Note: You can find my cancer diaries here:
1. The Beginning of My Cancer Journey
4. 98% Cancer.
I want to offer some additional notes as I continue this series of missals. And I acknowledge that there is an awkwardness to it. I don’t want pity. I want prayer. Further, I don’t want these to be viewed as journal entries preceding death. I am not dying…at least it does not appear to be from prostate cancer. Something else may take me, but at this stage, my prognosis is hopeful, however high-risk it seems. I know folks in my own congregation who have suffered far more than I, and who are undergoing profound pain as we speak.
So, what do these medical missals accomplish:
The ability to update a few thousand friends/families/ acquaintances I have accumulated over the years. I do receive my fair share of texts and emails, and these summaries make my task less redundant and let folks pray for me more specifically.
The ability to offer hope through my trials. I am to count it all joy in moments like these, and so, here it is…a virtual smile amid cancer treatment for those who can see me.
Holistic Options
Let me walk you through some of the supplementary vitamins and repurposed drugs I am taking. First and foremost, I have followed William Makis’ protocol and Dean Ward’s model; Siegfried's glutamine ideas have become convincing, and I follow the ketogenic style I have used for almost ten years. I am not delving into the science behind these, except to say these are some of my non-mainstream sources for those who would like to follow my journey along.
Additionally, I have maintained a fairly strict strength training program, which is fairly significant in light of muscle loss throughout the treatment, and have remained in my usual ketogenic mode of operation. I have continued on turmeric, apple cider, creatine and vitamins B12, C and D, as well as quercetin/zinc/barberein. There are also a variety of associated drinks that help with mental and physical stamina.
My thanks to those of you who connected me with world-renowned holistic doctors who took the time to call and speak with me, and to dear friends who offered me both positive and negative insights into natural approaches. It’s wild to realize that even within the natural anti-cancer remedy world, dozens of approaches exist. The late Gary North changed his mind about some of these natural approaches toward the end of his life. I read all his journal entries. I am a believer in these alternatives, not in the absence of traditional options, but as gifts from God to supplement our traditional cancer treatments that have gone through enormous changes even in the last ten years.
First Seven Days of ADT
Androgen Deprivation Treatment, or ADT, is the beginning of my cancer treatment. I am to be on hormonal therapy for the next 53 days before I begin my radiation. Suffice it to say, the first dose was surreal; almost outlandish. Only a few hours after taking that pill, I began to feel a remarkable change in my body. ADT works by lowering testosterone, which weakens the cancer and makes radiation more effective. But the rapid hormonal changes left me instantly fatigued and disoriented. I have listened to probably 20 hours of patient testimonies on ADT, and their refrain is that they suddenly see life differently. Testosterone plays a central role in vitality, muscle mass, and maintaining energy. And the goal here is to bring it below anything comfortable for a man. This first week has been quite an emotional and physical adjustment.
But I am happy to report that after seven days, the supplements, the workout, and the unbelievable humans praying for me have kept me strong, and despite the strange sleeping schedule, I have been able to keep the fatigue at bay at least until 8 pm.
Overall, God’s been kind, and he has provided a community to walk me through this season. I confess I never quite understood the bond that cancer patients have with one another, especially those suffering from the same kind of cancer. Since my diagnosis, I have met amazing humans and heard remarkable stories of hope. I remain hopeful as we move along. And I count it all joy.