Gary and I recruited a Cancer Team to help us be as proactive as possible in facing this disease. In no particular order, here's what our team looks like:

Medical Professionals/Treatments

Most great teams have a superstar or two. Our superstars are the doctors and medical treatments. We have a really great doctor. He's taken the time to explain things to us and he's supportive of our full team. The thing we appreciate most about him is that he's knowledgeable -- he's aware of clinical trials and has given us a couple options should Gary's PSA count rise again.

Nutrition

We've basically increased our fruits, veggies, whole grains and legumes, and have eliminated unhealthy fats and sugars. We've had fun experimenting with  recipes and found that nutritious can also be delicious!

Physical Activity

Gary read that walking is good exercise for prostate cancer, so he started walking a couple miles most mornings before work. I don't do 5:30am, but on weekends I join him for hiking and snow-shoeing in the beautiful Cascade Mountains near our home.

Faith

We believe that things don't just happen randomly, but that God is able to bring good out of even a diagnosis of cancer.

Stress Management

We manage stress in simple ways. Good books, good movies, hiking, snow-shoeing, weekends away - these have all been great stress reducers for us.

Support System

We have a strong marriage and family ties, but it's helpful to connect with others within the cancer community. We're part of a program called DEFEAT Cancer. It's a year-round survivorship empowerment program for cancer survivors and their caregivers focusing on nutrition, physical activity, education and inspiration.

Positive  Attitude

If a person gives up on life and thinks he's going to die, it will probably shorten his life. The mind's a powerful tool and Gary wants to use it to promote his health.

Purpose

If we have cancer, what can we do to make the journey easier for other survivors and caregivers? It's all about taking our passions and interests and abilities and creating something to benefit others.