Mark's Prostate Cancer Experience

Mark shares his experience with recurrent prostate cancer and his journey through radiation treatment. He discusses the use of ADT medication to reduce testosterone levels before radiation, the side effects of ADT, the process of radiation treatment, and the emotional journey of completing treatment. Mark also talks about the importance of early detection and the advancements in prostate cancer treatment that may eliminate the need for surgery in the future.  He is now finished with treatment, and will stop taking the ADT.  He wants his Mojo back.

Takeaways

ADT medication is used to reduce testosterone levels before radiation treatment for prostate cancer.

Side effects of ADT medication can include hot flashes, moodiness, and weight gain.

Radiation treatment for prostate cancer can cause fatigue and minor bladder irritation.

Early detection of prostate cancer increases the chances of successful treatment.

Advancements in prostate cancer treatment may eliminate the need for surgery in the future.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
04:41 The Radiation Machine and Completing Treatment
08:39 Starting Radiation Treatment
13:30 Side Effects and Weight Gain
17:12 The Journey Continues and the Future of Prostate Cancer Treatment

This conversation is about the recovery process after prostate surgery. The speaker shares his personal experience and provides tips and advice for surviving post-surgery. He discusses waking up after surgery, the presence of a catheter, the recovery room, hospital stay, diet, bowel movements, continence, and erectile function. He emphasizes the importance of kegel exercises and the potential side effects of surgery. The speaker also mentions the need for patience and understanding during the recovery process.

Takeaways
▪️The recovery process after prostate surgery involves waking up in the recovery room and adjusting to the presence of a catheter.
▪️Patients are encouraged to walk and engage in light activity to aid in the recovery process.
▪️Diet plays a crucial role in recovery, and it is important to eat nutritious foods to promote healing.
▪️Bowel movements may be uncomfortable initially, but they improve over time.
▪️Continence and erectile function may be affected after surgery, but with time and patience, they can improve.
▪️Kegel exercises are recommended to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and aid in continence and erectile function.
▪️It is important to have realistic expectations and seek support during the recovery process.

This podcast episode provides tips and advice for individuals preparing for surgery or radiation for prostate cancer or recurrence of prostate cancer. The host, a prostate cancer survivor, shares his personal experience and the strategies he used to prepare his body for these procedures. The episode covers topics such as diet, exercise, Kegel exercises, and the importance of a healthy body and mind. The host emphasizes the benefits of weight training, low-carb, high-protein, and high-fat eating, and using a continuous glucose monitor to track blood sugar levels. Overall, the episode provides practical advice for individuals going through prostate cancer treatment.

Takeaways

▪️ Preparing the body for surgery or radiation for prostate cancer can help minimize side effects and improve recovery.
▪️ Kegel exercises can help improve continence after surgery.
▪️ Weight training is important for both surgery and radiation to maintain muscle mass and bone density.
▪️ Following a low-carb, high-protein, high-fat diet can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote weight loss.
▪️ Using a continuous glucose monitor can help track the impact of different foods on blood sugar levels.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Experience
02:19 Preparing Your Body for Prostate Cancer Treatment
09:11 The Importance of Kegel Exercises for Continence
13:01 The Benefits of Weight Training for Prostate Cancer Treatment
18:15 Following a Low-Carb, High-Protein, High-Fat Diet for Prostate Cancer Treatment
24:23 Using a Continuous Glucose Monitor to Track Blood Sugar Levels

Mark is halfway through his radiation treatment for recurrent prostate cancer. He shares his experience, how he feels, and what to expect for the second half. He discusses the decision to have radiation after a recurrence, the process leading up to it, and the difference between proton radiation and photon radiation. Mark emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself before and during treatment, including exercise and diet. He also addresses common side effects and the cost of treatment. He appreciates the positive feedback he has received and addresses some negative comments as well.

Takeaways

◾️ Radiation treatment is a common option for recurrent prostate cancer after surgery.
◾️ Proton radiation is a more advanced type of radiation that minimizes damage to surrounding tissues.
◾️ Taking care of oneself through exercise and a healthy diet can contribute to a better treatment experience.
◾️ Common side effects of radiation treatment include bladder irritation and increased frequency of urination.
◾️ Positive feedback and support from others can be encouraging during the treatment journey.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Halfway Through Radiation Treatment
02:40 Background: Recurrence and Decision for Radiation
07:18 Proton Radiation vs. Photon Radiation
10:08 Taking Care of Yourself During Treatment
16:21 Preparing for Radiation Sessions
24:19 Positive Feedback and Addressing Negative Comments

The theme of this podcast is staying alive and dealing with prostate cancer. Mark shares his experience with treatment and offers words of wisdom for those who are newly diagnosed or facing recurrence. He emphasizes the importance of not letting the cancer get the better of you and staying positive throughout the journey. The podcast covers topics such as the timing of treatment, the different stages of treatment, and the importance of finding a support system. The goal is to stay alive and fight the disease every step of the way.

Takeaways
▪️ Prostate cancer is the second greatest killer of men in the United States and around the world.
▪️ The goal is to stay alive and not let the cancer get the better of you.
▪️ Timing of treatment is crucial, and early detection can lead to a fully curable cancer.
▪️ There are different stages of treatment, including surgery, radiation, and ADT.
▪️ Having a support system is important for emotional and mental well-being.
▪️ Staying positive and having a warrior mindset can greatly impact the outcome of treatment.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Staying Alive
05:35 The Importance of Timing in Treatment
09:52 Navigating the Different Stages of Treatment
13:38 ADT as a Temporary Solution
22:13 The Role of Support Systems
24:11 Conclusion: Keep Fighting and Staying Alive

Summary

Mark provides an update on his radiation treatment for recurrence of prostate cancer, sharing insights on ADT, radiation treatment, side effects, and emotional impact. He emphasizes the importance of seeking treatment and maintaining a positive outlook.

Keywords

prostate cancer, radiation treatment, ADT, side effects, emotional impact, treatment options, recurrence, survivorship

Takeaways

• Prostate cancer recurrence and radiation treatment
• Understanding the impact of ADT and radiation treatment
• Coping with side effects and emotional challenges
• Importance of seeking treatment and maintaining a positive outlook

Titles

• Coping with Side Effects and Emotional Challenges
• The Importance of Seeking Treatment and Maintaining Hope

Sound Bites

• "Addressing questions and providing an update on my radiation treatment for prostate cancer recurrence."
• "Reducing testosterone levels before radiation treatment enhances its effectiveness."
• "Coping with the side effects of ADT and maintaining a positive outlook."

Mark discusses his upcoming radiation treatment for a possible recurrence of prostate cancer. He shares his experience with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and the minimal side effects he has encountered. Mark also explains the process of preparing for radiation, including the simulation and the use of a rectal balloon to protect the rectum. He emphasizes the importance of having the right mindset and staying positive throughout the treatment. Mark concludes by mentioning his upcoming podcast on coping with incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

Mark shares his experience with prostate cancer recurrence and his plan to beat it. He discusses his treatment plan, including hormone therapy and radiation therapy. He explains the different types of hormone therapy and their side effects. Mark also emphasizes the importance of exercise and diet in mitigating the side effects of hormone therapy. He shares his own diet program and the use of a glucose monitor to manage blood sugar levels. Mark aims to provide support and information to others facing prostate cancer.

Keywords
prostate cancer, recurrence, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, side effects, exercise, diet, glucose monitor

Takeaways
Prostate cancer recurrence can be treated with hormone therapy and radiation therapy.

• There are different types of hormone therapy, including agonists, antagonists, and anti-androgen monotherapy.
• Exercise and a healthy diet can help mitigate the side effects of hormone therapy.
• Monitoring blood sugar levels with a glucose monitor can aid in managing the effects of hormone therapy.
• Support and information are crucial for individuals facing prostate cancer.

This podcast episode discusses the impact of prostate cancer on sexual function and provides insights and advice on how to navigate the challenges. I shares my personal experience with prostate cancer surgery and emphasize the importance of open communication with medical professionals. The chapters cover topics such as preparing for surgery or radiation, recovering erectile function, retraining the brain, challenges with intercourse, managing expectations and communication with a partner, and finding satisfaction and acceptance.

Takeaways
▪️Consult a medical professional for personalized advice on prostate cancer treatment and sexual function.
▪️Surgery and radiation are common treatment methods for prostate cancer.
▪️Recovery of sexual function after prostate cancer surgery may take time and require patience.
▪️Open communication with a partner is crucial for managing expectations and finding alternative ways to maintain intimacy.

Chapters 
00:00 Introduction
01:05 Overview of Prostate Cancer Experience
03:02 Preparing for Surgery or Radiation
07:24 Recovering Erectile Function
09:50 Testing Sexual Function
12:41 Retraining the Brain
15:30 Sexual Excitement and Visual Stimulation
21:11 Nighttime Erections
22:09 Difficulties with Penetration
24:09 Managing Expectations and Communication with Partner
28:03 Finding Satisfaction and Acceptance
29:00 Conclusion

This is my welcome episode, where I introduce myself as someone who was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2015, and so far have been living a normal life after surgery.  There are many details of this disease that men seem to not be able to find answers for, and I am here to help share my own experiences.  1 in 44 men will die from Prostate Cancer, but the good news is that this disease is completely curable.  The trick is to detect it early, and act on it quickly.