Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer for men over 60. One man in nine will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. This episode is about how one man learned to battle, and learn to live with this cancer.

When John was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer he was told the average lifespan for someone in his age and condition was 5.3 years. We talk about what its like to live with a calendar that runs out on September 18, 2021. John finds it is freeing. We talk about living in two worlds, the world of hope and the world of harsh reality. By living in both, he makes thoughtful decisions with an optimistic attitude. He lives in 30 day increments between scans knowing that every day is valuable. But he remains hopeful to see his grandson’s wedding. By embracing these two worlds of reality and hope, he lives each day to its fullest.

John also discusses the practical family planning that needs to occur when dealing with a disease like prostate cancer. The process of handing over financial planning to his partner. He talks about having the important conversations with his children and grandchildren about his mortality. He also talks about the tension that sometimes arises within the family when members disagree on treatment……..the competing tension of length of life and quality of life.

John discusses the importance of getting a digital exam in addition to a PSA test. With 20/20 hindsight he sees the digital exam as something that could have helped his situation dramatically. As his cancer progressed he needed to get a second opinion and explore additional therapies. His treatments include chemotherapy, hormone, and cyber-knife radiation treatment. The benefit of the cyber-knife treatment is to increase radiation dosage on the tumor while simultaneously reducing radiation on non-tumor tissue.

The chemotherapy and cyber-knife have been effective in pushing back the cancer. John is currently enjoying a full life and living every day to its fullest.