you will know where you stand”.

Last night on the television news there was a very exciting story about a medical breakthrough in Australia that is looking extremely positive. It seems they have been able to isolate a protein that they believe may be the key to blocking cancer growth in a wide variety of cancers. It was still good news at the end of the report when they said it could be available as soon as five years away!

Nowadays the advances in medicine are so rapid- no matter what your condition, it only goes to show- you never know what’s around the corner.

That being said, I will continue to play the “Polyanna game” and just be glad for the mercies and the hope that I do have- and will concentrate on that, because I have found over the years, this is the attitude that consistently works for me best. This situation is no different.

Prostate cancer was first identified in 1853, and can only occur in men since prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. According to the survey of the American Cancer Society, this illness is most common in the United States, where it is the main cause of cancer related deaths, after lung cancer. This cancer is least common in South and East Asia.

Prostate cancer is a disease that comes into existence due to mutation of the cells of the prostate which begin to multiply uncontrollably. The prostate glands require androgenes, male hormones, to function properly. If caught in its early stage, prostate cancer can be cured in 90% of the cases.

Symptoms of prostate cancer vary, and sometimes do not clearly indicate cancer. The person with discomfort and disease has to undergo a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause of these occurrences. Nevertheless, many men having developed this illness will never find out about it, will not undergo any treatment, and will die of other causes as this disease is forming in the later part of life. The disease is typical of men over 50 years of age, thus many are apt to die of other causes while the cancer slowly advances and spreads to other parts of their body. Due to this factor the selection of the right treatment is at times difficult.

If a man experiences an urge or need to urinate frequently, especially at night, or if he is facing difficulty starting or holding back urine, if his urine has a disturbed or weak flow accompanied with a painful, burning feeling when urinating, there is a high probability of him developing prostate cancer. It affects a man’s sexual life as well.

In some cases a person with this disease will face problems of erection, and painful ejaculation. Cancer cells may spread, i.e., metastasize to other parts of the body, mainly to the lymph nodes, which help in destroying bacteria, and to the bones. Similarly with problems of the female reproductive system, men also feel pain, stiffness in the lower back, and upper thighs.

Diagnosis of the disease sometimes happens when an individual undergoes physical examination or screening blood tests. Particular of these tests is PSA, i.e., prostate specific antigen test. If a patient is suspected of having developed cancer, he will have biopsy, a test during which a piece of the prostate will be removed and examined under a microscope. Various other tests may be performed, like bone scans and X-rays to determine whether the cancer cells have spread elsewhere in the body.

Curing and treatment have various methods. One of these is chemotherapy, in which chemical substances are used for treating. Nowadays, catatonic drugs are used during chemotherapy. Besides, there are other ways of treatment which can be combined with each other, or with chemotherapy itself, these being surgery, hormone therapy, and radiation therapy.

After all, the outcome of the therapy depends on various factors, like for example the age and current health of the man, the extent of the spreading of the infected cells, and the appearance under the microscope, and the response of the cells while treatment all determine the result and outcome of prostate cancer disease.

The specific causes of prostate cancer are yet unknown. The risk of a man developing this disease depends on his age, genetics, race, lifestyle, which includes diet as well, and medication. According to surveys carried out in the United States, this cancer affects mainly black men, rather than white or Hispanic men. Surveys also show that daily use of anti-inflammatory medicines, such as aspirin, may decrease the risk of cancer.

Prevention of the disease has been proven to be possible by scientists. Taking dietary supplements, like vitamin E and selenium, may help prevent the disease from forming if taken daily. Still, a thousands of years old prevention has been proven helpful, namely the consumption of green tea. It is 100% safe and can be taken in any quantity.

It is crucial that every man has an early check-up of his health in identifying cancer at the beginning stage.

Action taken in time can save your life!

It has been shown in some studies of green tea that it may help develop a treatment to prevent the dormant, non threatening type of prostate cancer many men have in their 70’s & 80’s from becoming the aggressive and fatal types. Also in studies on the diet and cancer show that green tea when tested

with mice with an aggressive form of cancer can decrease the spread or metastasis of prostate cancer to liver, bones, and other parts of the body.

Also some newer research receals that green tea might help prevent the spread of prostate cancer. Specifically the phytochemicals found in green tea, called polyphenols attack the growth factors and proteins, interrupting the growth processes of tumors, resulting in preventing them from spreading to

other organs in the body. Now because earlier studies showed that the same natural plant substances may also help to prevent the start of prostate cancer itself, researchers indicated that more studies need to be done on green tea’s affect on fighting this common type of cancer. The best way to reduce your risk of prostate cancer still lies in eating a mostly vegetarian diet.

The phytochemicals in green tea seem to increase the number of enzymes that help convert

carcinogens in the body to a dormant, or harmless forms. Numerous questions still remain about the amount and or frequency of green tea necessary to affect the formation of prostate cancer itself. Black tea has also shown similar benefits and effects to green tea, although they appear to have somewhat lower levels of the beneficial substances than green tea has. Whatever the benefits of green tea, it would be a big mistake to rely on the teas alone for this prevention. Other tests and studies

suggest a variety of nutritional influences on prostate cancer risk. Vitamin E use may also offer some protection. The antioxidant mineral selenium also seems protective. Most people do get adequate amounts of selenium, but these studies used mainly nutrition supplements, so the study participants achieved higher intake levels. So it still remains to be seen whether men can protect themselves by taking supplements, along with multivitamins, with selenium. If total selenium intake exceeds 400 mcg per day, nerve damage and other side effects can occur in the individuals.

Let us add that you should if possible avoid all fatty meats, since high-fat diets also have been linked to prostate cancer, other cancers, heart disease, and numerous other medical problems today. also definately stay away from refined sugars, salt, hydrogenated oils, canned, packaged, or otherwise

processed foods. Skip those soda drinks, alcohol, black teas, and all coffee beverages. Stop the consumption of dairy foods, since these products are so closely linked in the US to prostate cancer.

Next, most of us don’t realise the effects of stress in everyday life, reduce stress, in particular chronic stress, since it is especially hard on the male prostate. All stress can restrict the flow of blood and energy in the prostate. Now this stress related damage can set the stage for enlargement of the prostate and even possible cancer. The general lifestyle can also contribute to a healthy prostate in men. Remember that exercise promotes circulation and relieves tension in the human body, and this also enhances the chances of a healthy prostate.

Of course in addition, exercise is essential for effective weight management, it is important to exercise regularly, try to excercise at least 30 minutes a day and at least 3 days every week. This regular exercise not only helps burn off extra calories, but help keep the body flexible and helps to maintain

more muscle strength and endurance. Just walking, jogging, and leisure activities such as amateur sports, can be very effective types of exercise. The key is to just stay as active as possible and definately stay off the couch. Many people constantly face that difficult uphill battle to regain control of their weight and healthy body issues. Ultimaletly taking good care of the prostate requires taking better care of yourself.

Now other great foods for natural nutrition and healthy aging are broccoli, blueberries, cabbage, brussels sprouts, flaxseed, soybeans, and tomatoes. But cooked tomatoes are actually a much better source of nutrician than just the raw tomatoes because in the cooking process it releases more lycopene from the cells.

Also it is very important for all men over 50 to have early check-up of his health to help indentify these and other problems early and get proper medical advice and treatments!

Early prostate cancer is confined to the prostate gland itself; most of the patients with this type of cancer can live for years without any problems. Simply put, cancer that grows in the prostate gland is called prostate cancer. In most men, prostate cancer grows very slowly; most men will never even know they have the condition.

Men at higher risk for prostate cancer include African-American men older than 60, farmers, tire plant workers, painters, and men exposed to cadmium; the lowest number of cases occurs in Japanese men and those who do not eat meat who reach the age of 80. Detected in its early stages, it can be effectively treated and cured. About 80 percent of men who reach the age of 80 have prostate cancer.

One of the most common symptoms is the inability to urinate, get checked right away. There are other symptoms that may not be mentioned here. Most prostate cancer symptoms, although associated with prostate cancer, are more likely to be connected to non-cancerous conditions.

If you have one or more symptoms, you should see a qualified doctor as soon as possible. If cancer is caught at its earliest stages, most men will not experience any symptoms. The need to urinate frequently, especially at night is another symptom.

A prostate gland biopsy usually confirms the diagnosis. A bone scan can indicate whether the cancer has spread or not. A chest x-ray may be done to see if there’s a spread of cancer.

There is a newer test called AMACR that is more sensitive than the PSA test for determining the presence of prostate cancer. Urine or prostatic fluid cytology may reveal unusual cells. CT scans may be done to see if the cancer has metastasized (spread).

What you can do now is begin to understand what exactly your treatment options are and where you’re going to begin. Besides hormonal drugs, hormone manipulation may also be done by surgically removing the testes. Recent improvements in surgical procedures have made complications occur less often.

Since prostate tumors require testosterone to grow, reducing the testosterone level is used to prevent further growth and spread of the cancer. Surgery, radiation, hormonal therapy and chemotherapy all have significant side effects; know fully what they are before you proceed. Surgery, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy can interfere with libido on a temporary or permanent basis.

The conventional treatment of prostate cancer is often controversial. Medicines can be used to adjust the levels of testosterone; called hormonal manipulation. Radiation therapy to the prostate gland is either external or internal, both of which use high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.

Surgery, called a radical prostatectomy, removes the entire prostate gland and some of the surrounding tissues. An oncologist, a cancer specialist, will usually recommend treating with a single drug or a combination of drugs. Be aware that some men chose natural treatment options and forgo any surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.

Make highly nutritious raw applesauce using a food processor and put in 3-4 cored pesticide-free apples, with the skin on, and mix for a minute; so much better for you than canned highly processed applesauce and add 1/4 tsp. cinnamon or two tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseed for another boost. If you’re not already doing so, make a serious effort to watch your diet closely. For snacks, choose raw nuts without salt instead of lifeless roasted nuts.

Make smoothies with fruit only, using a base of two bananas, adding a cup of frozen or fresh blueberries and mango chunks or substitute any other fruit and add an energy boost of two tablespoons of coconut oil; add one or two leaves of kale for another highly nutritional boost. Making ginger tea, by adding a thin slice or two of fresh gingerroot to hot water, is helpful to many people I know. Buy lacinato kale and juice it in your juicer with sweet carrots.

Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements every day. Eat high-fiber snacks like raw nuts (soak them overnight first), raw seeds, and dried fruit, such as dates, and figs. Use flaxseed oil or walnut oil in your daily dark green salad.

The one thing that you should not do however is rely on information obtained from the Internet to make your final decision; double-check everything. If you do choose invasive conventional treatment, you can always change your diet and do non-invasive natural treatments too. With the advent of PSA testing, most prostate cancers are now found before they cause any symptoms.

I’m not a doctor, I’m writing this article to share for purposes of encouragement, support, and genuine love for helping others through tough times. Whether male or female, we’re human and we have issues with our bodies or we’re faced with dealing with issues other family members, friends, and loved ones have with their bodies. We’re born and we’ll be out of here someday, along the way we need help.

Cancer problems and emotional trauma over cancer are not new to me. My grandmothers both had Cancer. I watched them suffer. My husband’s prostate Cancer was a shock but thank-God, with different results.

When Gary was at work he worked hard. Some would say he had the managerial case of workaholism. He didn’t want to go to a doctor, but he was having some difficult with sexual performance. His body wasn’t cooperating with his mind. He wanted more and his body was reacting less. This is not going to be an x-rated article. It’s very clean. I just want to be clear.

He told his boss about not having the results he wanted with his body and how he felt frustrated. His boss kept telling him to see a doctor, don’t let it go, don’t make light of this. Deal with it.Get an examination and ask for help.

Finally, Gary went to the doctor and was told he had Prostate Cancer. He denied the diagnosis until he finally sought the best medical doctor he could be recommended to in the field. He ultimately had the prostate removed in a procedure that did not damage the nerves so that he would has the best possible chance of resuming sexual activity with some time.

FIrst, there’s definitely different experiences to understand after the removal of the prostate. When a man ejaculates, there’s no fluids coming out. No messy sheets or partners, yet it feels good. That’s different. How does a man emotionally feel about not having the fluids shoot out? It takes adjustment and since that’s not coming back, he has to adjust to the physical difference, if he wants to recover better emotionally.

What happens when the desire for sexual experiences exist after the surgery and the body is not ready to cooperate with the mind, what can you do to help. A partner should be positively supportive of the desires. Sometimes, men will seek out equipment to aid with sexual processes and functions and these devices can be expensive and sometimes cause more frustration than they are worth.

For couples, it can be so helpful to find as many other loving things to do to each other, in addition to the concept of intercourse. There’s so much more to explore in the areas of sensuality and gratification of the senses. They are worth exploring.

Find other ways of enjoyment for each other whether it’s the adult-type movies, massage, and other fun activities. Talk about your issues and concerns and ask questions of professionals as much as you need or want help.

Another embarrassing sexual issue for a Prostate Cancer patient is following the removal of the prostate, there tends to be more urine leakage and that’s not always something which can be controlled so be prepared with extra underwear and paper towels around the house to ease embarrassment. It’s also great to take a change of pants to keep in the trunk of the car if you feel you need to change.

There’s no magical date that you can declare for when your body will return to normal functioning after the prostate has been removed, but Gary was told to expect about 3 years and that was accurate for him. At first, nighttime relations after working all day were not the best time of day for us, morning was best. With a little more time, day or night became the same and we’re much happier and very thankful for having each other, being patient and loving, and for always believing we’d experience loving like before the surgery.

If you have prostate cancer, are concerned about getting it, or if you’re looking out for the health of someone you love, this article can help. Prostate cancer is normally a slow growth cancer that can take years before it becomes deadly. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized structure that makes up part of a man’s reproductive system; it wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body - because of this can cause various urinary problems.

Like other cancers, the cause of prostate cancer is not known; it appears to be more common in African American men and men with a family history of the disease. In Portland Oregon, there is a three-year Oregon Health & Sciences University study; leaders hope to come up with an exercise program to benefit men dealing with prostate cancer who are on testosterone-lowering medications. Many men, especially those later in life have made the decision with their doctors to simply watch and wait.

If you have one or more prostate cancer symptoms, you should see a qualified doctor as soon as possible. Most prostate cancer symptoms, although associated with prostate cancer, are more likely to be connected to non-cancerous conditions. There are other symptoms that may not be mentioned here.

Blood in the urine or semen and frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs can be symptoms of cancer. There are a few symptoms to be aware of. Because prostate cancer symptoms can mimic other diseases or disorders, men who experience any of these symptoms should undergo a thorough work-up to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms.

A prostate gland biopsy usually confirms the diagnosis. CT scans may be done to see if the cancer has metastasized (spread). When a digital rectal exam is performed it often reveals an enlarged prostate with a hard, irregular surface.

A number of tests may be done to confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer. A urinalysis may indicate if there is blood in the urine, which may or may not be related. A PSA test with a high level can also be from a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.

Some drugs with numerous side effects are being used to treat advanced prostate cancer, blocking the production of testosterone, called chemical castration; it has the same result as surgical removal of the testes. Since prostate tumors require testosterone to grow, reducing the testosterone level is used to prevent further growth and spread of the cancer. Surgery, called a radical prostatectomy, removes the entire prostate gland and some of the surrounding tissues.

Prostate cancer that has spread (metastasized) may be treated conventionally with drugs to reduce testosterone levels, surgery to remove the testes, chemotherapy or nothing at all. Surgery, radiation, hormonal therapy and chemotherapy all have significant side effects; know fully what they are before you proceed. Anyone considering surgery should be aware of the benefits, risks and the extent of the procedure.

In the early stages, surgery and radiation may be used to remove or attempt to kill the cancer cells or shrink the tumor. What you can do now is begin to understand what exactly your treatment options are and where you’re going to begin. Side effects of chemotherapy drugs depend on which ones you’re taking and how often and how long they’re taken.

Surgery is usually only recommended after thorough evaluation and discussion of all available treatment options. Besides hormonal drugs, hormone manipulation may also be done by surgically removing the testes. The approaches to treatment include: just ever watchful waiting to see whether the cancer is growing slowly and not causing any symptoms.

Drink freshly made carrot juice every day that you make in a juicer or juice extractor. Add a small handful of kale or spinach to your fruit smoothie and blend– know one will ever know. Make highly nutritious raw applesauce using a food processor and put in 3-4 cored pesticide-free apples, with the skin on, and mix for a minute; so much better for you than canned highly processed applesauce and add 1/4 tsp. cinnamon or two tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseed for another boost.

Make smoothies with fruit only, using a base of two bananas, adding a cup of frozen or fresh blueberries and mango chunks or substitute any other fruit and add an energy boost of two tablespoons of coconut oil; add one or two leaves of kale for another highly nutritional boost. If you’re not already doing so, make a serious effort to watch your diet closely. Eat foods that contain the essential fatty acids.

Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements every day. Studies done on antioxidant vitamins question their value when not contained in food; it’s clearly better to consume these antioxidants in living foods because they may also need to work with other nutrients present in the foods to work properly. Supplements that help any disease or ailment include vitamin B12 — the methylcobalamin type not cyanocobalamin, and sub-lingual — dissolves slowly under the tongue; and vitamin D3 - especially if you can’t get a daily dose of 15 to 20 minutes of sun on your arms and legs so you can make your own vitamin D3.

In the end, only you with the help of your doctors, knowing your individual situation, can determine the best treatment program for you. With the advent of PSA testing, most prostate cancers are now found before they cause any symptoms. While the number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer remains high, survival rates are also greatly improving; perhaps because of dietary improvement.