The latest podcast from 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 - Patting the Shark-A Surfer’s Journey, Learning to Live Well with Cancer.
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 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.”
Initially hesitant that this podcast wouldn’t be of much interest to most who regularly visit the FPC hub of HU – those who have long ago faced, survived and/or coped with the issues discussed - however, the recent post by 52Mike provided a reality check that many readers are at different places along the way.
The content of the podcast essentially provides not advice by medical experts on the latest and best treatments but insights from a cancer patient which offers a better understanding of what could lie ahead and the issues that a person with prostate cancer might find worth pursuing with their own medical specialists.
For others, who just listen out of interest, 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
On audio only on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Google podcasts
