Research>Prostate Support

Providing Emotional Support For Prostate Cancer Patients

After colorectal and lung cancer, prostate cancer is the third killer cancer in the U.S. Current statistics reveal 1 out of 6 American men being diagnosed with prostate cancer in their life. Prostate cancer typically causes a lot of discomfort, with symptoms including blood in the urine, weakness and numbness in legs and feet, pain in the spine, ribs and other bones, and loss of bladder or bowel control. In the majority of cases, patients are irritable and emotional.

When diagnosed with any type of cancer, even the most even-tempered of men experience emotional and psychological change. Symptoms and their treatments bring fear and discomfort. Any support from family and friends is so essential to those with cancer, but even the family can become affected when a member is diagnosed with cancer. People close to the victim will find it tough to admit the fact a loved one has cancer and could possibly die.

Family members and friends should try to keep in mind that the biggest weight of suffering is placed on the patient himself. He is thinking about the possibility of dying, suffering from pain and loss of autonomy. The focus should be not on you own stresses and troubles, but on the patient's.

Family members' anxieties will communicate itself to the patient and probably provoke further emotional decline. If you stay strong and express a positive attitude when with the patient, it can make both of you feel better. Acknowledge to him that you care and understand how difficult things are. Reassure him you will always be there no matter what.

It can be emotionally and physically draining to deal with a prostate cancer patient, particularly if you are close to the person. The ones most affected besides the patient is the wife, and they are the person who is most looked to for reassurance.

Men with prostate cancer frequently make difficult demands of family or caregivers. A chain smoking patient, for example, might ask for a cigarette and then threaten to not take his medication when not given a cigarette.

Some employ emotional manipulation, saying he is going to die anyway, so why not let him have one last pleasure. Use your gut feeling on when or when not to give in, listening with your heart. Most often, they only want a little reassurance from you.

Above all, try to keep seeing them as the person they are, not as a cancer patient. Without denying the reality of what they are going through, connect to the man you knew before they were diagnosed.

Prostate Cancer Information - How to Find Reputable Sources

Each year approximately 186,000 men in the United States will receive the diagnosis that they have prostate cancer and, in a bid to beat the second leading cancer that kills men, will begin looking for more information on this life threatening but treatable disease. It is estimated that 40,000 men die from prostate cancer every year and 38,000 have their prostates removed either by radiation or surgery.

Searching for information can seem daunting. There is a lot of info out there be it in books or on the World Wide Web. If searching the Internet, be sure that you check out several different sites. You need to look for websites that are balanced, well-constructed, easy to use and have reputable up-to-date information.

The information on these sites may be in depth or just a general overview but most sites will explain what prostate cancer is, the signs and symptoms and how a diagnosis is made, such as through a Digital Rectal Exam or a prostate biopsy.

Many men when newly diagnosed will be searching for information on the various prostate cancer treatment options available, the prognosis and the chances of recurrence.

For these reasons the source of the information needs to be reliable and factual, giving no promises but also giving the sufferer hope. When first diagnosed with prostate cancer, many men will feel shock and fear and they need to find information that they can understand and is written in such a way that they do not need the help of a medical dictionary to get them through it.

Of course the best source to go to will be your health care provider as you'll be able to ask questions that are totally relevant for you and your lifestyle. But if you have already done a little research you will be able to ask more informed questions.

There are a variety of organizations that are dedicated to providing up-to-date information such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and The Lance Armstrong Foundation.

You will also find websites that provide chat forums that will give you the chance to communicate with other men who are also dealing with this disease. These can be useful, as each person will have their own story of successes and failures in the coping with their illness. Everyone is an individual and what works for one will not necessarily work for another.

Gathering as much information about prostate cancer treatments as you can, will enable you to make educated decisions on how to deal with your health and to be pro-active in your treatment.

Prostate Support - Boost Male Sexuality and Prostate Health With One Simple Formula?

Review Summary

Eating, breathing and sleeping are all physical needs, and so is sex, and it is one that many men expect to be able to perform at optimal levels forever. So, when it ebbs men are often caught off guard. There are many things that influence sex drive and reduce sexuality, including hormone, stress, circulation and nutrition. The holistic market has been a front runner in helping men support and increase sexuality, and Prost 8 is a formula that men who are looking to augment prostate heath may gravitate toward due to its developer's claims that by increasing prostate health it may increase sperm and semen health as well.

Ingredients at a Glance

This product contains: Beta Sitosterol, Campesterol, Stigmasterol, Brassicasterol, Isoflavines, Selenomax, Zinc Citrate and Pumpkin Seed Oil.

Ingredients in Focus

This developer claims that Beta Sitosterol, which is widely used to lower cholesterol levels effectively, may also increase prostate health. However, these claims seem to be a bit exaggerated, given the fact that research in this arena is in its early stages. In studies it was shown to ease urinary symptoms and prostate problems, but it was not shown to increase sexual, sperm or semen health.

Prost 8's formula is very much wrapped up in the use of Beta Sitosterol, so they also used Campesterol, another sources of Beta Sitosterols, which has the same potentiality and drawbacks as Beta Sitosterols. In research studies Pumpkin Seed Oil has shown some good results in augmenting prostate health, but not as good as Saw Palmetto, which is not used in this formula. This is an unfortunate omission, because Saw Palmetto has been used throughout Europe to dramatically ease the symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia and other prostate issues, as well as helping support prostate health.

Lifestyle

The fact that Prost 8 was crafted to help increase prostate health may be very attractive, but it does not contain any extracts that will directly affect sexual health. It does not contain a high performance erection enhancer like Yohimbe that may increase cGMP levels and blood flow, thereby creating harder and fuller erections that last longer, nor does it contain a testosterone enhancer, like Tribulus Terrestris, which may increase sex drive, performance and virility. The fact that this formula lacks these elements means that consumers who are looking to feel and be more sexual may well be disappointed by its results.

Positives

· May help with cholesterol health since it contains Beta Sitosterol

· Pumpkin Seed Oil may increase prostate health, but it is not as proven as some of the other available ingredients

Negatives

· Does not contain Saw palmetto

· Does not contain proven sexuality enhancers like Yohimbe and Tribulus Terrestris

Final Thoughts

Prost 8's formula clearly relies upon the use of Beta Sitosterol, a healthy and effective cholesterol lowering plant extract that recently is being studied as a way to address prostate issues and increase prostate health. But the research is in the initial stages, and it has not been shown to be effective, unlike Saw Palmetto, which has a track record of success in this arena. However, it is also important to note that this formula lacks extracts like Yohimbe and Tribulus Terrestris, which may have a direct affect on sexuality.

Prostate health and male sexuality are complicated issues, so we actually suggest doing more research before making a decision about Prost 8's viability. To help we have posted some links below to get you started. These links lead to other websites that offer independent articles on this product, prostate health and herbal extracts. Such information may help you gain a better understanding of these issues and the best ways to augment them.

Living With Prostate Cancer

The baby boomer population bubble has now reached 60 years old. This means that many of us are going to need to face illness and diseases that come with surviving six decades. Prostate cancer is one such disease that is expected to grow in number over the next few decades.

Statistically 180,000 new prostate cancer cases are being diagnosed in the United States every year with about 32,000 men dying from this disease annually. Although these are the statistics that are used, the fact is that many of these men will will die and not from the actual prostate cancer, but from allowing the cancerous condition to grow until it is unmanageable. This is due to the fact that prostate cancer can metastasize or move from the prostate area and infect organs, bones and lymph nodes.

This should cause every man to pause and realize that prostate cancer is a serious disease that if given the chance will kill you. It is now the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States after lung cancer. In Canada about 17,000 males are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year and about 4,200 die each year from the disease.

The sad fact is that many of these deaths are avoidable. As with many cancerous diseases, early detection is the key to effective treatment and even cure. Prostate cancer is diagnosed based upon how advanced the malignant tumor has grown. In the early stages, we have maximum flexibility in treatment options and can both manage and in many times cure this potentially deadly disease.

Diagnosis usually start with a medical history as studies have shown that heredity may be a factor with prostate cancer. Next, a DRE or digital rectal exam is done. This is a quick and simple exam where the doctor feels your prostate for any abnormal bumps, size difference or texture. In addition to a DRE, the doctor may suggest a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood Test. This blood test looks for abnormal markers that may indicate the presence of a developing cancerous situation.

There's growing evidence to suggest that a diet very rich in vitamins and nutrients can also help maintain our body's ability to ward off many serious diseases. Although the definitely not a cure for prostate cancer, the use of natural remedies to strengthen your body's immune system can only help to keep you healthy. There's no question that a low-fat diet along with appropriate vitamins and minerals can help keep you healthier and make you better able to fight off disease.

Several studies have suggested that men who had a diet rich in selenium and vitamin E. had fewer cases of prostate cancer. The kinds of foods that contain selenium include meat, grains, seafood, and some kinds of nuts. It's critical that you meet with your doctor before making any radical changes to your diet as other problems may arise. There's also some evidence to suggest that the nutrient lycopene found in tomato based products such as ketchup can provide some protection against contracting prostate cancer.

According to a study in the British Journal of Urology International, men that have been diagnosed with prostate cancer who take supplemental lycopene (is found in very high amounts in tomatoes) and still get their testicles surgically removed are likely to experience less bone pain, less disease and stand more chances of living longer than those who have only had surgical removal of their testicles.

In the end, a partnership with your medical doctor is the best way to remain healthier longer. By taking some responsibility for your health, changes in your lifestyle are much easier to make.

After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis - Where to Begin

Once you learn that you or your loved one has prostate cancer, there is a lot to think about. Putting an action plan together is important, but it may be hard to focus or think clearly. Here are some ways to help you get started:

Take a few days to regroup. The initial diagnosis is a big shock, and it's important to process what you're feeling. Coping with prostate cancer is a day-by-day experience. Your feelings may change from minute to minute. Be gentle with yourself. There is no right way to deal with prostate cancer. Some days it's just about putting one foot in front of the other and muddling through. That's okay.

Buy a notebook. Write everything down, including important dates, test results, and information from consultations with doctors. You will always have these notes to refer back to and you probably will. Also get an expanding file or legal sized folder you can carry with you. Use it to hold all of your medical records, prescriptions, bills, insurance papers, business cards, important articles, educational materials, and your notebook.

Ask for copies of every test result and keep them in your folder. You will be surprised by how many times one doctor will forget to fax test results to another doctor. Doing this will save you precious time, and each doctor can address important issues at every visit because they will have the information they need.

Keep track of every conversation you have with your health insurance company in your notebook. Remember to date the conversation and ask for the name of the person you speak with. By doing this, you will be able to document your conversation, and what was discussed, should a problem arise.

Begin searching for information from credible sources. When searching the Internet, you will find many websites that provide excellent, unbiased information about prostate cancer. Unfortunately, there are just as many websites that do not. Ask yourself if the information being presented is unbiased, or is the website trying to influence you to choose a particular treatment?

Read everything you can. The more you learn about prostate cancer, the more you can make informed decisions about the many treatment options that are available. Try to read about these different options before you consult with doctors. Having a basic understanding may help you have a more meaningful discussion with the doctor.

Clinical trials offer a wealth of information. A good place to search for them is Pub Med Type in prostate cancer + treatment options or prostate cancer + survival and numerous articles will come up. You can usually get all the information you need from the abstract (summary). A medical dictionary can be helpful for medical terms you do not understand.

Think about joining a support group. No one understands what you are going through like someone who has had experience with prostate cancer. You can call US TOO at 800-808-7866 or the American Cancer Society at 800-ACS-2345 to see if they have support group meetings in your area.

Consider how much you want to tell others. There is nothing wrong with telling everyone you know about you or your loved one's prostate cancer diagnosis, but realize that they may not know how to react. People generally mean well, but they sometimes say things out of nervousness that may feel inappropriate to you. They may also ask you questions that you are not prepared to answer, or don't want to talk about. Understand that people may also offer their opinions on what they think you should or should not do. Or they may say nothing at all.

Decide what you want to tell children or grandchildren. This is a personal decision. If you do decide to tell younger children, it may be enough just to say that Daddy or Grandpa is sick and the doctor is going to help him.

Include your name on your church or synagogue prayer list. You may also want to seek counsel from a religious leader. They can offer you spiritual guidance and may be a great source of comfort. A diagnosis of cancer can feel like a test of faith. The truth is that you really never know how you're going to react until it happens to you.

About the Prostate Cancer Foundation in Canada

The Prostate Cancer foundation in Canada was founded in 1994 by a prostate cancer patient called Ron Evason. In the past, prostate cancer did not get the media coverage, public awareness and research funding that it does now, so the foundation was set up primarily to find high quality prostate cancer research . The research funded aims to find out more about the causes of the cancer, possible cures and how to prevent it in the first place.

The foundation also aims to raise general awareness of the cancer. Prostate cancer survival rates have been steadily increasing for the past twenty years, but only recently has it come into the public eye, partly due to organisations such as the Canada foundation that try to raise awareness of the disease. For example, around 1 in 7 men will have prostate cancer in their lifetimes, but many of the public don't realise this.

The Prostate Cancer foundation in Canada also provides support and guidance to men who have prostate cancer. Many men who have the cancer find that interacting with other people who have had or still do have prostate cancer helps emotionally. A message board is available at the Canada foundation website where men can discuss and give advice about the disease.

The foundation relies on donations, so support from people all across Canada and beyond is extremely important. The invested money goes towards to ultimate goal of finding a cure for prostate cancer, as well as discovering what causes it and preventing it in the future.

Man's Health Supplements: Vital Role in Preventing & Reversing Many Challenges for Good Health

A man’s good health is only achieved through a combination of mans health supplements, a healthy lifestyle, and good nutrition. In an age where a mans’ health is judged by physical appearance, it’s important to realize that it’s ‘what’s on the inside’ and what you’re consuming that most men should be more concerned about.

Men’s health or lack of health starts on the inside and works its way out. For example, here are some external, physical indicators that let you know all is not well on the inside; these include:

• White, gray or silver hair, varicose veins (which can be indicators of copper deficiency and an early warning signal for cardiovascular disease and stroke).

• Dry skin and cravings for fatty food (which can be sign of an essential fatty acid deficiency).

• Hair loss (can be a sign of a mineral deficiency such as tin).

• Age and liver spots (can indicate a selenium deficiency and mean that your body is under attack from ‘free radicals’ which damage cells – this can increase your risk of cancer and heart disease).

• Noisy, cracking, grinding joints and high blood pressure (can indicate a calcium and mineral deficiency) and are an early warning signal for arthritis and osteoporosis.

And being young and fit doesn’t offer any protection unless you change your lifestyle, eat a healthy diet and use health supplements.

The good news is that the majority of a man’s health problems can be prevented and in many cases reversed through simple and inexpensive health supplements like vitamins and minerals, and some changes to our lifestyle and diets.

For example, did you know that a compound called ‘Lycopene’ found in raw tomatoes can dramatically lower your risk of prostate cancer and a number of other cancers? And did you know that simply eating more omega 3 fatty acids (like those in fish oils and good health supplements) can help unclog your arteries and reduce your risk of coronary heart disease by more than 50%? And that essential fatty acids also make your skin look better and healthier? Did you know there are health supplements out there that can prevent and reverse arthritis and osteoporosis as well as managing your pain whilst rebuilding the bone structure?

In terms of general health, most scientists now agree that a multi-vitamin (and mineral) supplement is useful for the prevention of chronic disease. Recently, even the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published an article linking the inadequate intake of vitamins to chronic diseases.

Your aim should be to maximize your nutrient intake, minimize your loss of nutrients and totally reduce your intake of the things that are bad for you.

Here’s a summary of the some of the major men's health challenges and which health supplements offer support:

• Prostate – Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death in men with over 80% of men over the age of 50 experiencing some form of prostate problem. For general prostate support, look for mans health supplements containing: zinc (also found in pumpkin seeds), essential fatty acids (Omegas 3, 6 & 9), Vitamin A, Vitamin C, amino acids; also unsweetened cranberry juice, selenium and herbs including Saw Palmetto. Recent studies on the nutrient Lycopene, found in tomatoes, show that it may reduce your risk of getting prostate cancer.

• Cancer – use a combination of the all the essential nutrients (minerals, vitamins, amino acids and essential fatty acids) and antioxidants like selenium and vitamin C and E. Tomatoes are rich in Lycopene and offer protection against many types of cancer - especially prostate cancer.

• High Cholesterol – High cholesterol itself does not cause any known diseases but deficiencies of cholesterol can lead to a number of diseases and health problems. To reduce cholesterol, eliminate bad fats from your diet and consume essential fatty acids (good fats). An EFA supplement, rich in Omega 3 oil, is particularly successful at reducing cholesterol. Antioxidant supplements (selenium and Vitamins A and C) and plant derived colloidal minerals are also useful.

• Fatigue – Man’s health supplements should include all the essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids and essential fatty acids – ensuring that you have no nutritional deficiencies will help with fatigue. Health supplements with chromium and vanadium can help regulate low blood sugar which can make you feel tired.

• High Blood Pressure – Supplement with all the essential nutrients including the plant derived colloidal calcium and other minerals, liquid calcium, Coenzyme Q-10, essential fatty acids and lecithin. Herbs such as European Hawthorn also help men’s health.

• Heart Disease – take in all of the essential nutrients, paying particular attention to a good source of essential fatty acids (flaxseed oil, and/or fish oil), selenium and Vitamin E.

• Macular degeneration – Supplement with 90 essential nutrients including plant derived colloidal minerals, selenium, Vitamin E. Recent research indicates that the antioxidant Lutein - found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale – also has a role to play in reducing macular degeneration and improving eyesight.

• Weight Loss – Supplements play a key role as your regular dietary habits usually change if you are dieting. You need to take in all 90 essential nutrients to make sure your body is receiving all the nutrition it needs. Supplementing with plant derived colloidal minerals and supplements with extra chromium and vanadium can help control cravings.

Taking digestive enzymes before you eat will help your body absorb more nutrients.

Whey protein in the form of shakes and food nutrition bars with extra vitamins and minerals can be a good way of filling you up without carbohydrates and giving you the nutrition you need.

• Sportsmen – If you train or exercise frequently and you sweat then you need to supplement with a good liquid mineral and multivitamin product to replace everything you're sweating out. If you don't then you're setting yourself up for serious health problems such as heart disease, joint problems, low energy and chronic aches and pains. You have to replace all those vital minerals you are sweating out while exercise. According to the Center for Disease Control, over 100,000 men, women and children die every year (in the US alone) during and immediately after exercise. Almost without doubt because they never replaced all the minerals, trace minerals, electrolytes and vitamins lost through strenuous activity.

• Healthy Bones and Joints – Man’s health supplements with calcium and other minerals (plant derived colloidal minerals and liquid calcium are best), vitamins and essential fatty acids (e.g. omega oils) are all important for the prevention and reversal of debilitating arthritis and osteoporosis. In other words, all 90 essential nutrients. Also health supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin and Cetyl Myristoleate, a recently discovered essential fatty acid compound that is scientifically proven to relieve pain & improve mobility - can help relieve your pain, reduce inflammation and assist with rebuild the bone and joint.

• Healthy Hair –Supplementing with zinc, copper and tin from a highly absorbable plant derived colloidal source can help some men with re-growth and return of hair colour.

• Healthy Skin – To maintain your skin in its best condition, use health supplements with vitamin A (as beta carotene), zinc (in colloidal minerals) and essential fatty acids. Taking digestive enzymes before you eat will help you absorb the nutrients your skin and whole body needs.

Lifestyle & Diet

The common sense rules apply – about 20 to 30 minutes of exercise every second day is adequate to keep you healthy and help keep your weight under control. As you grow older, include more weight-bearing exercises and tone down the hard aerobic workouts.

Plenty of fresh vegetables (about 5 servings per day) and fruit (about 2 to 3 servings per day - less than vegetables because of the sugar content of fruit), more protein and less refined carbohydrates (in the form of sugar, cakes, biscuits etc) and avoid fried foods and margarine. At least 8 – 10 glasses of fresh filtered water per day (more if you exercise and live in a hot/humid climate) will keep your liver and kidneys in great condition and help the body eliminate wastes and convert fat into energy.

Prostate Cancer Recovery - Treatment Review

Is prostate cancer recovery achievable? Survival rates quoted by doctors depend upon how far the cancer has spread in the body. Treatments typically offered by oncologists include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Yet cancer survivor and author, Karon Beattie, believes that conventional treatments are often ineffective. In her book, Natural Cancer Treatments That Work, Beattie cites studies that show there is no difference in the survival rates between prostate cancer patients who had surgery and the controls who did not and refers to medical reports that radical surgery for prostate cancer tend to spread the disease.

Beattie's book is a collection of over 350 alternative cancer treatments poorly recognised by mainstream doctors because the treatments are generally not patentable by drug companies. She claims that these treatments have enabled over 2,000 people to beat cancer.

Specifically in relation to prostate cancer, Beattie describes how an Australian chemist accidentally discovered a low-cost alkalizing powder to successfully treat his own cancer and help others with prostate cancer.

In addition, Beattie writes about a natural extract that dramatically helped a prostate cancer patient with rapidly progressive metastasis. A research team found that the extract suppressed solid tumor sarcoma by 96.7% in laboratory trials. This outcome seems astonishing for a little known treatment.

Beattie reports that Stanford University researchers found a common anti-biotic shrunk prostate cancers and showed an ability to prevent the initial spread of cancer.

In addition, Beattie provides 196 first hand accounts of people who beat prostate cancer and how they did it. If these stories are accurate, why are these treatments unrecognised by mainstream medicine?

Beattie believes that even though many of the treatments were discovered by respected scientists and researchers, drug companies have little interest in investing in human clinical trials because natural treatments are unpatentable and therefore unprofitable. She believes that cancer patients are being shortchanged and have to trawl the internet looking for treatments successfully used by thousands to beat their cancer.

People hoping for prostate cancer recovery will find these compelling stories difficult to ignore in their efforts to survive.

Prostate Cancer Worries That Men Don't Want To Admit To

If you have prostate cancer, or are concerned about getting it, or if you're looking out for the health of someone you love, this article can help. In most men, it grows very slowly: most men will never know they have the condition. The most common cancer in American men, except for skin cancer, is prostate cancer.

Detected in its early stages, prostate cancer can be effectively treated and cured. The prostate gland is located directly beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. The main job of the prostate gland is to make seminal fluid, the milky substance that transports sperm.

One of the most common symptoms is the inability to urinate at all. There are several 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.

There are other symptoms not mentioned here. If cancer is caught at its earliest stages, most men will not experience any symptoms. Having one or more cancer symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer.

A PSA test with a high level can also be from a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. A prostate biopsy usually confirms the diagnosis. Your doctor may use either one or two of the most common tests for prostate cancer detection.

There is a newer test called AMACR that is more sensitive than the PSA test for determining the presence of prostate cancer. A urinalysis may indicate if there is blood in the urine. A chest x-ray may be done to see if there's a spread of cancer.

Recent improvements in surgical procedures have made complications occur less often. Hormone manipulation is mainly used as a treatment to relieve symptoms in men whose cancer has spread. What you can do now is begin to understand what exactly your treatment options are and where you're going to begin.

Surgery, called a radical prostatectomy, removes the entire prostate gland and some of the surrounding tissues. Besides hormonal drugs, hormone manipulation may also be done by surgically removing the testes. Surgery is usually only recommended after thorough evaluation and discussion of all available treatment options.

Impotence is a potential complication after the prostatectomy or after radiation therapy. Chemotherapy medications are often used to treat prostate cancers that are resistant to hormonal treatments. Radiation therapy is used primarily to treat prostate cancers classified as stages A, B, or C.

Medicines can be used to adjust the levels of testosterone; called hormonal manipulation. 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. Treatment options can vary based on the stage of the tumor.

In patients whose health makes the risk of surgery unacceptably high, radiation therapy is often the chosen conventional alternative. 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.

The outcome of prostate cancer varies greatly; mostly because the disease is found in older men who may have a variety of other complicating diseases or conditions, such as cardiac or respiratory disease, or disabilities that immobilize or greatly decrease their activities. Once diagnosed you may want to join a support group where members share their experiences and problems. Because its a very slow-growing disease, many men with this disease will die from other causes before they die from prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer - Telling The Friends And Family

Now to tell "the friends." I decide to tell the closest 20 friends in the most positive way I can because I feel that at this time I have a positive story to tell that may help others. Because I know a lot of people- and a lot of people know me I figure that only good can come out of it by being honest and I also know that if I don't let them know the truth as it is, it will be only a matter of time before someone tells them something via the grapevine that is less positive and that wouldn't do anyone any good. In short, I see it as a small opportunity to strike a small blow for mankind.

I'm still undecided about what to do with my family though as they live in NZ and I live in Australia. As my Father died less than a year ago and her best friend died of cancer just over a year ago I really think Mum's been through enough of late so I don't want to tell her about me just yet. I know my Sister will immediately but mildly "freak out" and my brother will be ok- but if I tell one, how can I not tell the other? - or which one should I tell first? I make a decision not to make a decision about them just yet, meantime I will write to the friends in Australia – I write and send the following email –

Hi Friends,

Just to let you know – you can put the black suits and frocks back in the cupboard for now- got word this morning that there is no sign of cancer anywhere else in my body- "it is contained in the prostate"- so the treatments can begin and I stand a good chance (95%) of being cancer – free in five years.

I believe I can at least play a little part in the future, in helping other guys to change entrenched attitudes to getting tested regularly. At this time we still lag 20 years behind the ladies – who have understood the importance of getting "their bits" monitored and checked as a matter of routine. Men have to do the same.

Dan

Ps: sorry to report – I've decided I won't have any more children! :)

I get some really nice responses to my email - here are some excerpts of a few of them.

I am ecstatic about your good news.
It could all so easily have gone in another direction, and now I'll get on my soapbox, Dan, CHANGE YOUR DIET!

Don't waste this wakeup call - they are rationed you know.

I did not even know you had been diagnosed until now. It is a great relief however to know your cancer is curable and so I won't have to email you in heaven. "Don't think they are on line yet!"

My annual check up keeps me from departing this world prematurely.
I decided a long time ago that I will be around to celebrate my 100th anniversary, unless I get done in by the proverbial Bus
Cripes mate – what a shock to J and me! Just as well it was instantly followed by relief! Thank you for sharing your news and wise advice. I'm actually booked in for a check-up in a couple of weeks. We've been going through a spate of mates and associates touched by the dreaded big ‘C' and heart attacks. It does bring one to realise the need to endure regular check-ups and be grateful for every minute of good health! Even though all looks bright my friend – you can count on us should you need support.

Hi Dan. Spoke to Aunty Mo and we agreed we would all spend an all night vigil (with vodka) when we know you are going under the knifette.
Prayers and thoughts - is that OTT - we shall wear bright colours and play Aretha's 'Sugar pie honey bunch'in a similar vein to when you both danced across my bed at Glebe all those years ago.

Hi Dan, I spoke to J over the weekend and she told me of your scare.
I am delighted to hear that we have not yet seen Custer's (I mean Dan's) last stand. I had a check up myself just a month or so back because a cousin has had a similar problem but not quite such a confined outcome.

My friends are great- and this is a very small sampling of the many that have arrived.

Monday March 5th

I ring Pam who advises me Doc G will ring me soon. Nearly a week goes by and I ring her again. She advises me he wants to talk to another specialist about me and will be in touch soon as he has a specific treatment in mind.

Thursday March 8th
Early evening the phone rings – it's Mum. She sounds good and is obviously in the mood for a chat. We cover quite a few topics and chat for a good half hour before finally she asks did I remember a Kenny Te Po? Yes I do- he was in my class at school. She tells me he's died. She saw his death notice in the local paper. Funny I remember him because it's been fifty years since I last saw him. We both marvel at each other's memories, but then she does something extraordinary. She says clearly and distinctly, "Now what about you? How exactly is your health?" The question is so direct and so pointed it almost seems like she knows (but I'm sure she doesn't). I realise I've got no option but to come clean. I pause for just a second but its too long and already I hear her drop a tone and say "Oh!"

I find myself sort of stumbling out "Well, Mum, there is something but before I tell you I want you to know its all going to be ok and its not the end of the world ok?" A second "Oh!"

"Fact is I've been diagnosed with prostate cancer, but we've got it early" and I go on to explain. She takes it all very well- I'm relieved. I don't want to have to worry about the family or indeed anyone else. At the end of the conversation she asks do I want to tell my brother & sister. I tell her I think it might be best if it comes from her, if she doesn't mind? She agrees – I'm glad. So much easier because she's on the spot and I think it will help them if it comes from her rather than the other way around.

I can predict the reactions – a phone call from my sister immediately she finds out- a considered email from my bother several days later.

Friday March 9th

I get an email from my sister…the subject line is: Mum Just Rang

What to say? Hell! Early stages is good Pet. You'll beat it. Odds are really good when they get it early. Friend's hubby had it detected early and alls well. Bloody hell, I feel sick. Can I ring you?

I don't doubt she will ? and she does – and will again.

Saturday March 10th

Sister rings & brother emails (predictions all correct).

Brother's email –

Sorry to hear the latest report and hope you get through and beyond this unwelcome 'event' quickly and smoothly. I do hope you'd sing out if you would want me to come over for support. I'm really not sure what's involved after these ops but keep us posted. I know you have been talking with Sis and Mum. Probably been putting off ringing so I don't have to listen to what you will most likely tell me. I know I must go too.
You'll be pleased to know that whilst writing this I thought 'bugger it I have to do it' and have rung and got an appointment for this afternoon. So I will finally get to meet my Dr! First time I've been to the Dr since 1996. Just hope it aint a hereditary thing.
I'm not sure what to say except that we are both thinking of you and wish you a speedy recovery.
Love from us both
s & e

Ps: E is going to die of fright tonight when I tell her I've been to the Doc!

March 11th

Sister rings

Monday March 12th

Sister rings twice - she's waiting on news that I'm waiting on. This time I tell her I'm worried that she's worrying too much- love hearing from her but suggest we take it back a notch. I promise to keep her up to date with regular emails and suggest I would love it if she would call me a little more often than in the past but not quite as much as she's doing now because its making me feel as though she thinks I'm going to die tomorrow.