Physical, Mental & Emotional Health

[Dreamweaverman]

Hey Fellas, So I am presently scheduled to see 2 oncologists this week. One at NY Presbyterian, and another at Memorial Sloan Kettering for a 2nd opinion. As most of you already know I am now dealing with PSA at 0.7 post surgery in August. My question is if anyone has tried any particular diets, foods, etc to help with recovery? Also, I would love to possibly join or start a support group in the Manhattan or Brooklyn, NYC to address sex and intimacy issues in addition to physical, emotional and mental health. It seems this disease does not discriminate with regards to age and race, and younger men are being diagnosed. Although I have recently learned that men of color seem to be at a significantly greater risk of getting PC than other races. This forum has helped me so much and I want to try and extend my support, as well as receive, the experience, strength, and hope for my fellow brothers on this journey. Once again I am truly grateful for all of you.

[Darryl Partner]

We already have a support group in NYC that meets six times per month. You can see the schedule here: malecare.org/nyc

[Dreamweaverman in reply to Darryl]

For some reason I thought they only me once a month

[Darryl Partner in reply to Dreamweaverman]

Nope. Six times a month.

[Tovok31 in reply to Darryl]

What days of the week does this group meet if more than the first Monday of the month like description says its does.

[Darryl Partner in reply to Tovok31]

Every Wednesday night starting at 6PM. (Not meeting the Wed before Thanksgiving nor the week of Christmas and New Years) You can see the complete schedule at malecare.org/nyc

[Tovok31 in reply to Darryl]

Thanks Darryl

[Tovok31 in reply to Darryl]

I think the descriptions are a little confusing. the description of "A" seems to imply that all regardless of orientation while "B" seems to imply that that is the Gay Men's group. If this is not the case maybe something in the description can be added to make either a clearer distinction or disclaimer would help.

[Darryl Partner in reply to Dreamweaverman]

Also take a look at twiceasmany.org

[lillyofthevalley37]

Inositol is well worth taking as it has been proven to stop cancer progressing

also iodine - most people are deficient - in fact if they suggest radiotherapy it is essenttial you have optimum levels of iodine in your system you see if you are deficient your body will absorb the radioactive iodine that is radiotherapy - the body can't tell the difference between good iodine and radioactive iodine organic sea kelp sprinkled on food is an easy way to include it in your diet -

also give up cows milk and have plant milk instead soya , almond and coconut milk are good alternatives to cows milk I made my husband give up cows milk when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer

Wishing you well

[RichNJ in reply to lillyofthevalley37]

"Inositol is well worth taking as it has been proven to stop cancer progressing."

Really! Please elaborate.

examine.com/supplements/ino...

[gamma909]

I have done a bit of research on PCa diets after treatment. Most of what I find recommends what is, more or less, a Mediterranean diet. In general, nutrition recommendations to prevent cancers tend to also be recommended post-treatment to help prevent recurrence and for the most part, they certainly cannot hurt. Here is a link to an article suggesting a role that polyphenols might play in PCA

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

and a link to a guide to help find foods rich in polyphenols

phenol-explorer.eu/foods

I am not a nutritionist or medical expert, however based on discussions I've had with men in my support group, foods may not be likely to prevent recurrence on their own, but in cases where ADT is required after surgery, these foods could help increase the effectiveness of ADT and might extend the time it takes for the cancer to build up a tolerance to a particular therapy.

[Jeff85705]

Unfortunately it is true that African Americans are at overall greater risk of a prostate cancer diagnosis. You are fortunate in being in a large city with excellent medical care. I believe both NY Presbyterian and SK are top-notch medical centers. The postoperative 0.7 ng/ml PSA is concerning, but does not necessarily mean spread of the disease. You are wise to be proactive in your own care. I see too many cases where men leave these support groups and general care to their spouses or partners. I don't understand this passive leave-it-to-others attitude. It is YOUR life, your body, your cancer, and your treatment decisions. As far as sex is concerned, I finally have been able to achieve full erection with 80mg of sildenafil (Viagra/Revatio) after a year and a half postop! And I am 69. So there is hope, but it takes long for the delicate nerves to be restored (assuming you had nerve-sparing surgery). Our macho image of ourselves as virile men with potent, unlimited sexual energy all comes down to tiny, delicate nerve endings!

In terms of diet, clearly a good diet helps, but there is no diet that will "cure" cancer. Beware of the snake-oil salesmen on the Internet! Best wishes!

[Tovok31]

Thanks for this posting, I have been feeling depressed lately, and really could use an in person group> If you're starting a group i"d be interested in attending, I'm also interested in checking out the Gay Men's PC Support group as well.

[Darryl Partner]

Every Wednesday night, starting at 6PM. (Not meeting on the Wed before Thanksgiving) You can see the complete schedule at malecare.org/nyc