In late May of last year (2006) I was diagnosed with inoperable prostate cancer and decided, with my wife’s loving concurrence, not to expose myself to clinical experimentation from radiation, chemicals and potent drugs currently used in conventional medical treatments and instead, rely heavily, if not solely, on holistic therapies.

During the course of my research on the www, I came across many stories from individuals who had experienced cancer and had, by no small measure, beaten it. But all the tales were post event; none described each experience as it evolved. That got me to thinking about doing my own journal, in the form of a blog. My rationale, I guess, being two-fold. Firstly, it would greatly assist me in handling my dilemma on a day to day basis in a more considered and orderly manner and secondly, perhaps my blog would help others facing the same problems, in their quest for answers. I certainly hope so.

I guess part of my philosophical direction is very much about being in control of my own destiny, for better or for worse. I can’t bare the thought of handing over that control to a group of medical people, to whom I represent just one of a number passing through their doors each day and for whom I represent little other than a nice fat bill at the end of it all. That’s not meant as a criticism, just reality talking. So many patients I have met, and have read about, simply hand over the responsibility for their future wellbeing, and in many cases their very existence, to their doctor’s, thereby abdicating future responsibility. Surely, a recipe for an early demise.

Moreover, as far as prostate cancer goes, the statistics clearly show that there is very little benefit to be gained toward longevity between watchful waiting and surgical intervention. The main difference it seems to me is that in the former, one is able to ultimately die quietly and in good humour, and in the latter, totally debilitated, in pain and suffering.

Doctors all too often talk, or rather boost, about their cancer patients having died of some other cause and not the cancer per se. But not only does this skew cancer death statistics, it also does not identify with the fact that the patient’s immune system is so badly compromised by the cancer treatment, he/she inevitably succumbs to the first disease or bout of illness they are subjected to.

I do hope that you will find my blog both informative and instructive. Your comments will be very welcome. You can place comments on the blog, or, send me an email, at: prostateruminat@optusnet.com.au