Like Daughter, Like Father

In early spring of this year (2015) my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer--it was almost exactly two years after I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I asked my parents for the specifics and then did some research.  We had several conversations and discussed options--conventional options provided by Dad's doctor and natural alternatives--but I really didn't know which they would choose to pursue.  Of course I was hoping Dad would choose natural treatments over surgery and/or radiation which both had serious risks and side effects, but it wasn't my decision.  I also know how important it is for cancer patients to be confident in their treatments decisions, no matter what they choose, so I didn't want Dad to choose "my way" if he wasn't completely on board.  Needless to say I was very happy and relieved when he told me he wanted to try natural alternatives first!  He wasn't taking surgery/radiation completely off the table, because if the natural way "didn't work", and his cancer continued to worsen, he would revisit the standard treatment options.  After confirming that he wasn't vacillating between the two choices and that he and Mom were completely committed to a natural protocol, we started formulating the plan of attack. 

The most obvious, easiest, and arguably most important step was making immediate dietary changes.  He eliminated refined sugars and grains, all processed/refined oils and foods, conventional dairy and meats--which are all inflammatory (cancer thrives in that environment)--and replaced them with lots of raw, fresh, vegetables and fruits (organic if possible); healthy fats (olive oil, coconut oil, avocadoes, raw organic seeds & nuts that are soaked then dried); fermented foods like kefir, miso, sauerkraut, kimchi; eggs from organic free-range chickens, and limited amounts of raw organic dairy products and meat from healthy grass-fed, pastured, organically-fed animals--living, real, natural, health-promoting, cancer-fighting foods.

Mom, Dad & I during my stay with them, May 2015.

Understandably, these were overwhelming changes for my parents.  I got lots of phone calls from them while they were in grocery stores asking me if different foods were "okay," so I would have them read the ingredient list over the phone.  :)  It didn't take too long before they knew what to look for and what to avoid.  I flew down to Florida in May and stayed with them for one week to help them find stores and resources where they could find the kinds of foods and supplements they needed.  Almost the entire week was spent shopping.  We also went through all of their food cupboards and the refrigerator/freezer, throwing out some things altogether, and donating several grocery bags of food.  That was a big deal, especially for my mom, who doesn't like to throw perfectly good things away--even more so when she paid good money for them!--but it was a testament to how committed she was to doing whatever it takes to help my dad.  Mom has become the researcher...reading articles and researching cancer websites, etc.  This is one of the coolest things about Dad's journey--he's not fighting on his own, because Mom is right there beside him every step of the way, and they both trust the outcome completely to God.

When Dad was diagnosed, it was a result of his PSA test rising two points in the past year.  His urologist did a physical exam of the prostate, which was enlarged, but the doc said it could just be due to an infection.  So a biopsy was done next, and it resulted in a diagnosis of prostate cancer.  The prostate is divided into six sections; one of the six sections was 70% cancerous.  So, it wasn't advanced cancer, by any means.  The urologist presented and explained the options of surgery or radiation, then told my parents to go home and think about it and then come back to see him in three weeks with their decision.  (I had immediate respect for the doc when I heard this, because he wasn't trying to rush Dad into a decision.)  I was in Florida during the time that next appointment was scheduled, so I was able to accompany them.  I liked the urologist, because he wasn't overbearing, pushy, or demeaning.  When Dad told him he was going to skip the surgery and radiation and pursue natural options first, he said that was fine--he would put Dad on what is called "active observation", and check on him again in three months time.

Three months later, Dad's PSA score had risen another point.  He was a bit discouraged, but we talked it over, and I told him I wasn't very concerned, because unlike my situation (having a lumpectomy to remove the cancer mass), his cancer hadn't been removed--it was all still there, and his body had a big job to do...one that wasn't going to be accomplished in a short amount of time.  We also reviewed his diet and nutrition, making adjustments and adding a lot of cancer-fighting supplements.  The good news was that despite the increased PSA score, Dad (along with Mom) was feeling great, losing weight, and experiencing other overall health improvements. 

My dad posted this on his Facebook page on Oct. 14, 2015:

Ok folks this is my big deal of the day. As some of you know Dorla and I have been going to Golds gym working out. We started back in March. To date Dorla has lost 33 lbs and I have lost 42 lbs. When I started out on the tread mill I could barely walk at a fast pace. I did hit a mile stone today. I am usually on the tread mill for 30 minutes. a couple of weeks ago I was finally able to run ONE MILE without stopping. I run at 4.7 mph on the treadmill. Today I ran 1.3 miles without stopping and I ran for 17 minutes straight. I ran for a total of 24 minutes of the thirty. My goal now is to get to two miles. When I get to 2 miles then I will worry how fast I can get it done. Dorla rides the stationary bike for 4 miles and we both do arm and leg workouts on several different machines. 4 1/2 years ago I weighed 275 lbs as of today I am down to 192lbs. Dorla is doing really well also. I am not going to say what her weight was as you never tell what a Ladies weight or age is, especially if she is your wife and the LOVE of your life.

Of course, much of their success was due to the anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory diet they had embraced as well as their diligence in working out at the gym.

Dad's Nov. 30, 2015, Facebook post:

HAAAAAA, I did it, I did it!!!!!! I just ran around the perimeter of maranatha village (the retirement village where they live) . It is 2 miles. It took me 27 minutes. Now that is NOT a 5 minute mile it is 13 1/2 minutes but I got it done. Then I walked 1 1/4 miles to cool down.

How cool is that?!  :)  At 71 years old, Dad can run 2 miles without stopping!  I can say that most of his kids and grandkids are not able to do that!  Dad likes to comment to the effect that he is the healthiest cancer patient he knows.  :)

Here is a post from Dec. 17, 2015:

Thanks to God for answered prayers. Tom learned today that his PSA test showed his PSA count had gone down. It was good news but we knew whatever God's will was for him, we would be happy about the outcome. Thanks to all of you who are praying for him. Even though he has been eating right and taking supplements to fight the cancer, it is the prayers that do the most good. Keep praying as he needs the cancer to be gone............but at least his count did not go up! We continue to trust God for the future.

Praise God, indeed!  Dad's score actually went down one point, which is really a two-point swing when taking into consideration the rising trend it had previously shown.  Dad now weighs 180 pounds, and Mom is down to 145.  Mom had her annual physical recently, and her overall health has also improved.  They are both looking and feeling great and are even more motivated to stay focused on the diet and other lifestyle changes that are responsible not only for their improved general health, but also for successfully fighting cancer.

I am proud of my parents for how far they have come in the past six months, for their dedication, and their support of each other.  They are shining examples of how cancer can be beaten naturally, and of unshakeable faith in the Heavenly Father and his sovereignty over our lives.

I am definitely proud to be my father's daughter!  :)

Dad & Mom, June, 2014

June, 2016