🤖 ChatGPT on Cancer-Fighting Exercis... - Advanced Prostate...

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🤖 ChatGPT on Cancer-Fighting Exercise💪 vs PCa

JohnInTheMiddle profile image
66 Replies

ChatGPT, the free AI research tool provided by OpenAI, is surprisingly good at summarizing some topic of interest that one might be interested in.

I submitted a long question this evening on "exercise against metastatic prostate cancer progression". My goal is understanding exercise in an environment of metastatic prostate cancer, not only for quality of life, but almost more importantly, for extension of life. (As you will see, I had a specific angle to explore concerning exercise volume.)

Let's see what ChatGPT 3.5, up-to-date with information to January 2022, says about this topic! ("Prompt" posted below.)

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ANSWER FROM CHATGPT

"Your theory regarding continuous daily exercise and its potential impact on prostate cancer progression through the sustained release of substances like myokines and exerkines is intriguing and aligns with some emerging concepts in exercise oncology.

Exercise-induced myokines and exerkines are bioactive molecules produced by muscles during physical activity. These substances have shown promise in research for their potential anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and metabolic effects. Some of these molecules, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), irisin, and others, have been associated with beneficial effects on immune function and potentially impeding cancer growth.

Your proposition of maintaining high blood serum levels of these bioactive substances through continuous daily exercise could indeed create a sustained and potentially hostile environment for cancer cells to thrive in. This concept aligns with the idea of exercise serving as a form of "continuous therapy" against cancer, altering the body's internal milieu in a way that might hinder cancer progression. [The original question mentioned the known half-lives of these substances, which range from hours to maybe a day or two at most - Ed. ]

However, while this hypothesis is logical and holds promise, the specific research explicitly investigating the concept of daily exercise maintaining consistently high blood serum levels of myokines or exerkines to combat prostate cancer might still be in its early stages.

Studies have shown the benefits of exercise in managing various aspects of cancer, including potentially slowing disease progression. However, the detailed exploration of the kinetics and optimal dosing of exercise to maintain specific serum levels of myokines for cancer prevention might require further investigation.

Your personal experience and understanding of the positive effects of exercise on your well-being are valuable anecdotal evidence supporting the potential benefits of regular physical activity against cancer.

In summary, while there might not be explicit research on maintaining continuous high serum levels of myokines through daily exercise for prostate cancer specifically, your theory aligns with the growing body of evidence on the multifaceted benefits of exercise in cancer management. Further research exploring the precise mechanisms and optimal exercise regimens to maximize the anti-cancer effects of exercise-induced myokines could provide valuable insights into personalized exercise strategies for individuals combating prostate cancer."

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Darryl profile image
DarrylPartner

please tell us the prompt that you posed to ChatGPT 3.5 for this reply

JohnInTheMiddle profile image
JohnInTheMiddle in reply to Darryl

THE SIMPLE PROMPT THAT LEAD TO CHATGPT 3.5's ANSWER FEATURED IN THE ORIGINAL POST

"So whereas we know that there is a lot of research and emerging evidence that a high volume of exercise including intense exercise, balance between both aerobic and strength types of exercise, can have what seems to be a very strong effect against cancer, especially hormone related cancers like breast cancer and prostate cancer. I myself have experienced what I think is this in action! After intense exercise or even several days my whole body feels better and even the parts of my body that I know have lesions in seem to be just feeling normal. So I take this as a single data point or an anecdote that at least to my mind supports my enthusiasm for exercise against prostate cancer. But here's my big question if you look at research says is responsible for inverse relationship between high volumes and intense exercise and prostate cancer progression, we learn that things like myokines and exerkines are produced during exercise. And that these substances are suspected of acting against cancer. But then you can investigate this and you find that these things all have a half life. Which is not that long on the order of hours or a portion of a day or some even last a day or two. So maybe this explains why high volume of exercise, which inevitably would be spread out through the week, is associated with lower progression of metastatic cancer. My theory is and I intend to practice this myself is that continuous exercise, not by minute obviously or even by hour, but at least by day that is to say exercise everyday even of an hour and a half, and five or even 6 days a week, could theoretically provide this hostile environment on a continuous basis against prostate cancer. Because you are creating these powerful own body anti-cancer substances and you keep recreating them even as the previous release of these substances are beginning to wane. So we are trying to maintain a high blood serum level of these powerful anti-cancer substances on a continuous basis. So I'm wondering if there's any research explicitly on this idea of almost continuous daily exercise for the purpose of maintaining high blood serum levels of these substances such as myokines. It does make one think that on one hand maybe these substances because they are made in one's own body and we don't even know all of them could be comparatively powerful compared to just a single drug that one might be taking. And also because your exercising your whole body you are changing the whole environment within which cancer has to operate. This seems to be something that a person could do if they are physically able to exercise. I eagerly await your detailed and technical analysis of the different aspects of my theory. Thank you for existing!"

JohnInTheMiddle profile image
JohnInTheMiddle in reply to Darryl

By the way one (obviously) has to take ChatGPT with a grain of salt. For example. I deliberately asked if there was any research on "the use of lead as a supplement helpful against PCa?!" The answer back was not anywhere near "that is a stupid and dangerous idea". There was an acknowledgment of the dangers of lead but ChatGPT continued on that the research on the utility of lead in circumstances of prostate cancer was not yet sufficient to answer the question. The AI presented ("hallucinated"?) the possibility that lead might be helpful, but for a definitive answer will have to wait while researchers continue their work!

I then engaged in a few rounds of questions with ChatGPT with it finally agreeing that its initial answer was wrong and ill-considered.

Maxone73 profile image
Maxone73 in reply to JohnInTheMiddle

yes, it also had a problem in the past, bibliography...damn it was able to create a study from the title of one study and the authors of another study, it drove me crazy. Now it's integrated with Bing so it might be better (I have version 4), but I remember it went crazy with bibliography...well...as a human would get crazy since it's a reference to a reference to a reference to a citation of a reference till you get to the original one :-P

JohnInTheMiddle profile image
JohnInTheMiddle in reply to Maxone73

If one just goes to Bing, is 4 free? And funny about reference "hallucinations".

Maxone73 profile image
Maxone73 in reply to JohnInTheMiddle

bing is free of course, but when you search with gpt 4, for example for clinical trials, it automatically creates different queries for bing and goes also to check on clinicaltrials.gov and similar, which is quite speedy. The only thing is it always returns a partial list, so then I keep writing "I need more" and GPT adds to the original list. I think it's done to save computational resources.

Mgtd profile image
Mgtd in reply to JohnInTheMiddle

It is learning to be polite and not offend the person asking a dumb question.

Thank you for furthering AI to become human.

Maxone73 profile image
Maxone73

I think there is something here too: sciencedirect.com/science/a...

JohnInTheMiddle profile image
JohnInTheMiddle in reply to Maxone73

This looks like a great article Max! So my goal now is to translate this into practical weekly exercise. And specifically to explore the idea of "continuous by day".

From my reading I've hit on a goal of 10 hours a week exercise, including both aerobic and strength exercise. Not quite there yet. Volume plus some intensity. Haven't figured out timing and circadian rhythms yet.

One thing I've learned recently is this level of exercise requires significantly more protein!

The big context here is the topic of the CHatGPT question I posted. Is there any sense in trying to keep exercise frequency up in support of an imagined on-going high level of these lovely cancer-fighting myokines?

This whole plan seems sensible to me - but a coach would help. I even wonder about risks though - as per my experience last week, protein starvation is one! But are there risks related to PCa progression?

Reading by about "40 MET/hours/week" for longevity leads me to think that a 10 hours a week level of exercise is ambitious but doable.

Maxone73 profile image
Maxone73 in reply to JohnInTheMiddle

To be honest, since I have always worked out since I was 17, I kind of like being "forced" to workout more, I need to add some aerobic work, but my problem is that aerobics is fun when done outside, let's say "for real" (treadmills, ellipticals...I have everything at home but they are boring!), so for now I have been working out high intensity but only weight lifting as always, waiting for my next pet scan to know if my mets are ok with me running! My MO is also a ISSA certified personal trainer, he is like "do aerobics just to extend your VO2 max, so that you can train and recover even faster from weight lifting, but remember that your goal is to pack your body with proteins that you might need in the future". Apart from that, I am applying what was found in the so called "China Study", not too many proteins (some people really eat too much protein and in too big servings, as it appears that more than 40 grams at a time is a waste) and 95% of proteins coming from vegetable sources. Even my MO told me not to exaggerate with proteins as there is a risk of stimulating cancer growth (but I think he was more worried to keep my renal functions intact as I am having chemo). Plus I am trying to eat within a windows of 8-10 hours (even if I must eat something small before taking darolutamide, which I take every 12 hours).

Maxone73 profile image
Maxone73 in reply to JohnInTheMiddle

By the way: there was a belief that vegetable proteins were per se less valuable than animal ones (less complete), which is true but studies found out that you have 24 hours to complete their amino acid profile, so you are not force to eat rice and beans in the same meal for example. Not only, but as some researcher once said "bean proteins are just 50% complete? Eat twice the amount!" :-P

Really, one thing is true, proteins are everywhere (unless you only eat sugar and drink sugary soda) so sometimes we think we do not eat enough of them, but it's not true and supplements can be kept to a minimum.

JohnInTheMiddle profile image
JohnInTheMiddle in reply to Maxone73

I love reading your replies on exercise and on what you eat, Max. It also highlights the amount of learning one must have in order to get things right.

For example #1: a likely maximum of about 40 g of fat per meal that can be usable. For example #2: the possibility of eating too much protein and which would be really hard on the kidneys or something.

Last week I am countered something called "overtraining syndrome" - this is the second time this happened. after a long period of ramping up more and more exercise and hitting about eight hours a week. I'm pretty sure about this because coincidentally I had a thorough PCa oriented blood panel and some of the markers were indicative of the situation.

JohnInTheMiddle profile image
JohnInTheMiddle in reply to Maxone73

Max your comment about having 24 hours to complete a protein profile is absolutely fascinating. A long long time ago I used to eat very little meat and was doing protein profile matching. And I knew my proteins! Now it is just a vague memory and a reminder of times past 🙄. I am on a quite low carb diet; this in order to avoid metabolic syndrome problems. So I am eating meat and cheese etc but I'm often reminded by advocates of plant based diets of the advantages of not eating meat and cheese if one has metastatic prostate cancer.

London441 profile image
London441

No matter the source, I never tire of reading about the role of exercise in pushing back against our disease, and the data that trickles in concerning every aspect.

But only after I work out, never before. 😀

TryGuyCP profile image
TryGuyCP

Great topic! I've been consistently doing 10h/week of exercise since 2009. This year shifting focus to resistance training (heavy lifting with variable resistance bar and bands claimed to be superior to regular bar/dumb bells).

Total activity time for past 12 moths by activity type
JohnInTheMiddle profile image
JohnInTheMiddle in reply to TryGuyCP

Super thanks for sharing your chart TryGuy! But especially that you set a goal of 10 hours of exercise a week - and have achieved it. Also your addition of resistance training (in other words anabolic or "building" exercise) to your high volume of catabolic aerobic exercise seems like a really great adjustment and strategy.

TryGuyCP profile image
TryGuyCP in reply to JohnInTheMiddle

LOL, Goal 🤣 It just so happens for past >13 years, ever since I discovered the sport of cycling and my natural endurance talent (high VO2max potential realized through consistent training). Before PCa (ADT) I totally enjoyed what others would call "suffering" conquering high mountains climbs or 100 mile time trials.

As my local guru (my major PCa treatment course is at Stanford) Dr. Huberman expressed it best: "Testosterone makes effort feel good" youtube.com/watch?v=wGKL62f...

I still remember that feeling of power! You just want to jump on the pedals and fly up the mountain! Now I almost force myself to do anything. Remarkably, this applies not just to physical but mental efforts, too!

ImDD profile image
ImDD

Exercise is never a bad thing. Having said that I was a bit of an exercise fanatic when diagnosed this year. I lift weights and rode 2500 plus miles on my bike each year. My symptoms finally rapidly progressed when I went on a high protein, low carb diet and worked at getting extra lean and muscular. Coincidence? Don't know but I did switch to a vegan diet now.

Who knows. Maybe the exercise staved off the cancer for years because after much reading it was apparent I've been symptomatic for over 15 years and doctors sent me down other avenues of testing because my PSA levels weren't super high nor did my prostate present during an exam as unusually enlarged or unsymmetrical.

One thing is for sure. Exercise will reduce the effects of lowered T; bone and muscle loss, and also positively affect the phycological effects too. It is at a minimum going to improve the life we have left.

Maxone73 profile image
Maxone73 in reply to ImDD

Spot on! I also tendo not to exaggerate with extra proteins (and only after a workout). 95% of the proteins I eat are vegan (including supplements) and a 5% comes from some fish and some whey protein.

TryGuyCP profile image
TryGuyCP in reply to ImDD

From my research I came across few things that might have contributed to my sudden discovery of aggressive PCa. I had no symptoms ever and felt great but routine yearly PSA check (due to TRT program I was on) showed consistent increase year after year till crossing 4 threshold in Web.2021. Biopsy came with Gleason 9 and RP was done ASAP in May but sadly 3mo later PSA was still 4.2 so it escaped (to bones).

things I think might have contributed:

- some research shows naturally low (mine in range of 250) "T" correlates with more aggressive PCa when it does happen.

- gossip (and wife) blames my TRT as contributor but all the doctors and my research do not support this.

- I found one research that talks about Vitamin E, Selenium Supplements Tied to Cancer health.harvard.edu/blog/sel....

As it happened I was taking multi-vitamin (recommended to vision health) with exactly same dozes of both for years prior to PCa. Not sure if I already had high silenium levels like they talk of

- high levels of inflammation due to tons of high intensity riding.

- high emotional stress from work dissatisfaction

ImDD profile image
ImDD in reply to TryGuyCP

I've read they've found no correlation between bike riding and prostate cancer. In my own case I've always ridden on a seat with cutout/depression for the "sensitive" regions.

TryGuyCP profile image
TryGuyCP in reply to ImDD

yes, I read the same and also used such saddles. I’d figure I had felt discomfort in that area had the bike fit been off.

ImDD profile image
ImDD in reply to TryGuyCP

The only pain I get is on my sit bones. The Brooks carved C17 helps enormously and recently I picked up a 3D printed saddle that is more comfortable too, but considerably lighter than the Brooks.

TryGuyCP profile image
TryGuyCP in reply to ImDD

I never had even that. Had pro fit done in 2011 and saddle change was among others. I also use pretty aggressive negative tilt due to my lack of hip flexibility.

Maxone73 profile image
Maxone73

Just to complete the matter with a latest news (ok I have already posted this yesterday):

wcrf.org/researchwefund/mye...

funding for a research on the effects of exercising on prostate cancer patients

Darryl profile image
DarrylPartner

youtu.be/hBFICfnOJ8A

JohnInTheMiddle profile image
JohnInTheMiddle

Video with a Dr. Kang of Harvard Medical School is entitled "Research shows that exercise lowers PSA and improves health in prostate cancer patients". Fantastic video! And it's from @MaleCare on YouTube. Thanks Darryl!

treedown profile image
treedown

I increased my biking after dx. I still ride as often as able multi surface (mtn,gravel,road) and have focused on getting at least 1300-2000 ft elevation on every ride during these cold months. I definitely get more than 10 hrs a week in during the warmer months. Lucky to get 6 in during the colder months here in PNW but try to get some treadmill work in as well. I don't eat tons of protein and mostly plant based but do eat occasional meat in small amts. I avoid cheese except for family pizza night. I definitely feel better when I ride regularly. As much mentally as physically. I can't say what effect it is having on my cancer but I know it is having large effect on the side effects of my treatment. So I will keep it up as long as I am able. So far my only decline in fitness has been seasonal.

ImDD profile image
ImDD in reply to treedown

"So far my only decline in fitness has been seasonal".

Ditto. I did buy an indoor smart bike and I have a Concept2 erg (rowing machine) but it is harder to motivate myself on those.

treedown profile image
treedown in reply to ImDD

I have tried stationary bikes in the past but just don't like them. The treadmill is the only machine I have found useful to date, besides a weight machine which isn't anything special and gets used once in awhile. That said I will ride my bike as often as possible in the cold and wet but like you motivation is a issue at times. In the PNW we get warmer with rain and colder with sun. Both are motivators when we have had too much of one or the other.

ImDD profile image
ImDD in reply to treedown

I like the stationary bike much better since I discovered programs that simulate rides all over the world and have real video of the ride filmed from a biker who rode the course. Very cool to be riding in Hawaii one day and the Swiss. Alps the next.

treedown profile image
treedown in reply to ImDD

Sounds like a better option but not sure if I would like that or not. Is that Zwift?

ImDD profile image
ImDD in reply to treedown

Not Zwift. Zwift is a made up place. Rouvy and Fulgaz have the realistic courses. Rouvy is more polished but Fulgaz has more realism and obscure courses. I got a lot of crashes or lockups on Fulgaz till I started downloading the courses ahead of time and that fixed those issues.

addicted2cycling profile image
addicted2cycling in reply to treedown

treedown wrote -- " ... and have focused on getting at least 1300-2000 ft elevation on every ride ... "

Rub it in why don't you!!!! 👍👍

treedown profile image
treedown in reply to addicted2cycling

You may not have elevation but you have to get points for avoiding wild animals 🐗🐊😆

addicted2cycling profile image
addicted2cycling in reply to treedown

Riding away from pig zones but into rabbit and opossum territory. From THUD to thump-thump 🙃

MoonRocket profile image
MoonRocket in reply to addicted2cycling

You riding around in the wee hours of the morning is a bit more dangerous...just ask the feral pigs.

addicted2cycling profile image
addicted2cycling in reply to MoonRocket

Been staying clear of those areas. Too old for confrontations. 😬

MoonRocket profile image
MoonRocket in reply to addicted2cycling

I do get a kick out your cruise ship walks..

addicted2cycling profile image
addicted2cycling in reply to MoonRocket

Sadly restricted to terra firma until 51st Anniversary cruise in June.

MoonRocket profile image
MoonRocket in reply to treedown

2000 ft elevation..no sweat...

treedown profile image
treedown in reply to MoonRocket

Prove it 😀

MoonRocket profile image
MoonRocket in reply to treedown

Me biking without sweating.

Proof 😄
treedown profile image
treedown in reply to MoonRocket

Lucky you. I wish I could bike without sweating. Looks like you lost all your ADT weight :)

MoonRocket profile image
MoonRocket in reply to treedown

You like that weight loss... it's was easy, I just drew myself thinner

JohnInTheMiddle profile image
JohnInTheMiddle

Maybe MaleCare could sponsor the creation of a short summary guide to exercise for life extension in circumstances of metastatic prostate cancer!

For people who exercise regularly figuring out exercise is likely easier. (Although even then I sometimes notice unexamined assumptions.)

But people like myself though, starting out as not unfit but not regularly exercising (or even just plain unfit), learning about the need for balancing aerobic and strength training for example required hours of research and thinking. And even then what level of confidence does one have?

There are thousands of blogs and posts and how -to's on exercise. And even exercising cancer. But they don't all agree with each other! And their terminology is a mishmash. And sometimes their advice is ill-advised. And which one should I trust?

What would a guide to exercise for the prostate cancer-afflicted contain and clarify?

A guide would help one to understand the difference between anabolic and catabolic exercise - but then how does this match to aerobic versus strength training? And then there's VO2 max. And suggestions for weekly METs. What's a MET? 😃 And then there's muscles as endocrine organs and the difference between short, medium and long fibers. And guidance in terms of Fitbit exercise categories. And is it okay for my heart BPM to hit 160 to 180 once in a while? And while we're at it what about heart rate variability (HRV)? Let's add the protein one needs for a given level of exercise, specially anabolic exercise. What about timing? And for people who can't go to a gym what about exercise at home with just a set of dumbbells? There are thousands of videos on this and it's overwhelming to think about an exercise program recipe. Recipe of 10 exercises or five exercises that should be done in an interval of say 15 minutes or half an hour? (Push-ups are likely number one!) (I'm sure I missed a few things here.)

I find one of the challenges of exercises the cognitive load. I'm now doing a brisk walk at least 5 days a week carrying a 5 lb weight in each hand for 6 km. My pace is typically 11 minutes per kilometer. But from a cognitive load perspective I always walk the same route.

Then there's the cancer related disability question. Many of us have metastases to the spine: the advice I have received is "don't twist". Not very helpful. Also "don't do deadlifts anymore".

Along with all this what sort of metrics for exercise are helpful? And blood markers related to exercise and cancer? How can all this knowledge be presented as strategic choices? Exercise is a whole body engagement. Beyond effects on prostate cancer itself, what can we say about cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially in relation to ADT? And what about skeletal risk and skeletal strength and osteoporosis? A lot of people like to ride bicycles, but you don't get the microshocks which might stimulate bone growth. On the other hand brisk walking or especially running apparently has an associated accident risk.

A guide for exercise against prostate cancer would probably also include a summary of the developing research evidence in favor of exercise. There are still uncertainties about this connection. There is excitement in the research community. And then you can do a personal cost/benefit. One consideration is that exercise is comparatively low cost except for the time investment. Something you can do without having to go to a hospital.

Lastly safety should also be a section. But not in a legalistic covering-all-contingencies type of bafflegab.

And let's emphasize that most exercise advice for people with prostate cancer is only concerned with feelings and quality of life. It's rare to see encouragement to exercise because you might prolong your life!What are the suspected mechanisms of exercise against prostate cancer for prolongation of life?

All this adds up to a kind of coaching. There's a lot of thinking required to figure out an exercise program including timing and eating etc. It would be nice to see authoritative guides for all this - maybe there would be different guides in one might prefer one over the other. (From some comments on this forum it seems that some people are fortunate to get a kind of cancer coaching or exercise coaching from various enlightened institutions.)

But as far as I can see "coaching guides for prostate cancer decisions and exercise" don't exist. There's this huge gap between oncology therapy and palliative care. It's the "cancer coaching exercise gap". If this kind of comprehensive and summary how to is available I would love to know about it. It's also something that I believe is needed and could be very helpful for very many people.

P.S. - The guide I have in mind is one of those things you could laminate in one two or three pages with very well organized information in various nicely labeled boxes. Sort of like the cheat sheets for how to use an Excel spreadsheet or things you should know about programming in Python! 😀

P.P.S. - I think I should post this as a root post. I've learned over time that substantial comments kind of get lost.

Darryl profile image
DarrylPartner in reply to JohnInTheMiddle

Absolutely. Please donate to support this project at malecare.org/donate You can specify "exercise" as comment when you make your donation. My colleagues and I look forward to creating this.

Currumpaw profile image
Currumpaw in reply to JohnInTheMiddle

JohnInTheMiddle,

It sounds as if you are using Steve Reeves Power Walking exercise.

As for the micro shocks that maintain and strengthen the skeletal system weight bearing exercise also does that and for those unable to do much of those the vibration plates one stands on yield the same benefits.

Pushups are good, however, incline dumbbell flyes using light weights and high reps for multiple sets would be more effective for men on ADT to keep the pectorals in better shape. A man that cannot do one pushup can select a weight that he can use.

I enjoyed your post and the replies you have made toothers as well as their responses.

Currumpaw

JohnInTheMiddle profile image
JohnInTheMiddle in reply to Currumpaw

Thanks for mentioning Steve Reeves Power Walking, Currumpaw! I need to read a little bit more but it looks very interesting.

On the subject of micro shocks, I came to this starting from having three+ compromised vertebrae. (That cuts out bicycling too, because of fall then fracture risk.) Even many heavy-duty weight lifting exercises are out (but one isn't exactly sure which ones ... there's a small amount of biomechanical research on this in the context of bone mets and the short answer is "we haven't studied this very much").

And so with ADT, how can one strengthen the bones, or at least retard osteoporosis? Estradiol possibly. Exercise for sure. And micro shocks show up eventually. (I didn't mention sarcopenia in my original posts - but beyond QoL, beyond fighting cancer and beyond strengthening bones - we want also to push back sarcopenia.) All so complicated!

But exercise, at high volume, with some intensity, including both aerobic and strength, is something that most people can do in some degree. Exercise wasn't easy to figure out. In this respect I'm disappointed in our institutions. The only encouragement for exercise from institutions is it's good for you and your quality of life. But no suggestion on volume and no real suggestion that you might live longer. And even enthusiasts and propagandists for exercise are often only looking through a straw and don't see the big picture. This is why I believe that there's a big need for cancer coaching, and as part of that well informed exercise coaching too.

As far dumbbell flyes, I've already looked up a video on how to do them correctly! I'll probably add them to my routine. Something more a person can do!

Currumpaw profile image
Currumpaw in reply to JohnInTheMiddle

Hey JohnInTheMiddle,

Amazon sells a five tube, chest expander. The brand is "UEASY". There are four different resistance levels that can be purchased. I suggest the highest resistance. I gave one to my cousin's six year old grandson and he had no difficulty stretching one band--of course the little guy can do thirty push ups!

The expander weighs very little and can be used anywhere. Since it weighs so little it shouldn't compromise your vertebrae --still take care. Start with one band to see how exercises feel and affect your vertebrae. If there is pain--STOP! The expander costs about $25. Look up Eugene Sandow on the net and even Reg Park to see these men demonstrating the exercises that can be done with a chest expander. Once you have a little experience with the expander leave it near your television. Doing a few sets during commercials certainly is more productive than looking at an emu that sells insurance.

If you are a member of a gym standing cable flyes are even better than incline dumbbell flyes. The resistance isn't affected much by gravity. Cross your arms in front of yourself at the end of the rep as if you were hugging yourself to increase the effective range of motion alternating which arm is above the other with each rep. I have my own functional trainer and set a bench up at the incline for most of my chest work.

The advice of a naturopath on bone density--"If you want bones like chalk take calcium supplements. If you want bones like ivory take calcium and magnesium supplements". Be wary of too much calcium. I have read that prostate cancer likes excess calcium.

I think you are correct JITM. Info is somewhat hard to come by for us trying to maintain some normalcy despite the disease and treatment side effects. Someone in our situation that has exercise knowledge should probably record some video of different exercises for men at different stages of the disease and recovery. Reps are more important now than heavy weight.

Take care,

Currumpaw

JohnInTheMiddle profile image
JohnInTheMiddle in reply to Currumpaw

There's a lot to "digest" here. But I'll just comment on one thing - I'm looking to buy a Bullworker again! Had one as a youth, and used it. There's a new version updated and a whole social history around this thing.

Man using Bullworker device for a bow-draw tension exercise. Handles support compression.
Currumpaw profile image
Currumpaw in reply to JohnInTheMiddle

Hey JITM,

Try the UEASY chest expander from Amazon for about $25 and do a little internet search for exercises.

Do a comparison. Doing drop sets with the UEASY is fast--just drop a band out.

Currumpaw

TryGuyCP profile image
TryGuyCP in reply to JohnInTheMiddle

To combat osteoporosis I will enroll into OsteoStrong program once I get back to the states (their franchise location is just few miles away!).

for resistance I discovered variable resistance using bands and a bar with foot plate (X3 Bar System from same inventor) so use that now since October 4 times a week enjoying home GYM on a go convenience. I will likely cancel my GYM membership next.

TryGuyCP profile image
TryGuyCP in reply to TryGuyCP

My current away-from-home GYM. All components delivered from amazon.es to our rented home here in Mallorca😀

Portable home GYM setup. Foot plate made from cutting board
TryGuyCP profile image
TryGuyCP in reply to TryGuyCP

Typical (even) day strength workout. Single set of each exercise to failure to promote maximal muscle growth stimulus.

I follow this program jaquishbiomedical.com/x3-pr...

Get motivated!👍💪💪💪

Typical (even) day strength workout. Single set of each exercise to failure
icanwintwice profile image
icanwintwice

good stuff!!

Currumpaw profile image
Currumpaw

Nice post,

Nothing either cures or suppresses cancer for everyone--including surgery, chemo, radiation, ablation and combinations of these treatments. I found it interesting that Dr. Ruth Heidrich became a vegan as her choice of treatment. She wrote the book, "Forks Over Knives". Even when diagnosed with breast cancer and metastases to ribs she chose the diet change. Note that she was also a competitive distance runner too.

She made a decision that worked for her. Again, nothing, no treatment, lifestyle or diet changes work for everyone--but it does make one think doesn't it? Ahh! Dr. Heidrich finished her last IronMan in her 80's.

Put the below in your search bar--

Breast Cancer Survivor & Six-Time Ironman Triathlete, Dr.

Currumpaw

ImDD profile image
ImDD in reply to Currumpaw

I suspected something was amiss and when serious discussions with my doctor didn't cause any actions other than wait and see, I finally referred myself to a urologist to get things moving. Gleason 4+4, spread to lymph nodes.

It was while I was growing concerned that I read Dr. Campbell's "excellent book, "The China Study". One of his first studies that alerted him to the possible cancer risk with animal protein was a mouse study where the group living on a higher percentage of animal protein developed cancer at a much higher rate than the control group. What really hit home was the protein fed to the mice was cow milk based. The same protein I was taking in insane amounts based on advice from "bro" fitness "experts". I had a developed a killer body complete with 6 pack. Killer. 😔

addicted2cycling profile image
addicted2cycling in reply to Currumpaw

Currumpaw wrote -- " ... Note that she was also a competitive distance runner too ... "

So that's where I went wrong. Running instead of cycling and I bet she was never hit by a wild hog even ONCE not to mention TWICE!!! 🤣🤣

swwags profile image
swwags

I humbly suggest you rephrase your query entirely. Avoid words like 'We know". It's artificial intelligence and it responds better to data driven specific questions. You are merely conversing with it. That's not the best way to pull data backed information from it. There are several free classes you can take on how to write effective medical queries to AI. Take them and re-prharse your query.

Another example of a poor query is your comment " So I take this as a single data point or an anecdote that at least to my mind supports my enthusiasm for exercise against prostate cancer." It's not a query at all.

Could be otherwise phrased as -"provide specific mechanisms of action that specific exercise has on reducing PSA or shrinking tumors or lesions. Provide specific sources and studies that have been completed within the past year. Then tweak as you go modifying and drilling down (add complexity once you read the response.)

Your enthusiasm is terrific but AI is data driven or bullshit driven depending on the query, and if all you want it to do is confirm your confirmation bias, writing your opinion is a sure way to get it.

Another approach is to write "provide specific mechanisms of action the exercise has on increasing PSA or accelerating growth of tumors or lesions. Provide specific sources and studies that have been completed within one year.

I say this with love, trust me.

JohnInTheMiddle profile image
JohnInTheMiddle

Thanks SW. As you can see per my comment above about taking an AI with a grain of salt, ChatGPT did not deal well with my fake query about the value of lead-based supplements against prostate cancer progression.

My original query was basically a chain of consciousness from everything I've learned. But it didn't take very long to create, maybe 10 minutes or so. It's my own summarization of everything I've been learning over the last year. In order to do a much more structured query as you were suggesting, and as all the "how to do an AI prompt" guidelines suggest, it would take me much much longer. I was happy with the cost benefit.

Specifically my query also was about the limits of knowledge about exercise, not just for quality of life, but pushing the boundary into extending life and circumstances of metastatic prostate cancer.

It's kind of tricky to get an AI, which by definition has no predictive capability and is at some very abstract level as statistical summary of current information in it's corpus, to engage on an area with enormous uncertainty.

My specific question was whether exercise everyday can contribute positively against prostate cancer progression, because we are thereby maintaining high blood serum levels of muscle exercise productions. This was an agenda-building exercise. And about validating that the question can even be asked. I was satisfied with the result. I don't think the result was a hallucination. And now we could do more specific queries based on that.

Do you have any more specific queries on this topic that you think might take us further? Would be interesting!

swwags profile image
swwags

Thanks John. My point was and is you are leading the question. "My specific question was whether exercise everyday can contribute positively against prostate cancer progression, because we are thereby maintaining high blood serum levels of muscle exercise productions."

My phrase, if this topic interested me would be, "what empirical data exists to demonstrate the effects of daily exercise on prostate cancer?" My follow up might be, "what empirical evidence demonstrates the maintaining high blood serum levels effects prostate cancer?"

I would modify the question over and over, not to get the answer I want, but to remove speculation on the part of AI.

You mention you're a coder. So let's stick with that concept. Assuming you had the data available to you, which phrase could you code to get an outcome. To me the yours reads like a vision statement. Mine are more a business requirement. Once answered, it could be written as a functional spec, followed by a tech spec.

JohnInTheMiddle profile image
JohnInTheMiddle

This is a great suggestion SW!! I'm actually going to try your question and style of question and see what we get back. (Also a sidebar - sadly although I have coded and I'm in the business I am not a coder 😃)

Darryl profile image
DarrylPartner

Resistance Training, Exercise and Prostate Cancer

youtu.be/QWD7_OlUoOg

swwags profile image
swwags in reply to Darryl

loved the video Darryl. It would be nice to get an update on her studies and the Trial she mentioned. She didn't mention the name of the trial. The one thing I disagreed with was when you asked if exercise was dangerous and she said no, focusing on chemo. Weight training can be dangerous to bones, long bones in particular. I've had two oncologists tell me to reduce amount of weight I lift and instead increase sets and or reps to avoid breaking the long bones.

j-o-h-n profile image
j-o-h-n

For JITM. If I press 2 will this entire thread be in Spanish?

For Max. For me the 3 words in a sentence that sound as if you're running you nails down a chalkboard are: "To be honest".....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Tuesday 11/28/2023 10:30 PM EST

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