Final Update made on December 29, 2024

Happy New Year Everyone. This final week has been filled with excitement along with continued guarded optimism. After spending 3 days on holiday with my daughters who came from afar to visit and after me cheating a little on my diet, but having my supplements packed for the trip, I just wanted to report out two happenings of the week.

1. My MRI has been moved up to December 31, 2024, 10 am due to a cancellation. The sooner the better for me. Holy Happy New Year?
2. Ed posted a comment in the Resveratrol Strategy about looking into Apigenin as a PC fighting substance.
   • I’ve taken a first look, and I like what I see, so I am adding some Dried Parsley to my diet as I my research on it. Here is a copy of my response.

” Ed ! Apigenin is a totally awesome suggestion. Apigenin has a substantial body of research that I have been combing though since I saw your post. I learned it is identified as 4′,5,7-trioxyflavone, a Flavonoid, which is one type of Polyphenolic compound. My first pass research reveals that it appears most effectively added to the diet through dried parsley.

After a quick scan of 2024 articles, of which there are about 2,000, Apigenin shows effectiveness against PC through apoptosis, which I presume means restoring the ability of the PC cells to recognize they are going rouge, and then self destruct. I am currently trying to work though this research paper, although I am having paywall access problems getting to the details. Thanks again for the lead on Apigenin. I am adding some dried parsley to my daily routine and will continue to examine more research on it.”

Another Year, another MRI

Month 12 completes my one year anniversary of my first MRI, so now I am eligible for another one. I am cautiously optimistic about its outcome.

My urologist previously estimated (after my second drop in PSA to 3.3) that I should expect to see a corresponding reduction in my PC associated with my reduction in PSA scores. In rough numbers, that would be about half. He elaborated that if PC has yet to be diagnosed, PSA variations can be associated with things other than PC. But once PC has been detected, PSA variations track PC cell count pretty closely. I hope he is right. That would put my PC in remission or more, as remission as I understand it, occurs when the PC does not increase in volume. I’m not sure what shrinkage is called, but unlike George Castanza, I would like some shrinkage.

I now have my MRI date for January 6, 2025. It’s the same facility with the same MRI machine, and I asked and had granted that the reading will occur with the same doctor as last time. I am including the last year’s MRI report with my order for the new one as requested by the facility. I also found the MRI CD. I notice that the original order has a “Comparison” section near the top that is empty. I expect that to be filled in on my new MRI report, and that it will probably be the most interesting part of the report for me.

What are the talking points with my urologist this time?

1. Reaffirm that reductions in PSA should translate in direct proportion to PC cell count.
2. Is a third drop in PSA all that usual? Over 11 months? with someone who has never seen a PSA drop?
3. How about the stoppage of the testosterone therapy? Doesn’t that make the PSA drop?
4. How can my testosterone measure above 300 at this point after being on testosterone therapy for several years, and just stopping?
5. If my MRI results in a measured lower tumor volume, does that mean my cancer is in remission? What is it called when the cancer reduces in volume?

Consulting with my Urologist

My Urologist tele-appointment took place on December 12, 2024. He gave me a very optimistic report, noting that my PSA was now lower than it was in 2017, when I first started seeing him. “2.45. WoW! Whatever you are doing there, it sure seems to be working. Keep it up.” I asked about whether dropping the testosterone shots could be the cause of all the PSA reductions. “Testosterone is out of your system in a month or so, and certainly by 3 months. Only the first drop in PSA, in whole or part, can be explained by dropping the testosterone.” I ask him about masking PSA reductions, where the PSA drops, but the PC still grows larger. “If I had prescribed you Finasteride, then that would drop PSA.”, he says. I ask about whether what I am taking could do the same thing. He responds with , “Finasteride blocks the DHT receptor. Check to see if anything you are doing blocks DHT receptors and to what extent, and you will find your answer.”

My urologist ends the call with an optimistic, “It’s beginning to look like you are not going to have to do a second biopsy. I expect the measurements of your tumor will come in lower dimensionally, and therefore no biopsy will be required at this time. Keep up the good work.” He schedules me for a week after the MRI to discuss those results, this time in person.

Taking stock of Year 1

I feel great right now after one year. The only symptoms I have had were stoppages/pauses in my urine stream, and that I believe has been reduced. Maybe the size of my prostate has dropped.

I finally launched this website in late November. And I have gone out and posted parts of my story. And I have posted on a blog or two out there on the interweb. Let’s just say, WoW, about all the criticism I have been receiving. Although in all fairness, I have also had encouragement. PSA reductions can happen in other cases, but not in ones were the PC has been diagnosed, and the time period extends past 3 months. I can find no study where PSA reductions occur in the absence of surgery, radiation, or prescribed meds. Two individuals have lowered their PSA, but in both those cases, PC hadn’t been diagnosed. Clearly there is other information out there, I just haven’t run across it.

This month I have completed one week of the Black Seed Oil and my troublesome knee is less of a problem. There may be some contribution to PC fighting, but that still is mainly the mission of PSO and Ursolic acid, including the chemistry the assists them.

Refills on Milled Flaxseed, Rosemary Extract, Resveratrol, Quercetin, Ursolic Acid Supplement, Pomegranate Seed Oil (PSO) , Pomegranate Juice, Cranberry Juice, Tumeric. You name it. As something goes low, I order replacements. Maybe if I get a PSA under two, I might consider experimenting by dividing the regimen in half to see which half works most effectively.

Everything right now is riding on the next MRI, January 6th. While I try not to underappreciate getting lucky or having others wish me luck, I have pinned my hopes on science and facts that I have been digging up on Google Scholar, as well as my critics on internet blogs. Thank you everyone. You know who you are !

Two Major Website Updates

1. I made two videos that shows how I prepare and take my daily supplements. Read through down a ways to get to the videos please.
2. I created a new “Strategies” series of posts showing the 10 different things I do. I discuss them separately and analyze costs. My PSA is 2.45 now. Maybe I can drop some of the more expensive things by category if my MRI is favorable.

Closing Thoughts

In summary:

• A year has passed. I feel better than ever.
• My PSA has fallen 62% in 11 months.
• My next MRI is January 6
• My Urologist is optimistic that the PSA drops will translate into tumor reduction.
• I keep resupplying, relying on two major strategies: Ursolic Acid and Punicic Acid. 
• I updated the website with Videos and Strategies. Have a look and make comments.