Dave was diagnosed at age 54 in 2008, with aggressive pT3 Prostate Cancer and has broad treatment experience including: prostatectomy, radiation, recurrence in the pelvis (2o lymph node surgery) and chest (12 lymph node surgery),  chemotherapy (Taxotere) and hormone therapy (Lupron, Casodex, Xtandi) ,  artificial sphincter and penile implant operations.

Since 2016 Dave has been Mayo Clinic Certified Wellness Coach, with keen interest working with high risk Gleason 8 or above men and their care givers. The Mayo Clinic methodology: includes building relationships, identifying client values, strengths and desires, facilitating a vision and putting them into action to support lasting change using Mayo Clinic's core coaching skills.

What Dave has learned from his 10 year high risk prostate cancer journey!

• Become an equal partner with your doctors in treatment decisions. 
• Get 2nd opinions, find prostate cancer experts and make medical treatment decisions quickly with the right medical team.

• 3 month follow-ups are important for High Risk Prostate Cancer patients 
• Before treatment have MD’s show you where your recurrent cancer is: (Since 2011 Dave gets quarterly Mayo Clinic’s C11 PET, numerous MRI's and CT scans)
• Consider all curative treatments (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) besides ongoing hormone therapy.
• Actively manage side effects (ED, Incontinence) early after initial treatment, because they greatly affect your quality of life

• Eat well, move and exercise regularly, get adequate rest and sleep

• Preventative Care is important! Works with his doctors to manage/oversee: blood pressure, cholesterol, skin exams, colon screening, vaccinations, sleep, bone density checks (After one year of hormone therapy Dave lost 1o-15% bone density), weight management, eye checks and dental cleanings.  (Example: normally Taxodere chemotherapy is 6 treatments every 3 weeks. Dave was able to handle 9 treatments and showed consistent 40% PSA drop after each treatment with little side effects) 

• Emotional stability matters! In 2009-2010 Dave saw a Psychologist 40 sessions for:
  • Moderate anxiety and depression
  • Developing intrapersonal and interpersonal coping skills
  • Managing symptoms: fatigue,  fear, sleep deprivation,  no drive, and total incontinence
  • Accepted my medical condition, treatments, and new life (part time work, new sexual and MNPCC roles-VP, Wellness Coach)

• Keep a positive attitude, get others support, have strong spiritual beliefs.