What happens when a routine health check-up reveals a shockingly high PSA of 51.9 with no symptoms? For 51-year-old Jason, a biohacking enthusiast dedicated to staving off chronic disease, this was the beginning of an unexpected and arduous journey into the world of high-risk prostate cancer. In this episode, Jason and his partner Natalie share their powerful story of navigating a terrifying diagnosis, battling a frustrating healthcare system, and becoming a prostate cancer patient advocate out of sheer necessity. This is a story about taking control when you feel powerless, the tough decisions that follow a diagnosis, and the profound impact it has on a relationship.

Jason’s experience is a masterclass in patient advocacy and resilience. After the initial shock of his diagnosis - which came shortly after Natalie’s father passed away from the same disease - Jason dove headfirst into research mode. He shares how he learned to speak the language of oncology, question doctors, and push for timely appointments and tests like MRIs and PSMA PET scans, effectively quarterbacking his own care. You'll hear the detailed thought process behind his prostate cancer treatment decisions, including why he opted for surgery over radiation, and how he processed the devastating news of a biochemical recurrence prostate cancer just months after his operation. This recurrence led to a new, grueling phase of treatment: Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) and daily radiation. Jason gives an incredibly honest account of the debilitating side effects of ADT, from the 40-50 daily hot flashes to the severe sleep disruption that left him exhausted. Throughout this journey, Natalie provides a raw and essential perspective on how to support a partner with cancer. She discusses balancing her own anxiety, the importance of being present at appointments to be a second set of ears, and the critical need for self-care to avoid burnout. Together, they offer invaluable, practical advice on everything from asking the right questions to your oncologist, understanding your Gleason score, and the emotional toll of living with a cancer diagnosis.

About Our Guests:
Jason is a 51-year-old health and wellness enthusiast who was unexpectedly diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. He shares his story of becoming a full-time researcher and advocate for his own health, navigating complex treatment paths including surgery, ADT (Orgovyx), and radiation therapy.

Natalie is Jason's partner of 12 years. Having lost her father to prostate cancer just a year prior to Jason's diagnosis, she provides a powerful perspective on being a caregiver, a support system, and a partner to someone fighting cancer, all while processing her own grief and fear.

Timestamps / Chapters:
(0:00) Introduction
(1:31) A Shocking Prostate Cancer Diagnosis at 51
(2:30) A Family History with Prostate Cancer
(5:14) How Jason and Natalie Met
(10:08) The Routine Check-Up That Changed Everything (PSA of 51.9)
(16:14) Becoming a Proactive Patient Advocate
(23:00) Why You Must Be The Quarterback of Your Own Care
(30:41) How to Speed Up Appointments and Get Answers Faster
(37:43) From Surgery to a Biochemical Recurrence
(43:18) The Brutal Real-Life Side Effects of ADT and Radiation
(50:29) The Power of a Support System: How Friends Can Help
(58:41) Final Advice for Patients and Partners on Their Cancer Journey

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