Patting the Shark - A Surfers Journey, Learning to Live Well with Cancer

[marnieg46]

The latest podcast from Melbourne's Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre urologists Declan Murphy and Renu Eapen at GU CAST is an interview with Tim Baker, award-winning surf writer and author who, aged 50 in 2015, was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer.  

Tim has recently written a book about his experiences along the way and his response which he describes as patting the Shark.

The introduction to the podcast claims that it is essential listening for those who have anything to do with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or “hormone therapy”- prescribers, nurses, allied health professional, patient, loved ones, industry representative and researcher.    Ultimately, to bring better understanding, provide better support and insight into what for many is the devastating impact of ADT especially, but not confined to, younger men.  

Declan comments,  “Tim’s description of his initial diagnosis and management is uncomfortable listening for those of who prescribe a lot of ADT.  We all need to do more to support our patients in these situations, and Tim’s story certainly gives plenty of food for thought.” 

The content of the podcast provides, not advice by medical experts on the latest and best treatments but insights from a cancer patient which might provide for others, a better understanding of what might lie ahead and the issues that a person with prostate cancer  might find worth pursuing with their own medical specialists.   

No doubt, from many on the HealthUnlocked platform, some of the experiences discussed by Declan and Renu with Tim,  will have a resonance and perhaps strike a chord with their own initial shock at diagnosis and subsequent treatment.  What some will find most encouraging, is that the conversation raises once again the impact of ADT and how this needs to be better addressed and understood.    

Youtube here youtu.be/4zLrKZyhKfM(Not working as expected?)

On audio only on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Google podcasts

[d3is4me]

Marnie

Great summary of this podcast hope members on this forum understand the Australian colloquialisms and give it the credit it deserves

[marnieg46 in reply to d3is4me]

Thanks Ross. Me too.

[PSAed]

I was gifted the book, a good read ,he doesn't hold back. Tim also on a Podcast " Better Than Yesterday" with Osher Günsberg. Ep710. Great to pass the time on commute.

[AlvinSD]

This is an outstanding podcast. Really hits so many things which impacted me with my diagnosis at 52 and having to be on ADT…PTSD from the diagnosis, doctors not explaining or offering ways to mitigate the side effects of ADT. This should be required listening for anyone prescribing ADT or working with patients on ADT. Urologist, oncologists, nurse navigators etc.

[Jac_J]

I bought the book on audible a few months ago. Very much worth the price of admission

[Blackpatch]

Thanks for publishing this - I’m a great fan of Declan, and I see he has done a few cameos in some excellent videos dealing with ED, another example of his genuine interest in his patients.

I’ve been on this site for five years but I think this might be the most 🇻🇬 thread I’ve seen… should be more of them!!

[marnieg46 in reply to Blackpatch]

I'm glad yo found it of interest.

Yes Declan is amazing. Not our urologist but has helped us over a few rocky bits with our own specialist at critical times. He'll be pleased that you acknowledge his genuine interest in his patients as that's what I've found he puts front and centre.

I'll make an effort to put up some more Aussie content...

[pakb]

Thanks for posting this! I think I'll get this for my husband for Christmas- or we'll listen on audible together during our 12 hr drive to my brother's for the holiday. I'm sure it'll hit some points for my husband since he was diagnosed at 49 5 years ago and he surfs!

[PGDuan]

My copy finally arrived here in California and I'm so glad that I ordered it!

The book is very well-written, engaging, and his experiences echoed many of my own as a fellow advanced PCa traveler. Just reading about someone else's battle is therpeutic, not to mention insightful.

Strategy for treatments will vary, but the core message on a more integrative approach resonates: MEDS - meditation, exercise, diet, sleep -- in addition to all the trad/established therapies.

[marnieg46 in reply to PGDuan]

Your comment couldn’t have come at a better time for me and thank you for taking the trouble to write.  

I’m glad you found the book interesting and in the last week I’ve just ordered one for my husband who usually wants to know nothing at all about prostate cancer.  However, he had taken a bit of an interest in the post I wrote and out of the blue a few days ago asked me if I had a copy of the book…which I didn’t…so now one is on back order as copies are in short supply.  It was encouraging to read your response and that you found the book interesting and worth reading.