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Thursday, December 28, 2017

First post Christmas run

Had a good run this morning. Wore 2 layers on the lower body and 3 on the upper and stayed warm throughout the run. Actually got hot.

Once again, thanks to my buddy Stephen for getting me out there. I wasn't planning on running, but when he texted me last night, i decided that I had to go. I figured that I wouldn't turn down down an invitation to snowboard (ie have fun) just because of the cold, so why would I turn down an opportunity to maintain my health by jogging? Isn't health more important than recreation?

Exercise isn't always convenient or "comfortable" but other than God's grace, nothing worth having is free.

Check out my Polar bear run with Stephen 4 miles on Relive! https://www.relive.cc/view/1330230325

Everyone have a blessed day,
Tom

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Relive my Run

Hi folks,

Really didn't feel like getting out of bed this morning, but I dragged myself to the park for a run with my bud  Stephen.

It was slow, but we managed to get in our 4 miles. I'm truly blessed to have a running buddy like Stephen. His normal pace is a good minute or minute and a half faster than mine, but he hangs back and sticks with me the entire way. 

View our 4mile Thurs run on Relive! https://www.relive.cc/view/1296510724

Have a blessed day!
Tom

Thursday, November 16, 2017

4 mile Thurs

Slowly increasing my distance. The last 2 runs have been 4 miles instead of 3. 


Everyone have a blessed day!
Tom

Monday, November 13, 2017

It's 20 mile Monday!

Busted it on the Expresso Savage Revenge ride this morning. Feeling good about starting my Monday or right!

Sent from my Verizon 4G LTE Droid

Monday, November 6, 2017

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

MRI Scan Could Spare Some From Prostate Biopsy

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   MRI Scan Could Spare Some From Prostate Biopsy   
  
   If your doctor suspects you have prostate cancer, undergoing a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan immediately after an initial screening might spare you the medical risks of a prostate biopsy and improve your chances of an accurate diagnosis.

The results of a new British study suggest that MRI scans identified aggressive prostate cancers in men with the disease nearly twice as often as a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-directed prostate biopsy. However, among men without aggressive prostate cancers, the MRI incorrectly classified the disease more than twice as often as a TRUS-directed prostate biopsy. The study's authors contend that if an MRI was used before biopsy to diagnose prostate cancer:

• Nearly one in five deadly cancers missed with current testing methods would be detected

• Unnecessary prostate biopsies would be reduced by 27 percent, and

• Diagnosis of non-aggressive cancers also would be reduced.

The authors, whose findings were published online in January 2017 in The Lancet, note that an MRI scan provides a detailed, computerized image of the prostate and surrounding tissue. By contrast, 12 cores of prostate tissue are taken at random during a TRUS-directed biopsy, so tissue that contains an aggressive cancer elsewhere in the prostate can be missed. They add that biopsies are uncomfortable and can cause bleeding and serious infections, so avoiding some of those procedures would prevent those risks.

In the United States, limited access to qualified personnel to interpret prostate MRIs and the added expense of the scan has discouraged many doctors from ordering the test and third-party payers from covering the cost. And an MRI still may not be effective enough to be used routinely to detect—and rule out—malignant prostate cancers.
  
  
  
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   Choosing the Right Treatment for Prostate Cancer   
   Choosing the Right Treatment for Prostate Cancer is a must-read primer for any man recently diagnosed with prostate cancer who is looking for answers to pressing questions about treatment options. Our specialists explain in depth: active surveillance, nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy... and radiation therapy, including proton beam therapy, EBRT, 3DCRT, IMRT, IGT and brachytherapy. Choosing the Right Treatment for Prostate Cancer takes you step by step through the decision-making process to help you make informed choices.   
  
  
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   What the study found
In The Lancet study, 576 men suspected of having prostate cancer, based on initial screenings or family history, had a standard MRI followed by two types of prostate biopsy—a TRUS-directed biopsy and a prostate-mapping biopsy. The test was performed at hospitals and radiology labs throughout the United Kingdom.

The study's authors note that an MRI scan "tends to detect higher-risk disease and systematically overlooks low-risk disease." For men who had prostate cancer that most physicians would recommend treating, the MRI missed 12 percent of the cases while the TRUS-directed biopsy missed 52 percent. But for nonaggressive cancers, the MRI missed 55 percent while the TRUS-directed prostate biopsy misclassified them just 1 percent of the time.

"Detecting prostate cancers that need to be treated is a real clinical issue for those of us in the trenches treating prostate disease," says Joel Piser, M.D., a urologist in Berkeley, Calif. "The primary concern in evaluating prostate or bladder symptoms is to rule out a significant malignancy. PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing has helped but is far from perfect."

Piser says he uses the MRI to stage all newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients to gain valuable information on the extent of the disease and to help predict which patients will benefit from treatment versus active surveillance.

He says the MRI is a great clinical test to help reduce the chance of missing significant cancers in men who have excessive risk factors for biopsies, such as those with prosthetic heart valves, men taking anticoagulation medication, and for those who have an extreme fear of biopsies.

However, not all doctors who treat prostate cancer are convinced that MRI testing will become a part of regular prostate screening just yet. "For that to happen, MRI testing would have to show improved performance in identifying high-grade cancer and would have to be able to exclude high-grade cancer in men without the disease," says H. Ballentine Carter, M.D., professor of urology and oncology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore. "Further evaluation is needed. In addition, the performance and interpretation of MRIs would need to be standardized."

Bottom line
If initial screening results from a blood test or digital rectal exam suggest you might have prostate cancer, make an appointment with a urologist for a follow-up evaluation. Make sure it includes a digital rectal exam and a repeat prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and/or other special blood tests, such as the PHI (prostate health index) or the 4Kscore Test, to determine whether you need a prostate biopsy, Carter says. If the results suggest that a clinically significant prostate cancer may be present, you may want to consider getting an MRI scan to help inform and guide a prostate biopsy.
  
  
  
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   2017 Prostate Disorders White Paper   
   Did you know... Having sex within 72 hours of your PSA test can produce a false reading? ED can be a symptom of prostate cancer? By age 70, the average man's prostate has doubled in size. Early detection of prostate cancer is a KEY factor in treating this disease successfully. Being fully informed is also important and that's where the 2017 Prostate Disorders White Paper comes in.   
  
  
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Monday, September 4, 2017

Great day for a ride

It was a perfect day to ride today. Stephen and I intended to ride 30 miles but made a wrong turn and rode 35 instead.  The weather was a little cool  to start out with but warmed up nicely, without getting too hot.

Check out our “Wrong turn at Sosebee Ride” on Relive! https://www.relive.cc/view/1167881908

Be blessed,
Tom

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

What's better than a good cup of coffee?

A good cup of coffee with a drop of peppermint oil in it.😀

Everyone have a blessed day!

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Monday, August 14, 2017

Monday morning exercises

Started out the week with some time on the Expresso bike. I rose 13.5 miles, mostly uphill, in 49:19. Then I took some time to foam roll and stretch.

Check out my 13.5 mi Activity on Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/1132939389

Be blessed,
Tom

Friday, August 11, 2017

Why a running partner is so important

Part of having a good exercise routine is having a good exercise partner, and  preferably one that as good as, or better than you. I'm blessed to have a running buddy named Stephen. Neither of us slept good last night, and both admitted today that we wouldn't have run alone. It was the comaraderie and accountability that got each of up before dawn, got us to the park, and fueled our determination just enough to complete the 3.1 miles.

Stephen is a much better runner than I am, is working up to a 36 mile run in Sept, but "hobbles" himself every week as we do our morning 5k. 😀 Check out his blog at MiddleagedRunner.com 

Humid Morning Run that I didn't feel like doing” on Relive! https://www.relive.cc/view/1127990746

Be blessed,
Tom

Thursday, August 10, 2017

3 years after diagnosis.....

Hi folks,

Just back from this morning's workout and it occurred to me how much God has blessed my health over the last 3 years, since I was first diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.  After 3 years of Essential Oils, exercise, supplements, and good eating, the Drs can no longer find any evidence of "clinically significant cancer".  Of course they'll never admit to 'no cancer' without my having gone through a medical procedure such as chemo, surgery, ablation, etc, but I am comfortable in the mindset that God has enabled my body to cure itself.

Today's workout was a hodge-podge of activities.  I didn't know what I wanted to do when I arrived at the Y this morning and ended up rowing 5000 meters (in under 20 mins :) ) , then doing core work on the bosu, some floor work, and stretching.  Overall I feel great and definitely have the sweat to show it!

Be blessed and let God guide your steps!

Tom

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Strength training day on my Total Trainer

Hi folks.

Today's exercise/workout is strength training.  If you've never heard of the Total Trainer machine, you need to check it out. It's comparable to the Total Gym that Chuck Norris promotes, but less expensive, and in my opinion, more 'bang for the buck' based on what you get for your money.  The Total Trainer uses a % of your weight (you choose the %) as your resistance and through a very flexible configuration, allows you to do most any exercise you can think of.  From pushups/pullups to bi/tri workouts to leg workouts, the Total Trainer does it all.  There's even a way to attach a bar on which you can hang additional free weights, in case your body weight is not enough resistance for you.

Ok, infomercial over.  :)

My routine on the Total Trainer is a full body workout that takes less than an hour, and includes 3 sets of 12 for each exercise.  I start out with shoulders/arms, then focus strictly on arms (bi/tri), then do legs (squats and curls), and then end with chest and back exercises.  This morning I even added some inclined ab work!

Followed up with an XS Energy drink to recover and flush out lactic acid, and then of course a protein shake to rebuild what I had torn down.

I'm feeling great and am appreciating the dedication and persistence I've applied to staying in shape lately.

Everyone have a blessed day!
Tom

Monday, August 7, 2017

Start the week with a workout

Changing it up this week.  1 hour on the Arc Trainer, followed by BOSU work, stretching and foam roller. 900+ calories burned.

Be blessed,
Tom

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Another 5k morning

It was a great morning for a run today. Temperature was around 65 and the humidity was low. With an average pace of 9:44/mile it took us 30:47.

Ran with my buddy Stephen.

Check out “Morning Run” on Relive! https://www.relive.cc/view/1115120159

Be blessed,
Tom

New Research from the University of Texas identifies natural compounds found in food that could thwart the growth of prostate cancer.

Check out this great article on natural treatments for Prostate Cancer.   New research from The University of Texas at Austin identifies several natural compounds found in food, including turmeric, apple peels and red grapes, as key ingredients that could thwart the growth of prostate cancer. 

Per the article:  
“The beauty of this study is that we were able to inhibit tumor growth in mice without toxicity.”

Read the full article here: https://news.utexas.edu/2017/06/06/starving-prostate-cancer-with-what-you-eat-for-dinner?utm_source=emailsharebutton&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=utnewsshares 


Share this to everyone you know!  I highly doubt that mainstream media will publish/promote anything that would lead you to believe we don't actually need the pharmaceutical industry in order to deal with diseases.

Be Blessed,
Tom


Monday, July 31, 2017

25 mile ride and completion of YMCA Triathalon Challenge.

Since Expresso reports "course" results, vs session reports,  there are 2 Strava records for my 25 mile ride this morning on the Savage Revenge path.   https://www.strava.com/activities/1110222679

This ride completed the requirements for the YMCA Triathalon Challenge in July. I rode over 112 miles, rowed 4000 meters, and ran 26.2 miles.

Be blessed,
Tom

Sunday, July 30, 2017

So proud of my Son's 4th 5k

Tonight Grayson came in 2nd place for boys under 10.  Check out “Sunset Cinema with Grayson” on Relive! https://www.relive.cc/view/1107910113

Thanks to God for the ability, determination, and persistence to push ourselves to new accomplishments and the betterment of the bodies that He gave us.

Be blessed,
Tom

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Morning ride with the HPE Cycling Club

Great morning ride with Jonathan and Rex from HPE, and 5 other  folks. Check “Morning Ride Blankets Creek” on Relive! https://www.relive.cc/view/1107080907

Great exercise today and fun at the same time.

Be blessed,
Tom

First time ride at Rope Mill park

Check out “Rope Mill ride” on Relive! https://www.relive.cc/view/1107244946

Had a blast riding with Rex and his crew. Riding with experienced riders pushed me to ride harder that normal. It was a lot of fun!

Be blessed,
Tom


Friday, July 28, 2017

Relive my Run

Check out “Muggy Morning Run” on Relive! https://www.relive.cc/view/1105304655

Another 3.1 miles on the books.

Have a blessed day!
Tom

Sunday, July 23, 2017

Hi everyone.  Just checking in to let y'all know that God continues to reward my faithfulness!!  As of last Thurs my PSA is still doing great, checking in this time at 2.78.  I continue to exercise regularly, take my daily Essential Oils and vitamins, and limit my diet to healthy foods.

I'm in the process of scheduling my annual prostate MRI, and will report the findings when they become available.

I also feel like I've achieved at least a small victory with my Urologist.  After this latest visit to review my PSA results, he documented the following:

=======================================================
On surveillance at his request. Essential oils, strenuous exercise, and supplements. Frankincense and Myrrh.

At diagnosis, initial MRI without evidence of perineural invasion or local spread.

Had Repat MRI and biopsy in Chattanooga in 12/2015. Path with 4/4 bx + for Gleason 6 adenocarcinoma with perineural invasion.

MRI 6/2016 in Chattanooga without evidence for high grade lesion.


11/2016 PSA 2.69.
7/2017 PSA 2.78

He is clearly stable with a low PSA and an improved MRI. I cannot say he is cancer free, but it is certainly possible he does not have clinically significant cancer at present..
=======================================================

Well, he won't say I'm cancer free, but there's also no evidence that I still have cancer.

Further details from last year's MRI are as follows:
The MRI showed that my tumor had shrunk, and my ADC values were up. Dr Busch's assessment was "Clinically significant cancer is unlikely to be present".

There's still an unexplained spot on my prostate MRI, but the ADC values (450 to 700) in my last MRI are now 900 and up in the same location, which is the sign of normal, healthy prostate tissue/cells. The spot could also be from a lesion or scar tissue.

I'm counting on this year's MRI indicating an even healthier prostate!

Be blessed,
Tom

Monday, April 3, 2017

Life is good!

Hi folks,

Just checking in today.  It occurred to me that I  hadn't posted my last PSA results.  The 2017 Feb results were up just a bit at  2.69 and everything is still looking great.  I've had my physical for the year and the Dr said the prostate feels nice and soft, just the way it's supposed to be.  I do plan on a yearly MRI later this summer, but am debating on whether I want to give the Northside folks here in my area a chance, or drive back up to Chattanooga for Dr. Busch.  Nothing against Dr Busch, but it never hurts to let another set of eyes take a look.

Plus my urologist won't declare me "cancer free" because I haven't had a medical procedure, but did agree to help me "fight the insurance battle" especially if I get an MRI "in his system" that still shows no evidence of cancer.  I've already had a brush with the insurance companies, as my carrier through work wouldn't increase my life insurance policy this year due to my "condition".  They didn't cancel me, but they definitely aren't going to raise the policy limits.  I haven't tried seeking out private insurance yet, but guess I need to at some point, as I don't plan on working forever.

I'm still taking my Oils, exercising my butt off, and supplementing good foods with good vitamins. I also drink a bottle of Perfect Water daily.

Y'all take care, and be blessed,

Tom