HIIT and Cancer

https://scitechdaily.com/new-research-this-activity-can-reduce-the-risk-of-metastatic-cancer-by-72/ 

Cholesterol results are in!!! Best they've been in 10 years.

 Hi folks,

Just had my annual physical last week, and the blood panels have come back.   Needless to say, I'm thrilled at the results and attribute the changes all to my change in diet and new Pure supplements I'm taking.

Here's the great news!

I've eliminated all meats except for seafood, and have begun, since March, a new regimen of natural supplements.  Results in 3 months?????  Who'd have thunk it, but the Cleanse, Balance and Build philosophy from Pure really works!!!

I'd have PSA results as well, but I'm pretty sure that the DRE performed by the Dr during the exam caused the spike reported in my numbers.  The DR was sure my PSA would be much higher this time based on the 'feelings' that the DRE provided. I think it's another 'self fulfilling' statement though.  During the appointment , he did acknowledge the fact that the firmness he felt could be scar tissue from the 12 samples that were taken in my April biopsy.  It took my prostate a while to stop bleeding and clean itself out from that pin cushion job.

The blood was drawn about 20 minutes later than the DRE.  I've lost 25 lbs, basically eliminated any cholesterol issues, have a resting heart rate in the low 50s and all my other panel results are perfect, and yet the blood work indicated that my PSA numbers had more than DOUBLED since May test.  That just doesn't make sense, and I have another PSA test scheduled for Wednesday.  I'm looking forward to seeing an improvement in the PSA numbers since my May test.

Appreciating all prayers for continual improvement in the status of my prostate cancer!!

Be blessed,

Tom

Natural Polyphenols for Prevention and Treatment of Cancer

Quote:

           The anticancer efficacy of natural polyphenols has largely been attributed to their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities as well as their abilities to modulate molecular targets and signaling pathways, which were associated with cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, migration, angiogenesis, hormone activities, detoxification enzymes, immune responses, etc.

Full article:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4997428/#:~:text=The%20anticancer%20efficacy%20of%20natural,%2C%20differentiation%2C%20migration%2C%20angiogenesis%2C 

Curb Ramps make life smoother!!

 Hi folks,

Bought these Pyle Car Driveway Adjustable Curb Ramps about 4 years ago when we moved in, but finally got around to fixing them in place with some stainless steel concrete anchors just recently. If you're tired of the jarring bump at the end of your driveway, this does the trick!

With a hammer drill, 1/2" concrete bit, a shop vacuum and a straw (I'll explain) I was able to install these in about an hour. The instructions for the concrete anchors indicate to remove all concrete dust from the hole prior to inserting the anchor. At first I attempted to vacuum up all the dust created by drilling the holes, but that only got the dust above and slightly beneath the top of the hole. Then it occurred to me to insert a straw down in the hole, blow into it, and vacuum the dust as I blew it out of the hole. Worked like a charm!!! Now we can drive (not slowly creep) into our driveway without the jarring bump we used to feel. The ramps work without the anchors, but our street slopes slightly and the ramps would slowly creep down the street. About every 2 weeks I'd have to drag them back up the hill.

I used 1/2" concrete anchors but 3/8" would probably work too. The holes in the ramps barely accommodated a 1/2" bolt and the washers wouldn't fit in the holes.  The nuts seem to grab the ramp pretty well though so I don't think the lack of washers will make a difference.  

Needless to say, this "investment" has been worth every penny!!  If you've got a car that's low to the ground, you'd especially appreciate these ramps.

Be blessed,

Tom

My Natural Regimen

Hi folks,

In case you are wondering, my regimen includes the following natural ingredients.  Others are present in my supplements, but these are ones that I'm purposefully making sure are included:

• Inositol Hexaphosphate (IP-6)
• Resveratrol and Turmeric
• Noni
• Acai
• Mangosteen
• Goji
• Organic Sulfur
• Calcium + Magnesium
• Chelated vitamins

In case, like me, you don't know why 'chelated' vitamins are important, here's what chelated means:

    By definition, a chelate is a chemical compound in which a metal molecule (mineral) and an     organic molecule (ligand) are combined. The ligand is a critical component of a chelate that     actually transforms the previously inorganic molecule into an organic mineral form, thus              making it more bioavailable to the body..  Source (Google)

I get all of these from supplements supplied by a company called Pure. I believe in the quality of the products and the integrity of the company and have also become a distributor for this company.  Contact me directly through the link if have questions about the products. 

Be blessed,

Tom

Noni Extract in Treating Patients with Very Low Risk or Low Risk Prostate Cancer Undergoing Active Surveillance

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials/search/v?id=NCI-2016-00082 

Please consider helping my friend Aaron battle his cancer

Aaron was diagnosed with tongue cancer in November of 2021 and went through surgery & radiation treatment. Several months passed after radiation but his pain never subsided and his energy level and weight kept dropping. After what seemed like a very long time, he finally received another PET scan and found that the cancer had spread to multiple parts of his body. After a less than hopeful outlook from the hospital he was being treated at in GA, he found out about an alternative place that has been helping thousands of cancer patients, who were all but written off by conventional healthcare, discover holistic cancer treatment options. This clinic is called Envita Medical Center and it is located in Arizona.

Of course these options are not covered by insurance so his sister started a GoFundme page to help him out. First and foremost please pray for healing and peace for Aaron and if God puts it on your heart please consider helping with his GoFundme campaign. https://gofund.me/d9daebc6 

Be blessed,

Tom

Curcumin, Resveratrol and Cancer

Hi folks,

I've heard that both curcumin and resveratrol are substances that can help in the battle against cancer, but recently discovered some information regarding the fact that they may work better together.   Here are some articles I'm currently reading and evaluating.

Unraveling the Anticancer Effect of Curcumin and Resveratrol

Mechanism of Anti-Cancer Activity of Curcumin on Androgen-Dependent and Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer

Chemotherapeutic efficacy of curcumin and resveratrol against cancer: Chemoprevention, chemoprotection, drug synergism and clinical pharmacokinetics

New Insights into Curcumin- and Resveratrol-MediatedAnti-Cancer Effects

Be blessed,

Tom

Cancer and IP6

 Looks like IP6 may also have positive effects on prostate cancer (ie in the treatment of)!!!

Check out these excerpts from an article on Connersclinic.com!

    IP6 is a selective agent against cancer cells. Because cancer cells are high in iron content, IP6 directs most of its attention to abnormal cells since IP6 acts as a selective iron chelator. IP6 selectively removes iron from tumors cells (stealing one of its major food sources), which deprives them of their primary growth factor.

    There have been numerous lab dish and animal studies that conclusively prove IP6 cancer treatment is an effective and non-toxic, anti-cancer molecule. But the National Cancer Institute has never seen fit to conduct a human trial even though IP6 made it on a list of promising anti-cancer agents. [Fox CH, Complementary Therapy Med 10: 229—34, 2003]

    IP6 enhances the anti-cancer effects of Adriamycin and Tamoxifen, two commonly used cancer drugs. [Tantivejkul K, Breast Cancer Research Treatment 79: 301—12, 2003] However, it goes ignored by cancer doctors even though it’s known to help chemotherapy!

    Ip6 summary:

• IP6 inhibits cell proliferation; helps stop cancer growth
• IP6 inhibits cell progression
• IP6 inhibits metastasis by interfering with CTC (circulating tumor cell) adhesion, migration, and invasion (it inhibits MMP-9 secretion)
• IP6 induces apoptosis in many cancer cell lines
• IP6 inhibits Angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth to cancer) by:
  • Inhibiting growth and differentiation of endothelial cells
  • Inhibits secretion of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor)
  • Blocking fibroblast growth factor

Check out the full article here:   IP6 Cancer Treatment - It Works as a Chelator

Be blessed,

Tom

More evidence of the effects of Graviola on cancer!!

 Per a WebMD article, 

    "Graviola contains hundreds of chemicals called acetogenins (ACGs). In lab tests, ACGs kill many types of cancer cells without harming healthy ones. "

It goes on to say:

    "Prostate cancer. In studies, graviola fruit pulp extract stopped prostate cancer cells from spreading."

Find the full article here:  Graviola for Cancer Treatment: Benefits and Risks

Be blessed,

Tom

Promising investigations and project investigating the effects of mangosteen on prostate cancer

Jeremy Johnson, PharmD, PhD, a University of Illinois Cancer Center member and associate professor of pharmacy practice in the UIC College of Pharmacy, has received a $1.7 million MERIT (Method to Extend Research in Time) Award from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to conduct his latest research.

For generations, traditional healers in Southeast Asia have used the mangosteen fruit to treat skin infections, wounds, dysentery and urinary tract infections. Jeremy Johnson has identified phytochemicals in the fruit that can disrupt the function of the androgen receptor, a critical target in prostate cancer.

This information is taken from the following article posted on the University of Illinois web site:

Southeast Asian Fruit May be Cure for Prostate Cancer

Jeremy's project is documented here: .

Defining the role of isoprenylated xanthones from the mangosteen for enhancing degradation of full length and variant forms of androgen receptor in prostate cancer

Be blessed,

Tom

Emerging therapeutic potential of graviola

Great article on Emerging therapeutic potential of graviola and its constituents in cancers.  

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5888937/ 

And here's the excerpt for Prostate Cancer:

Be blessed,

Tom

Trail Run after beatdown

Trail Run with Short Circuit, Training Wheels and Python at Pine Log Mtn. Ran up to peak then came down to Furnace and back to parking lot.

Check out my activity on Strava: https://strava.app.link/R1PG15sFwrb 

Sat morning ruck with 40lbs. Added a 10lb bag to the ruck. 

Went with Short Circuit up to Rome for The Underground beatdown.  Today was a ruck through Rome. First time carrying more than 30lbs. Went well. 

Check out my activity on Strava: https://strava.app.link/URg692fEwrb 

MRI scans can detect prostate cancer more accurately than new imaging technique - Shared from News-Medical.net

MRI scans can detect prostate cancer more accurately than new imaging technique

tomtom@thomaste.com thought that you'd be interested in this news article from News-Medical.net.   MRI scans can detect prostate cancer more accurately than new imaging technique   To enjoy more great content and get the latest from News-Medical.net, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our newsletters.   Best regards,   News-Medical.net

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Scientists Develop “Nanomachines” That Can Penetrate and Kill Cancer Cells

"Scientists Develop "Nanomachines" That Can Penetrate and Kill Cancer Cells" https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-develop-nanomachines-that-can-penetrate-and-kill-cancer-cells/amp/ 

I'm done!

Did 70 burpees and then ran a mile this morning before the F3 Radio Silence beatdown. Then tonight Grayson and I got in a few miles at Blanket's Creek doing the jump trail. 

 https://strava.app.link/kOOUlfALxqb 

That's enough fun for 1 day I think! 🙂

New PSA Results!!

Today I finally received the results from last week's PSA test. My PSA level is down to 6.48, which is lower than the last 2 tests (going back 6 months). 

In that time period I've done the following new things

* drinking at least a gallon of water a day

* started using Pure vitamins and supplements 

* started a vegetarian diet, but have since added fish back

* consuming 5 apricot seeds per day (just recently started this)

This is in addition to constant prayer,  exercise 3-4 times a week and making sure to get 6-8 hours of sleep most nights.

God is awesome and has blessed us with incredible bodies that can do amazing things when taken care of properly. 

Be blessed!

Tom

F3 Radio Silence and pre-run

Got in a good pre-run to warm up before Radio Silence bd this morning.

F3

Pretty much sums up F3!!

Check out Radio Silence ruck on Relive!

Easing back into exercising with a nice 4.7 mile ruck at F3 Radio Silence.

Check out Radio Silence ruck on Relive! https://www.relive.cc/view/vrqDAg721wv 

Biopsy update

Completeld a 5 mile ruck today with 30 lbs. Was still seeing a small amount of blood when urinating this morning but seems to be clear now. Of course it has 'cleared up' a couple times since last Friday's biopsy. Waiting for a several day stretch of no blood to declare 'all clear ' and get back to normal exercise levels.

Be blessed,

Tom

My complete PSA history

 As I said earlier, your prostate cancer may not just come out of the blue and hit you full force.  After the diagnosis in 2014 it dropped (wish I knew exactly why), but then it slowly crept back up and went on to even higher levels over the next 8 years. The first 4 years it stayed at a 'normal' level, but in 2019 it began to climb into higher and higher ranges.

Now the goal is to get it headed back in a downward trending pattern!!

Be blessed,

Tom

On-going Active Surveillance activities for my prostate cancer

As of last December, I decided to try going Vegetarian, in order to better allow my body's immune system to do its job, without the additional burdens caused by eating meats.  I originally started by stopping all meat eating, but have recently added fish back to my diet.  There are many studies and articles out there indicating that a no meat, or no read meat diet can positively help our bodies to deal with cancer.

I've also recently discovered a new line of Health and Performance products from a company called Pure.  For the past couple weeks I've started a new regimen, with hopes, and possibly already some indication of positive changes regarding my journey with prostate cancer. 

For the past couple months I've experienced some "pressure" when starting to urinate. It's nothing painful, and doesn't keep me from "going" but it was noticeable.  Since I've started taking the new supplements that sensation has gone away, and "things" have gone back to normal (with respect to urinating). :) As the prostate cancer consists of a tumor in my prostate (which of course surrounds the urethra) it occurs to me that maybe the tumor has shrunk some due to my immune system's increased ability to fight the cancer.  The upcoming biopsy results and next PSA check should shed some light on whether that hope/assumption is accurate. 

My daily regimen of Pure products consists of the following:

Morning: I'm dissolving 2 scoops of Sulfur in water and drinking them. 

Mid-Morning: I drink 1 out of each of the following superfruit juices:  Noni, Mangosteen, Goji, Acai

Lunch - Daily Build Multi vitamin

Afternoon: 2 more scoops of Sulfur in water

Night: Reset powder dissolved in water

I've also resumed drinking at least a gallon or more of water per day to flush out my system. 

I wasn't even aware of Sulfur as a supplement until recently talking to a friend of mine about my cancer. According to WebMD:

            Your body needs sulfur to build and fix your DNA and protect your cells from damage that can                 lead to serious diseases such as cancers. Sulfur also assists your body to metabolize food and                 contributes to the health of your skin, tendons, and ligaments.

and per NCBI's article 'Are we getting enough sulfur in our diet?':

            Sulfur, after calcium and phosphorus, is the most abundant mineral element found in our body.                It is available to us in our diets, derived almost exclusively from proteins, and yet only 2 of the                20 amino acids normally present in proteins contains sulfur. One of these amino acids,                            methionine, cannot be synthesized by our bodies and therefore has to be supplied by the diet.                Cysteine, another sulfur containing amino acid, and a large number of key metabolic                                intermediates essential for life, are synthesized by us, but the process requires a steady supply of             sulfur.

I've also cut waaaaaaay back on sugars, which honestly is probably the biggest challenge. It has become clear to me that my body is not able to effectively combat the cancer based on my previous efforts and I'm still hesitant to pursue medical procedures which tend to introduce new challenges of their own (ie side effects) that DO affect my 'quality of life'.

That's all for now.  My prayers go out to you in you're among those that are dealing with the terrible disease called cancer, as either a patient or a caregiver!!

Be blessed,

Tom

Make sure you truly get "MRI Guided" when you ask for an 'MRI Guided Biopsy'.

 Hi folks,

Hopefully this will prevent other of you from experiencing something I just went through.  Due to my previous Prostate Cancer Radiologist's decision to stop accepting insurance, this year for my 'MRI Guided Biopsy' I followed the advice of my current Urologist, Dr Carl Capelouto and let Northside Hospital do my 'MRI guided biopsy'.  The number of times he and the other Drs and Nurses corrected me to say "MRI Fusion Prostate Biopsy " should have been a clue, but for some reason it didn't sink in until I was in the operating room.  There was NO MRI machine present for the biopsy.  As I later (ie today) discovered, the MRI is only used as a "guide", and is "mapped" or "fused" with real-time ultrasound data to guide the Dr in where to target the biopsy efforts.  I don't recall it taking this long with my previous MRI guided biopsies, but today, Monday, 3 days after the biopsy, there's still blood present every time when I start to pee. 

More details on the differences between an 'MRI Guided Biopsy' and a 'Fusion Guided Targeted Biopsy' can be found at the following link on the Sperling Prostate Center's website:

MRI-Guided Targeted Biopsy vs Fusion Guided Targeted Biopsy

Be blessed,

Tom

Prostate Cancer Progress Update for 2022

 Hi folks,

It has been about a year since my last real status update.  Lately my numbers have been trending up, so I thought it might be a good time for an update. 

The main point is that my PSA numbers have been trending up lately. I don't think it would be a stretch to associate my journey with prostate cancer to the old story of 'how to boil a frog'.  In my case, I'd have never known I had cancer if not for my quarterly PSA check-ups.  Guys, YOU'VE GOT TO MONITOR YOUR NUMBERS in your annual check-ups!!  Otherwise things like this can sneak up on you, and you don't find out until they actually do start causing problems with your health. As of today, I can still honestly say I haven't had any symptoms so far that would indicated anything other than an enlarged prostate. 

Just to re-coup, here's a brief history of my numbers.  

Date:            PSA
Jan 2017       2.94
Jul 2017        2.78
Jan 2018       2.7
Jul 2018        2.96
Mar 2019      4.88 (there are some things you shouldn't do just prior to PSA testing!! :) ) 
April 2019    3.76
Sept 2019     4.12
Jan 2020       5.13
Apr 2020      4.27

Dec 2020     5.97

Jan 2021      4.71

May 2021    5.58

Oct 2021     6.67

Feb 2022     7.53

An MRI in  Dec, 2021 indicates a larger tumor with more aggressive signal characteristics than the previous examination. 

Based on that Dec 2021 MRI, last Friday I underwent what I believed to be an MRI guided biopsy.  I've done this every couple years since being diagnosed but this was a new experience.  Up until last Friday my MRI guided biopsies had been done by Dr Joe Busch in either his Chattanooga or, most recently his Alpharetta office.  He'd give me a local, load me up in the MRI and directly stick the tumor once or twice.  After recovering for a few minutes, I'd drive myself home.  Going to Dr Busch was a quick and easy process.  

This last time was performed by Northside Urology though, and was definitely different.  Shame on me for not noticing the difference until the last minute, but what they perform is a 'Fusion Guided Targeted Biopsy' when I requested the MRI guided biopsy.  They administered anesthesia to knock me completely out, which of course required me to have my wife there to give me a ride home. Also, there was no MRI directly used during the biopsy.  As I'm now confirming with some research, I feel like I've been duped!!  During a Fusion Guided biopsy; 

    The urologist sees the target based on images generated from a previous MRI fused with real-time         ultrasound. However, real-time ultrasound does not distinguish tumor from prostate tissue within the     gland, so the software creates a “model” of the patient’s gland showing an artificial depiction of the         size, shape and location of the targeted tumor.

That sure explains why the Dr this time indicated he took 4 'sticks' to get the samples for the biopsy when Dr Busch only used to need 2.   Also makes me wonder whether my having to say 'Fusion Guided Targeted Biopsy' at least 4-5 times during the visit in response to "What procedure are we performing today?" from the nurses and Drs. was to cover the fact that I had requested an "MRI Guided biopsy".  Again, shame on me for not noticing and reacting to the different terminology used by my Urologist and the Radiologist and Nurses just prior to the procedure.

I'll cover MRI Guided vs Fusion MRI-targeted biopsies more in another post.

All that being said, I'm waiting to see the results of the biopsy to determine my next steps. I'm also anticipating looking for all new Drs related to my prostate cancer.  Anthem BCBS is currently negotiating with Northside Hospital here in the Atlanta area regarding whether they'll continue to recognize Northside Hospital as a preferred provider.  This relationship was originally going to end Dec 31, 2021 but due to 2 extensions ordered by local state judges, the contract between Anthem and Northside Hospital has been extended through April 15th, 2022.  I'm not looking forward to having to find all new cancer specialists, but I have to stick with someone that is covered by my insurance. Sadly enough, Dr Busch recently stopped accepting insurance and his prices  for procedures are high. The value he provides is significantly beyond what I've experienced from Northside Hospital and GA Urology, but without insurance coverage I find that I can't afford him.

Take care,

Tom

F3 Spin Class at Blanket's Creek

Great ride in the dark this morning!  6 miles with my F3 brothers! 

Activity on Strava: https://strava.app.link/YrabUH1xLob 

Had a great ride with friends today at Blankets Creek. 11.3 miles total.

Check out Blankets Creek with the Sheltons on Relive! https://www.relive.cc/view/vYvr4kornL6 

Frankincense and Myrrh

Interesting and exciting information on the anti-cancer properties of these oils!

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6749531/

Thurs F3 Trail Run and Radio Silence

Radio Silence: Escalators with burpees at base, star jumps, merkins and dry docks at intervals.   Then Chase the Rabbit burpees, bonny blairs, merkins, bbs https://strava.app.link/6ExGtMSCMmb 

Preceeded by Trail Run (1.78 mile) 

Check out my 0.9 mi Run

F3 The Buff. I was the Q.

30lb bell. 45 mins. Mossie, presses, squats, overheads , curls separated by laps, lunges, bear crawls, crab walks...... and still working on operating new watch with gloves and old eyes 🙂. Not sure we got the desired effect from this morning's workout. It took a while to get warmed up and at the finish we were neither gassed (cardio/breathing) nor totally wasted (muscle exhaustion). In hindsight the gaps between the individual exercises (governed by repeated words in songs)  were probably too long. It wasn't  the 'work to exhaustion' experience I was looking to accomplish. Nobody to blame but me though, as I was the Q this morning (ie I created and lead the workout).

Details on Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/6505939809?utm_source=com.google.android.gm&utm_medium=referral 

Be blessed,

Tom

F3 Spin Class

Cold morning for a ride, but everything except for my toes was warm. Great route!

Details on Strava: https://strava.app.link/CA3wsWjMHmb 

F2 Rattlesnake Riviera

30lb ruck. Mosied then Sally Up Squats. Rucked a bit more, then Thunderstruck curls. Rucked some more, then Chainsaw overhead presses. Ended up back at gazebo for Sally Up leg lifts.

My activity on Strava: https://strava.app.link/dQenGCSrzmb 

F3 Cherokee Convergence

68 men strong ITG this morning to start out 2022! https://strava.app.link/giWbbeKUsmb