Integrative Cancer Solutions with Dr. Karlfeldt

Facing Prostate Cancer: Gordon McMurray’s Journey, Choices, and Lessons Learned

Episode Summary

On today's episode of Integrative Cancer Solutions host Dr. Michael Karlfeldt is joined by guest Gordon McMurray. Gordon’s journey with prostate cancer began with a family history of the disease and early detection through a PSA test, which led to his diagnosis in September 2022. He describes the initial shock and the process of coming to terms with the diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of early testing and awareness, especially for those with a family predisposition. Gordon’s background in risk management and compliance helped him navigate the complex landscape of treatment options and make informed decisions about his care. When considering treatment, Gordon explored several options, including surgery, radiotherapy, HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound), and brachytherapy. Ultimately, he chose surgery, performed by an experienced professor, after weighing the pros and cons of each method and considering regional availability—HIFU was not accessible in Scotland, and brachytherapy was only a marginal possibility. He highlights the challenges of accessing consistent treatment across different regions and the importance of understanding the implications of each option, including the potential side effects and long-term outcomes. The impact of treatment on Gordon’s daily life was significant. He experienced side effects such as frequent urination, fatigue, and a brief episode of back pain related to his prostate condition. Gordon discusses the importance of understanding PSA readings, the limitations of the test, and the need for informed consent throughout the treatment process. He also shares practical advice on managing fatigue, such as staying hydrated and incorporating exercise, and stresses the importance of making lifestyle adjustments to cope with ongoing side effects. Emotionally and psychologically, Gordon’s experience was challenging, involving periods of anxiety and depression. He worked with a psychology student to better understand the psychological impact of prostate cancer recovery and underscores the need for emotional support for both patients and their partners. Gordon points out the lack of psychosexual treatment options in the UK and the value of external support services like Prostate Cancer UK and Macmillan, which provide crucial resources for those navigating the recovery process. In reflecting on his journey, Gordon expresses gratitude for the support he received and the opportunity to share his story. He advises others to stay informed, make timely decisions, and seek out support networks, including peer groups and online communities. Gordon’s experience underscores the importance of early detection, informed decision-making, and the availability of comprehensive support resources for prostate cancer patients and their families, offering hope and guidance to others facing similar challenges. Gordon McMurray shared his personal journey with prostate cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection through PSA testing and family history awareness. He discussed the challenges of choosing between treatment options like surgery, HIFU, and brachytherapy, ultimately opting for surgery due to regional availability. Gordon described the significant side effects of treatment, including urinary issues, fatigue, and the need for lifestyle adjustments. He highlighted the emotional and psychological impact of prostate cancer, stressing the importance of support for both patients and their partners. Gordon advised others to stay informed, seek support networks, and make timely, well-considered decisions about their health and treatment options. ---- Grab my book A Better Way to Treat Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding, Preventing and Most Effectively Treating Our Biggest Health Threat - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CM1KKD9X?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 Unleashing 10X Power: A Revolutionary Approach to Conquering Cancer https://store.thekarlfeldtcenter.com/products/unleashing-10x-power-Price: $24.99-100% Off Discount Code: CANCERPODCAST1 Healing Within: Unraveling the Emotional Roots of Cancer https://store.thekarlfeldtcenter.com/products/healing-within-Price: $24.99-100% Off Discount Code: CANCERPODCAST2 ---- Integrative Cancer Solutions was created to instill hope and empowerment. Other people have been where you are right now and have already done the research for you. Listen to their stories and journeys and apply what they learned to achieve similar outcomes as they have, cancer remission and an even more fullness of life than before the diagnosis. Guests will discuss what therapies, supplements, and practitioners they relied on to beat cancer. Once diagnosed, time is of the essence. This podcast will dramatically reduce your learning curve as you search for your own solution to cancer. To learn more about the cutting-edge integrative cancer therapies Dr. Karlfeldt offer at his center, please visit www.TheKarlfeldtCenter.com

Episode Notes

On today's episode of Integrative Cancer Solutions host Dr. Michael Karlfeldt is joined by guest Gordon McMurray. Gordon’s journey with prostate cancer began with a family history of the disease and early detection through a PSA test, which led to his diagnosis in September 2022. He describes the initial shock and the process of coming to terms with the diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of early testing and awareness, especially for those with a family predisposition. 

Gordon’s background in risk management and compliance helped him navigate the complex landscape of treatment options and make informed decisions about his care. When considering treatment, Gordon explored several options, including surgery, radiotherapy, HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound), and brachytherapy. Ultimately, he chose surgery, performed by an experienced professor, after weighing the pros and cons of each method and considering regional availability—HIFU was not accessible in Scotland, and brachytherapy was only a marginal possibility. He highlights the challenges of accessing consistent treatment across different regions and the importance of understanding the implications of each option, including the potential side effects and long-term outcomes. The impact of treatment on Gordon’s daily life was significant. He experienced side effects such as frequent urination, fatigue, and a brief episode of back pain related to his prostate condition. 

Gordon discusses the importance of understanding PSA readings, the limitations of the test, and the need for informed consent throughout the treatment process. He also shares practical advice on managing fatigue, such as staying hydrated and incorporating exercise, and stresses the importance of making lifestyle adjustments to cope with ongoing side effects. Emotionally and psychologically, Gordon’s experience was challenging, involving periods of anxiety and depression. He worked with a psychology student to better understand the psychological impact of prostate cancer recovery and underscores the need for emotional support for both patients and their partners. Gordon points out the lack of psychosexual treatment options in the UK and the value of external support services like Prostate Cancer UK and Macmillan, which provide crucial resources for those navigating the recovery process. 

In reflecting on his journey, Gordon expresses gratitude for the support he received and the opportunity to share his story. He advises others to stay informed, make timely decisions, and seek out support networks, including peer groups and online communities. Gordon’s experience underscores the importance of early detection, informed decision-making, and the availability of comprehensive support resources for prostate cancer patients and their families, offering hope and guidance to others facing similar challenges.

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Grab my book A Better Way to Treat Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding, Preventing and Most Effectively Treating Our Biggest Health Threat - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CM1KKD9X?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 

Unleashing 10X Power: A Revolutionary Approach to Conquering Cancer

https://store.thekarlfeldtcenter.com/products/unleashing-10x-power
-Price: $24.99
-100% Off Discount Code: CANCERPODCAST1

Healing Within: Unraveling the Emotional Roots of Cancer

https://store.thekarlfeldtcenter.com/products/healing-within
-Price: $24.99
-100% Off Discount Code: CANCERPODCAST2

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Integrative Cancer Solutions was created to instill hope and empowerment. Other people have been where you are right now and have already done the research for you. Listen to their stories and journeys and apply what they learned to achieve similar outcomes as they have, cancer remission and an even more fullness of life than before the diagnosis. Guests will discuss what therapies, supplements, and practitioners they relied on to beat cancer. Once diagnosed, time is of the essence. This podcast will dramatically reduce your learning curve as you search for your own solution to cancer. To learn more about the cutting-edge integrative cancer therapies Dr. Karlfeldt offer at his center, please visit www.TheKarlfeldtCenter.com