Mark's Prostate Cancer Experience

Mark
  • 4.9 (14)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Prostate Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in men, responsible for about 1 in every 44 deaths.  But, it's one of the few cancers that is completely curable.  Mark was 51 years old when diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015.  Now, almost a decade later he is online to tell his story of how he was diagnosed, and what other men should expect on their path to being cured of this disease.  He talks about how he learned about his cancer, the surgery that saved his life, and how he manages with side effects such as incontinence and erectile disfunction.  The good news is that he beat all the odds, and lives to tell others of what they can expect.

  1. #301: 10 Years Cancer-Free: My Prostate Cancer Journey and What I’ve Learned

    NOV 11

    #301: 10 Years Cancer-Free: My Prostate Cancer Journey and What I’ve Learned

    It’s been 10 years since my prostate cancer surgery — and today, I’m sharing the full story of what happened, what recovery was really like, and what life looks like a decade later. Hi, and welcome to Season 3 of Mark’s Prostate Cancer Experience. In this episode, I reflect on the day I learned I had prostate cancer, the decision to remove my prostate, the bumps along the way, and how I’ve stayed cancer-free for 10 years. If you’re a man newly diagnosed with prostate cancer, preparing for surgery, or living with the after-effects, I hope my experience helps you feel less alone and more informed. 🩺 Topics Covered My diagnosis at age 51 and rising PSA levelsDeciding between surgery, radiation, or active surveillanceRecovery and regaining continence and sexual functionWhat “positive margins” mean and how I handled recurrenceRadiation follow-up 8 years laterHow I use AI tools like ChatGPT and Grok for medical researchMental attitude, faith, and staying positive through it allThe future of prostate cancer treatment and AI

    40 min
  2. #203: Joe Biden's Prostate Cancer: A Wake-Up Call

    MAY 19

    #203: Joe Biden's Prostate Cancer: A Wake-Up Call

    In this conversation, Mark discusses the recent revelation of Joe Biden's advanced prostate cancer diagnosis. He explains the significance of Gleason scores, particularly focusing on the implications of a Gleason 9 diagnosis. He emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment of prostate cancer, advocating for greater transparency from leaders regarding health issues. He expresses concern over the potential consequences of ignoring symptoms and the need for increased awareness and education about prostate cancer. Takeaways ▪️ Joe Biden's diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer raises concerns. ▪️ Understanding Gleason scores is crucial for prostate cancer awareness. ▪️ Prostate cancer can be a slow-moving disease, but early detection is key. ▪️ A Gleason 7 diagnosis often requires action to eradicate cancer. ▪️ Gleason 9 indicates a more aggressive and advanced stage of cancer. ▪️ Prostate cancer is manageable and treatable if caught early. ▪️ Leadership should set an example in health transparency. ▪️ Ignoring symptoms of prostate cancer can have serious consequences. ▪️ Education about prostate cancer is vital for public health. ▪️ Regular PSA testing is recommended for men over 40. Sound Bites "What a bombshell this was." "Prostate cancer is a very slow moving disease." "At a Gleason 7, you have to eradicate the cancer." "Gleason 9 prostate cancer is very, very bad." "I wish President Biden the very best." "If you get it early, you'll lead a very long life."

    31 min
  3. #202: Mark's Prostate Cancer Q&A Part 1

    MAR 24

    #202: Mark's Prostate Cancer Q&A Part 1

    📌 In this episode, Mark answers your top questions about prostate cancer treatment, surgery, hormone therapy, and life after recovery. As a prostate cancer survivor, I share my personal experiences with radiation therapy, prostate removal surgery, PSA levels, testosterone recovery, and much more. ⚠ Disclaimer: Mark is not a medical professional. He is a survivor sharing his personal journey. Always consult a doctor for medical advice. 🔥 If you’re dealing with prostate cancer, treatment decisions, or post-surgery recovery, this Q&A session is for you. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support this channel and help others find this valuable information! Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Prostate Cancer Q&A 00:36 - Disclaimer: Not Medical Advice 01:01 - Why I Started This Q&A Series 02:10 - Question 1: How Long Does It Take to Feel Normal After Radiation? 06:50 - Question 2: How Long Does It Take for Scars to Fade After Prostate Surgery? 09:14 - Question 3: My PSA Went Up but No Cancer Found—Should I Worry? 12:11 - Question 4: How Long for Testosterone to Return After Hormone Therapy? 16:47 - Question 5: When Should Radiation or Hormone Therapy Start for Recurrence? 22:47 - Question 6: Should I Stay on Hormone Therapy Continuously or Take Breaks? 24:57 - Question 7: Can Radiation Cause Urinary Incontinence? 29:17 - Mindset, Positivity & Healing After Prostate Cancer 32:00 - Using AI (ChatGPT & Grok) to Learn More About Prostate Cancer 33:50 - Final Thoughts & Words of Encouragement 🙌 Support the Channel: If this video helped you, give it a thumbs up, leave a comment, and subscribe for future Q&A sessions! #ProstateCancer #ProstateCancerSurvivor #MensHealth #RadiationTherapy #PSA #CancerTreatment #HormoneTherapy #CancerSupport #ProstateHealth

    35 min

  4. FEB 20

    #201: How ChatGPT Can Help You Understand Prostate Cancer – My Experience & Tips

    📢 Can ChatGPT help with prostate cancer? As a prostate cancer survivor, I’ve explored how AI technology like ChatGPT can help us better understand pathology reports, PSA results, and treatment options. In this episode, I’ll show you how I use ChatGPT to interpret my own prostate cancer diagnosis, making complex medical reports easier to understand. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: I am NOT a medical professional. This video is based on my personal experience and is for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed medical professional for any health concerns. 🔍 In this video, you’ll learn: ✅ How ChatGPT can help break down medical jargon ✅ What pathology reports really mean ✅ How AI tools can assist in understanding PSA levels ✅ The importance of working with your doctor alongside AI insights 💬 Join the conversation! Have you used ChatGPT or AI tools to help with a medical condition? Share your thoughts in the comments! 👍 Like, Share & Subscribe for more prostate cancer discussions and personal insights. #ProstateCancer #ChatGPT #AIinHealthcare #ProstateHealth #CancerSurvivor #MedicalAI

    28 min
  5. #111: Sex and Continence After Prostate Cancer

    12/18/2024

    #111: Sex and Continence After Prostate Cancer

    atment options, and the importance of community support. He emphasizes the survivability of prostate cancer, the significance of informed decision-making regarding treatment, and the impact of surgery and radiation on sexual function and recovery. Mark encourages open discussions about prostate cancer and aims to provide valuable insights to others facing similar challenges. Takeaways Mark's prostate cancer journey began in 2015 with a prostatectomy.He underwent radiation treatment in 2024, resulting in an undetectable PSA.Prostate cancer is highly survivable with appropriate treatment.Radiation therapy can have side effects, but is generally manageable.Understanding the importance of early detection and treatment is crucial.Choosing an experienced surgeon can significantly impact recovery outcomes.Kegel exercises are essential for post-surgery recovery.Reconnecting the brain to sexual function is a key part of recovery.Community support and sharing experiences can help others.Mark plans to engage with guest speakers to discuss evolving treatment options Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Prostate Cancer Journey 09:36 Understanding Prostate Cancer Recurrence 19:30 Future Directions and Community Engagement

    22 min
  6. #110: Getting My Mojo Back!

    09/05/2024

    #110: Getting My Mojo Back!

    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

    22 min
  7. #109 - Surgery's Complete. Now What?

    07/18/2024

    #109 - Surgery's Complete. Now What?

    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.

    29 min
  8. #108 - How to Eat, Train and Prepare for Prostate Cancer Treatment

    07/10/2024

    #108 - How to Eat, Train and Prepare for Prostate Cancer Treatment

    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

    36 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Prostate Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in men, responsible for about 1 in every 44 deaths.  But, it's one of the few cancers that is completely curable.  Mark was 51 years old when diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015.  Now, almost a decade later he is online to tell his story of how he was diagnosed, and what other men should expect on their path to being cured of this disease.  He talks about how he learned about his cancer, the surgery that saved his life, and how he manages with side effects such as incontinence and erectile disfunction.  The good news is that he beat all the odds, and lives to tell others of what they can expect.

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