Graham's story
In November 2005 I was diagnosed with Prostsate Cancer. My readings were - a PSA of 9.8, Gleason Score 7 with cancer cells showing in three sectors on the left. My Urologist delivered this information to me in a rather bland manner and, with no further discussion, said that I would have to attend a surgical Urologist in regard to having the Prostate removed. After the initial shock of this pronouncement, I dutifully attended the office of the Surgeon and was given the rundown on what he proposed to do, which was a Nerve Sparing Prostatectomy, including removal of the left sural nerves as it would appear likely that the cells could have escaped. This process of consultation was over a period of a couple of months and during this period, I spent a lot of time a) trying to get my head together and b) doing a lot of research on the net. I investigated everything! Natural cures, Proton Beam, surgical procedures, vitamins etc. It was only by chance that one day I was in a bookshop and, whilst generally browsing, the word Prostate Cancer leapt out at me on the spine of a book on the bottom shelf. I picked up this book, 'Prostate Cancer, understand, prevent and overcome' by Professor Jane Plant and started reading. I became totally engrossed and, after half an hour (with strange looks from the staff), immediately purchased the book as it was making the most sense out of everything I'd researched to that date. My wife and I read the book through once and then read it again. We then managed to locate a copy of 'The Plant Program' and proceeded to follow the initial active diet from the first of January 2006.
At this time, I'd been booked in for the operation in March 2006. I was still very apprehensive about the op. as I already had a lung condition from childhood and the prospect (at 60) of undergoing a seven hour op. was daunting despite the reassurances of the Surgeon and other consulting specialists. I guess the letter I had to sign that included 'and even death' amongst the litany of possible complications didn't help! In discussion with my GP I asked why I hadn't been referred to an Oncologist. He didn't know but was quite happy to give me a refferal and an appointment was made. By this time, I had postponed the op. whilst I sought this other advice and re-evaluated my options. I was still on the active diet and generally my health and feeling of well being was picking up. I was now over the trauma of being diagnosed and, weighing up all the options, elected to undergo 3D conformal radiation rather than the operation. This commenced in May 2006.
Whilst undergoing radiation, I adopted the maintenance diet. During the treatment period, five days a week for six weeks, I stuck to the diet, exercised every day and just waited for some of the dreaded (possible) side effects to take place. All I had was a slight problem with my Testes on the left side. When I mentioned this on one of my regular weekly checks with the Oncologist, she was amazed when I told her of my exercise regime, which included jogging down a long steep mountain road! I was strongly advised that this was more than a little excessive, considering the treatment was to the left side of my Prostate. I cut back the jogging and stuck to walking. At the end of the six week period, I still showed no sign of side effects. Even though I mentioned the diet, all I got was 'if it's working for you!'
Since finishing the treatment, I've had regular blood tests done and check-ups with the Urologist and Oncologist. I've maintained the diet and my PSA levels have held steady at .2 for the last three years. My Oncologist has now ceased check-ups as there has been no side effects whatever from the radiation treatment, still not interested in the diet. My Urologist (who opted for the operation) is very pleased with my results, but not interested in the diet. I can quite understand specialists trusting in what they believe to be the preferred treatment. I cannot understand the unwillingness to at least look deeper into what is before their eyes. Simply saying 'marvellous response' when they half expect something else, is not doing the right thing by their patients. Where's the problem in at least picking up the books and reading them? I'm fully aware that what worked for me, may not work for another. But surely the option should be at least explored in the hope that a better life style is available. What I do know is, my decision to forgo the operation and undertake radiation absolutely worked for me. I also firmly believe that by following the diet, I have developed a healthier life in general. I know Jane came about this information the hard way and as a matter of neccesity, but I, for one, will always be grateful for what she has shown my wife and I.
See also some reviews of Jane Plant's books !