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Latest
News, updates, comments together with latest entries from
Al's blog
Scroll down for earlier news items
Al's heroic journey
5th September 2007
by Faith Warn
Al Smith, who created this site, died of metastatic prostate
cancer on 31st May 2007. His death was neither defeat nor
failure but the end of his soul’s journey – and what a journey! Al
was always a beautiful, creative, unassuming person with quiet
strength. In the last two and a half years of his life, he truly
seized his own power and moved mountains. His achievements
and courage have inspired people around the world and are
helping to change the way prostate cancer is treated.
Al’s last blog reports that, in response to the cancer spreading
to his bones and causing pain, he started a course of Zoladex
hormone treatment. It was intended to reduce his PSA and
symptoms, as it has in so many other men. This would be only
until new alternative strategies had time to take effect – again,
as they have done successfully in other men. (Al was mainly
using a natural substance that deprives cancer cells of blood
supply combined with heat treatment, which kills them off. For
details, please contact Yes to Life.)
But instead of falling, Al’s PSA rose frighteningly fast, the pain
worsened, his movement was restricted and he became very
unwell. We struggled with his GP to get consistent support and
effective pain relief and finally he was admitted to hospital by
his oncologist. There, he received some radiation treatment on
his spine, but the cancer had already taken too strong a hold.
He was transferred to the Pilgrim’s Hospice near our home in
Ashford, where, his hand in mine, he slipped away gently on a
calm, sun-filled evening.
Throughout this time, in spite of the pain, Al seemed serene, at
peace with himself and full of love. Ever since his diagnosis, we
had worked together to find a humane and effective solution,
and for him to take control of his illness and destiny. In the last
few months, he seemed to truly find his power – and then it was
as though he’d had enough. He asked us not to be sad; his
soul was ready to move on to a new adventure.
This website was an important part of Al’s expression of
strength. However rocky his path, he was determined to share it
with other PCa men and their families, to encourage them to
find power and hopefully to heal. He was also determined to
challenge the medical profession, both conventional and
alternative, to address themselves urgently to making better
treatments accessible to all. His life – and death - has touched
both hearts and minds and the impact of that will grow.
Prostate Catch-up
13th April 2007 - Blog entry
It’s more than five months already. Five months spent settling
back into life in England after 11 years under the blue skies of
Kalymnos, that Dodecanese isle splashed by the equally blue
seas of the Aegean. Surprisingly, the weather has not been a
major problem. A kind winter, softened even more by good
central heating and a log burning stove, and a beautiful
springtime capped by a dazzling Easter weekend has eased the
transition.The village is peaceful and friendly with ‘good
morning’ greetings exchanged freely on the street and in the
local store/post office.If it wasn’t for the cost of living, with
exorbitant council taxes and utility charges, I could borrow a
phrase from Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds of May and say
‘Just perfik.’
The prostate, however, has not been playing ball. My trip to
Lisbon did not bear fruit and with a PSA having risen to 178
needing firefighting a strategic - and hopefully short-term -
course of hormone therapy was started four weeks ago with
Casodex and then a Zoladex one month implant. This should
get the numbers down to a manageable level and give
breathing space while various new alternative treatments come
into play. In the meantime a CT and then a bone scan have
given a closer look at what is really happening inside.
I’ve just seen the oncologist and she reported that the PSA had
‘plateaued’ in the short time since re-commencing the hormone
therapy. Also that the CT scan had indicated several sclerotic
areas in both iliac wings and probably two lumbar vertebrae
suggestive of bony metastases.
The bone scan has been reviewed and it was concluded that
there is a very small tumour in the lower spine and small
metastases in the iliac wings - too small for hot spot
radiotherapy ‘zapping.’ A course of bisphosphonates taken
intravenously was proposed to strengthen the bone and I am
researching this to decide shortly whether to take this route. A
Strontium mineral supplement is also being considered as an
alternative.
Physically, I have been suffering back pain on and off since
January, when a long established wedge fracture was revealed
by x-ray. Since this pain is NOT in the areas of suspicion
indicated by the scans, it does seem that it is emanating from
this fracture and associated spinal ‘wear and tear’ and I have
been swallowing analgesics to cope with it.
The doctor at the local pain clinic suggested giving
acupuncture a try and taking the painkillers as a suppository
and/or a transdermal patch to lessen the risk of gastric damage
from prolonged pill taking. I have my first appointment with the
acupuncturist this afternoon.
To finish, I must thank Yes to Life, Cancer Options and the
Really Healthy Co for the invaluable help and support that I
have received through this period of difficult decision making.
Yes to Life fundraiser, 25th January 2007, London
11th January 2007
The charity Yes to Life helps people with cancer form a
personal strategy based on real choice - including non-toxic
complementary or alternative treatments. For those in need,
funds are available for consultations and treatments not
generally given through the NHS.
Recognising the pressure and hardship of cancer, Y2L also
helps patients access all possible resources for support.
Yes to Life was set up by Robin and Nancy Daly after the loss
of their daughter, Bryony. The couple's powerhouse of energy
and dedication has quickly advanced their cause and Robin
has worked with us to spread information and research about
effective, up-to-date treatments for prostate cancer, including
the Pfeifer protocol.
On Thursday 25th January, Y2L will hold its first major
fundraiser - a dinner, dance and auction at the Wallace
Collection, London W1. We'll be there and expect it to be lots of
fun in a very worthwhile cause. Tickets at £180 each from 0207
317 3459 or email Robin at yestolife.org.uk.
Pfeifer to talk in London
10th October 2006
Prof Ben Pfeifer is taking time out from his busy schedule at the
Aeskulap Cancer Clinic in Switzerland to talk in London this
Sunday, 15th October. At Camexpo, the complementary &
natural healthcare show held at Docklands' Excel Centre, he will
update an eager audience about his work with prostate cancer
and reveal new research into natural breast cancer therapies. It
was at this event in October 2005 that Prof Pfeifer launched his
phytotherapy protocol in the UK. Shortly afterwards, we read
the text of his talk online and resolved to try this treatment for
Al. For Faith, Sunday is a red letter day as she will meet the
Professor for the first time. Look out for her report next week!
UK Diary update
25th August 2006 - blog entry
We have been in UK just over a week and it's update time. My
part in the 6 month study at St Barts London hospital of the
phytotherapy protocol of herbal treatment for prostate cancer
has come to an end with encouraging results. My PSA has
settled back to a reasonably low level while my urine flow
continues to be full with none of those 'must go' episodes.
Other indicators such as white blood cell levels and
haemoglobin are strong. I am continuing with the treatment and
feeling positive about the future.
Our website at www.prostatecancernow.org is gathering
momentum and Faith is filling her diary with meetings to
persuade other consultants and hospitals to initiate similar tests
to the one that I have been involved in. A national newspaper is
also on the scene but we are holding fire on another interview
until we have something even more exciting to announce than a
re-run of the earlier Daily Telegraph article.
New FAQ's
18th August 2006
The full text - and even video - of Dr Pfeifer's presentation
explaining his protocol to a London audience of experts and
non-experts has for some time been available online It makes
fascinating reading - and the video shows clearly the humanity,
compassion and awesome expertise of this remarkable cancer
specialist.
Now, this really useful site has added a new page of FAQs. It
gives full answers about the protocol and how to use it, how to
contact Professor Oliver and the option to book a phone
consultation with Dr Pfeifer himself to get individual advice
based on your unique case history and needs.
Blood Tests - Greek style
3rd August 2006 - blog entry
Kalymnos is awash with all shades of medical advice. Signs for
walk-in dentists, radiologists, dermatologists, GPs and
gynaologists pepper the high street and many side streets. You
may have read of my experience with the local urologist (if you
haven't, click here and go to 24th November 2004). Now I’ll tell
you about blood tests - Greek style.
An essential part of my treatment study is a monthly report to
Prof Oliver back in St Barts, London. This includes general
blood tests plus any movement in PSA and testosterone.
The NHS in UK has a reciprocal arrangement with Greece’s IKA.
My IKA doctor holds a busy surgery every weekday morning. It
mainly deals with repeat prescriptions for the locals and I try to
be there by 8.30 to be near the front of the queue when Dr
Peter arrives about 9am. Luckily for me he is
American/Kalymnian so speaks English. He is quite thrilled to
be involved in my treatment study with an important consultant
in London.
He writes me two scripts to take to two separate mikrobiologists
- one for the routine tests and another for the PSA/testosterone.
Seems straightforward? No problem? Umm, we now have to
factor in Greek bureaucracy.
IKA prescriptions for specialist involvement require scrutiny,
counter-signing and rubber-stamping by a senior medico. Ours
is a gynaecologist so I share his waiting room with Kalymnian
ladies at varying stages of ripeness.
It's my turn and I enter the inner sanctum where a wall is
dominated by a huge portrait of the man himself. I immediately
think of Dorian Gray - in reverse. It depicts him about 25 years
younger but with the exact same comb-over (black instead of
grey), steel-rimmed spectacles and humourless gaze. Weird, or
what? He compares me carefully with the photo in my IKA book
and begins flourishing signatures. His hand freezes over the
handle of the crucial rubber stamp. Oops - a problem!
Apparently, PSA tests are expensive and rationed to be
performed on the first of each month; my requirements are for
tests to be taken mid-month. To get around this Dr Peter writes
‘emergency’ - in Greek of course - on the prescription. I then
pay for the test and claim a refund from IKA. But this time Dr
Peter has forgotten the essential endorsement.
Stalemate. A fleeting gleam behind the specs hints at some
rivalry with my friendly GP.
“PSA first of month only”.
I stand my ground, implying that upsetting an important
consultant at a leading London hospital could puncture his
reputation. He crumples and approves the ticket so long as I
get it endorsed before claiming my refund.
The most important, redeeming point to all this is that the
results of any of these tests are MY property, with none of that
frustrating waiting until my doctor receives them days later and
then maybe deigns to make broad, filtered statements without
allowing sight of the actual results. I collect the printouts from
the lab, show them to the GP for comment and take them home.
Prostate still being contained
21st July 2006 - blog entry
Monthly general bood test time has come around again,
showing little significant change over last month. PSA has
moved up slightly, but is still below 10. Nothing to panic about
and Dr Pfeifer has suggested an adjustment to the protocol
dosages to counter this trend
Our new website, prostatecancernow , has been up and
running for a couple of weeks with very encouraging feedback.
Check it out if you or someone you know has concerns with the
prostate. Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask
News item
7th July 2006
In 2002, David Hillier, chief economist at Barclays Capital, was
diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer at the age of just 37.
On Monday, he will cycle in a gruelling stage of this year's Tour
de France, feeling fit and enjoying a very low PSA.
At diagnosis, doctors in London told David they would treat him
with androgen ablation and gave him two years or less to live.
Appalled, he took power and found an enlightened oncologist in
New York, who used chemotherapy and radiation to debulk the
tumour and then advised David that exercise would give him a
better chance of fighting the cancer.
The exciting significance of this strategy is that vigorous
exercise like cycling raises testosterone to normal or high male
levels - and that's precisely the way some other men have
fought prostate cancer and remained well for years.
We hope to reveal more about the details of David's case soon.
Meanwhile, this inspiring man is using the publicity and funds
from his Tour de Force to raise awareness and help for men
and their families through the Prostate Cancer Organisation.
What a great chance to get behind research and promotion of
the strategy David is pursuing!
Check out David's story here
Want a talk or lecture?
5th July 2006
Faith is taking bookings for talks and lectures in 2007
News, updates, comments together with latest entries from
Al's blog
Scroll down for earlier news items
Al's heroic journey
5th September 2007
by Faith Warn
Al Smith, who created this site, died of metastatic prostate
cancer on 31st May 2007. His death was neither defeat nor
failure but the end of his soul’s journey – and what a journey! Al
was always a beautiful, creative, unassuming person with quiet
strength. In the last two and a half years of his life, he truly
seized his own power and moved mountains. His achievements
and courage have inspired people around the world and are
helping to change the way prostate cancer is treated.
Al’s last blog reports that, in response to the cancer spreading
to his bones and causing pain, he started a course of Zoladex
hormone treatment. It was intended to reduce his PSA and
symptoms, as it has in so many other men. This would be only
until new alternative strategies had time to take effect – again,
as they have done successfully in other men. (Al was mainly
using a natural substance that deprives cancer cells of blood
supply combined with heat treatment, which kills them off. For
details, please contact Yes to Life.)
But instead of falling, Al’s PSA rose frighteningly fast, the pain
worsened, his movement was restricted and he became very
unwell. We struggled with his GP to get consistent support and
effective pain relief and finally he was admitted to hospital by
his oncologist. There, he received some radiation treatment on
his spine, but the cancer had already taken too strong a hold.
He was transferred to the Pilgrim’s Hospice near our home in
Ashford, where, his hand in mine, he slipped away gently on a
calm, sun-filled evening.
Throughout this time, in spite of the pain, Al seemed serene, at
peace with himself and full of love. Ever since his diagnosis, we
had worked together to find a humane and effective solution,
and for him to take control of his illness and destiny. In the last
few months, he seemed to truly find his power – and then it was
as though he’d had enough. He asked us not to be sad; his
soul was ready to move on to a new adventure.
This website was an important part of Al’s expression of
strength. However rocky his path, he was determined to share it
with other PCa men and their families, to encourage them to
find power and hopefully to heal. He was also determined to
challenge the medical profession, both conventional and
alternative, to address themselves urgently to making better
treatments accessible to all. His life – and death - has touched
both hearts and minds and the impact of that will grow.
Prostate Catch-up
13th April 2007 - Blog entry
It’s more than five months already. Five months spent settling
back into life in England after 11 years under the blue skies of
Kalymnos, that Dodecanese isle splashed by the equally blue
seas of the Aegean. Surprisingly, the weather has not been a
major problem. A kind winter, softened even more by good
central heating and a log burning stove, and a beautiful
springtime capped by a dazzling Easter weekend has eased the
transition.The village is peaceful and friendly with ‘good
morning’ greetings exchanged freely on the street and in the
local store/post office.If it wasn’t for the cost of living, with
exorbitant council taxes and utility charges, I could borrow a
phrase from Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds of May and say
‘Just perfik.’
The prostate, however, has not been playing ball. My trip to
Lisbon did not bear fruit and with a PSA having risen to 178
needing firefighting a strategic - and hopefully short-term -
course of hormone therapy was started four weeks ago with
Casodex and then a Zoladex one month implant. This should
get the numbers down to a manageable level and give
breathing space while various new alternative treatments come
into play. In the meantime a CT and then a bone scan have
given a closer look at what is really happening inside.
I’ve just seen the oncologist and she reported that the PSA had
‘plateaued’ in the short time since re-commencing the hormone
therapy. Also that the CT scan had indicated several sclerotic
areas in both iliac wings and probably two lumbar vertebrae
suggestive of bony metastases.
The bone scan has been reviewed and it was concluded that
there is a very small tumour in the lower spine and small
metastases in the iliac wings - too small for hot spot
radiotherapy ‘zapping.’ A course of bisphosphonates taken
intravenously was proposed to strengthen the bone and I am
researching this to decide shortly whether to take this route. A
Strontium mineral supplement is also being considered as an
alternative.
Physically, I have been suffering back pain on and off since
January, when a long established wedge fracture was revealed
by x-ray. Since this pain is NOT in the areas of suspicion
indicated by the scans, it does seem that it is emanating from
this fracture and associated spinal ‘wear and tear’ and I have
been swallowing analgesics to cope with it.
The doctor at the local pain clinic suggested giving
acupuncture a try and taking the painkillers as a suppository
and/or a transdermal patch to lessen the risk of gastric damage
from prolonged pill taking. I have my first appointment with the
acupuncturist this afternoon.
To finish, I must thank Yes to Life, Cancer Options and the
Really Healthy Co for the invaluable help and support that I
have received through this period of difficult decision making.
Yes to Life fundraiser, 25th January 2007, London
11th January 2007
The charity Yes to Life helps people with cancer form a
personal strategy based on real choice - including non-toxic
complementary or alternative treatments. For those in need,
funds are available for consultations and treatments not
generally given through the NHS.
Recognising the pressure and hardship of cancer, Y2L also
helps patients access all possible resources for support.
Yes to Life was set up by Robin and Nancy Daly after the loss
of their daughter, Bryony. The couple's powerhouse of energy
and dedication has quickly advanced their cause and Robin
has worked with us to spread information and research about
effective, up-to-date treatments for prostate cancer, including
the Pfeifer protocol.
On Thursday 25th January, Y2L will hold its first major
fundraiser - a dinner, dance and auction at the Wallace
Collection, London W1. We'll be there and expect it to be lots of
fun in a very worthwhile cause. Tickets at £180 each from 0207
317 3459 or email Robin at yestolife.org.uk.
Pfeifer to talk in London
10th October 2006
Prof Ben Pfeifer is taking time out from his busy schedule at the
Aeskulap Cancer Clinic in Switzerland to talk in London this
Sunday, 15th October. At Camexpo, the complementary &
natural healthcare show held at Docklands' Excel Centre, he will
update an eager audience about his work with prostate cancer
and reveal new research into natural breast cancer therapies. It
was at this event in October 2005 that Prof Pfeifer launched his
phytotherapy protocol in the UK. Shortly afterwards, we read
the text of his talk online and resolved to try this treatment for
Al. For Faith, Sunday is a red letter day as she will meet the
Professor for the first time. Look out for her report next week!
UK Diary update
25th August 2006 - blog entry
We have been in UK just over a week and it's update time. My
part in the 6 month study at St Barts London hospital of the
phytotherapy protocol of herbal treatment for prostate cancer
has come to an end with encouraging results. My PSA has
settled back to a reasonably low level while my urine flow
continues to be full with none of those 'must go' episodes.
Other indicators such as white blood cell levels and
haemoglobin are strong. I am continuing with the treatment and
feeling positive about the future.
Our website at www.prostatecancernow.org is gathering
momentum and Faith is filling her diary with meetings to
persuade other consultants and hospitals to initiate similar tests
to the one that I have been involved in. A national newspaper is
also on the scene but we are holding fire on another interview
until we have something even more exciting to announce than a
re-run of the earlier Daily Telegraph article.
New FAQ's
18th August 2006
The full text - and even video - of Dr Pfeifer's presentation
explaining his protocol to a London audience of experts and
non-experts has for some time been available online It makes
fascinating reading - and the video shows clearly the humanity,
compassion and awesome expertise of this remarkable cancer
specialist.
Now, this really useful site has added a new page of FAQs. It
gives full answers about the protocol and how to use it, how to
contact Professor Oliver and the option to book a phone
consultation with Dr Pfeifer himself to get individual advice
based on your unique case history and needs.
Blood Tests - Greek style
3rd August 2006 - blog entry
Kalymnos is awash with all shades of medical advice. Signs for
walk-in dentists, radiologists, dermatologists, GPs and
gynaologists pepper the high street and many side streets. You
may have read of my experience with the local urologist (if you
haven't, click here and go to 24th November 2004). Now I’ll tell
you about blood tests - Greek style.
An essential part of my treatment study is a monthly report to
Prof Oliver back in St Barts, London. This includes general
blood tests plus any movement in PSA and testosterone.
The NHS in UK has a reciprocal arrangement with Greece’s IKA.
My IKA doctor holds a busy surgery every weekday morning. It
mainly deals with repeat prescriptions for the locals and I try to
be there by 8.30 to be near the front of the queue when Dr
Peter arrives about 9am. Luckily for me he is
American/Kalymnian so speaks English. He is quite thrilled to
be involved in my treatment study with an important consultant
in London.
He writes me two scripts to take to two separate mikrobiologists
- one for the routine tests and another for the PSA/testosterone.
Seems straightforward? No problem? Umm, we now have to
factor in Greek bureaucracy.
IKA prescriptions for specialist involvement require scrutiny,
counter-signing and rubber-stamping by a senior medico. Ours
is a gynaecologist so I share his waiting room with Kalymnian
ladies at varying stages of ripeness.
It's my turn and I enter the inner sanctum where a wall is
dominated by a huge portrait of the man himself. I immediately
think of Dorian Gray - in reverse. It depicts him about 25 years
younger but with the exact same comb-over (black instead of
grey), steel-rimmed spectacles and humourless gaze. Weird, or
what? He compares me carefully with the photo in my IKA book
and begins flourishing signatures. His hand freezes over the
handle of the crucial rubber stamp. Oops - a problem!
Apparently, PSA tests are expensive and rationed to be
performed on the first of each month; my requirements are for
tests to be taken mid-month. To get around this Dr Peter writes
‘emergency’ - in Greek of course - on the prescription. I then
pay for the test and claim a refund from IKA. But this time Dr
Peter has forgotten the essential endorsement.
Stalemate. A fleeting gleam behind the specs hints at some
rivalry with my friendly GP.
“PSA first of month only”.
I stand my ground, implying that upsetting an important
consultant at a leading London hospital could puncture his
reputation. He crumples and approves the ticket so long as I
get it endorsed before claiming my refund.
The most important, redeeming point to all this is that the
results of any of these tests are MY property, with none of that
frustrating waiting until my doctor receives them days later and
then maybe deigns to make broad, filtered statements without
allowing sight of the actual results. I collect the printouts from
the lab, show them to the GP for comment and take them home.
Prostate still being contained
21st July 2006 - blog entry
Monthly general bood test time has come around again,
showing little significant change over last month. PSA has
moved up slightly, but is still below 10. Nothing to panic about
and Dr Pfeifer has suggested an adjustment to the protocol
dosages to counter this trend
Our new website, prostatecancernow , has been up and
running for a couple of weeks with very encouraging feedback.
Check it out if you or someone you know has concerns with the
prostate. Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask
News item
7th July 2006
In 2002, David Hillier, chief economist at Barclays Capital, was
diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer at the age of just 37.
On Monday, he will cycle in a gruelling stage of this year's Tour
de France, feeling fit and enjoying a very low PSA.
At diagnosis, doctors in London told David they would treat him
with androgen ablation and gave him two years or less to live.
Appalled, he took power and found an enlightened oncologist in
New York, who used chemotherapy and radiation to debulk the
tumour and then advised David that exercise would give him a
better chance of fighting the cancer.
The exciting significance of this strategy is that vigorous
exercise like cycling raises testosterone to normal or high male
levels - and that's precisely the way some other men have
fought prostate cancer and remained well for years.
We hope to reveal more about the details of David's case soon.
Meanwhile, this inspiring man is using the publicity and funds
from his Tour de Force to raise awareness and help for men
and their families through the Prostate Cancer Organisation.
What a great chance to get behind research and promotion of
the strategy David is pursuing!
Check out David's story here
Want a talk or lecture?
5th July 2006
Faith is taking bookings for talks and lectures in 2007