My Story
In July of 2018, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer with a PSA of 55 (the normal range is 3-4). It felt like a kick to the gut.
After 20 minutes of boo-hoos and "Why Me?", I realized that I had two choices - I could accept the diagnosis and sit on the couch waiting to die or I could fight. I chose to fight.
The first step was to obtain a second opinion as the initial diagnosis was done by a urologist, not an oncologist.
Accordingly, my wife and I consulted with the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix and were extremely fortunate to meet with Dr. Singh. He was the voice of calm and reason, who as an oncologist explained all of my treatment options and the impacts of this disease. He recommended a mixture of hormone therapy and chemotherapy, which I could have done where I reside in Tucson AZ and remained as a "consulting physician". He even recommended a local oncologist (Dr. Rafiyath). Both doctors have been wonderful.
I went through six rounds of chemotherapy infusion (docetaxel) and twenty radiation treatments. I went to the gym religiously the day after each session for my heavy bag workouts and also maintained my twice weekly rugby sprint sessions, (please see the Three Pillars button for more on the role of vigorous exercise as one of these pillars).
There is no cure (yet) for prostate cancer and it does not go "into remission". However, in approximately one year, my PSA had dropped to essentially zero and my cancer was now under control
I attribute this to my my three pillars which in addition to my treatment, resulted in this dramatic turnaround. Interestingly, the clinical evidence supports this.
Since then I have completed a Health Certification course/program with the intent of helping other cancer patients to continue to battle and beat their disease.
I have also written a book describing my journey through my cancer fight. Click here to view.
After 20 minutes of boo-hoos and "Why Me?", I realized that I had two choices - I could accept the diagnosis and sit on the couch waiting to die or I could fight. I chose to fight.
The first step was to obtain a second opinion as the initial diagnosis was done by a urologist, not an oncologist.
Accordingly, my wife and I consulted with the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix and were extremely fortunate to meet with Dr. Singh. He was the voice of calm and reason, who as an oncologist explained all of my treatment options and the impacts of this disease. He recommended a mixture of hormone therapy and chemotherapy, which I could have done where I reside in Tucson AZ and remained as a "consulting physician". He even recommended a local oncologist (Dr. Rafiyath). Both doctors have been wonderful.
I went through six rounds of chemotherapy infusion (docetaxel) and twenty radiation treatments. I went to the gym religiously the day after each session for my heavy bag workouts and also maintained my twice weekly rugby sprint sessions, (please see the Three Pillars button for more on the role of vigorous exercise as one of these pillars).
There is no cure (yet) for prostate cancer and it does not go "into remission". However, in approximately one year, my PSA had dropped to essentially zero and my cancer was now under control
I attribute this to my my three pillars which in addition to my treatment, resulted in this dramatic turnaround. Interestingly, the clinical evidence supports this.
Since then I have completed a Health Certification course/program with the intent of helping other cancer patients to continue to battle and beat their disease.
I have also written a book describing my journey through my cancer fight. Click here to view.
SISU & Life/ Health Balance
Fighting stance for defeating cancer