Peak Fitness—But a Lingering Concern
In June 2022, at 60 years old, I stood on stage at the Westin Hotel in Westminster, Colorado, competing in my first-ever men’s physique competition. I had five spent months training, dropping 25 pounds to reach 7% body fat—proving to myself that, even at 60, I could achieve peak fitness—and be fitter than I’d ever been.
But in the back of my mind, a question lingered, threatening to spoil the fun:
Do I really have prostate cancer?
The PSA Test That Changed Everything
In 2020, my PSA level was 1.6. By 2021, it had jumped to 3.6—the highest it had ever been.
I was due for my annual physical, and I assumed everything would be fine, just like always. But this time, a nagging thought stuck with me:
“I’m going to have a problem with my PSA.”
Sure enough, when my bloodwork came back, my PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) level had climbed to 4.4.
The Urologist Visit & A Game-Changer
A few days later, I sat in a urologist’s office, waiting anxiously. He seemed surprised to see me, questioning why I was there.
Apparently, a PSA under 10—even with low Free PSA—isn’t always an urgent case.
Here’s the thing about prostate cancer:
✔ You don’t feel anything in the early stages.
✔ I thought I had trouble urinating—but was that real, or just in my head?
✔ Was my neurosis actually saving my life?
Then came the game-changer.
During the DRE exam, the urologist found a small nodule on the upper left side of my prostate.
💬 “Wait… why didn’t my GP find this?” I asked.
Turns out, most doctors only feel the front of the prostate—but a urologist performs a far more thorough exam.
💬 “What’s the chance it’s cancer?” I asked.
💬 “If I had to guess? 50%,” he said. “And if it is, they’ll grade it.”
💬 “Wait… there are different kinds of prostate cancer?”
I was about to learn more about this disease than I ever wanted to know.
The Fittest Person You Know Got Cancer. Now What?
People often tell me, “You’re the fittest person I know.” Even doctors have said it.
By the numbers, I shouldn’t have been a candidate for prostate cancer:
✔ No family history of prostate cancer
✔ No smoking, no major risk factors
✔ No known genetic predisposition
✔ Extremely fit, active lifestyle—always
✔ Plant-based diet
So if I—someone who most people who know me would say is the fittest person they know, with no major prostate cancer risk factors—got cancer, then what does that say?
What I do know is this: Being super fit put me in the best possible position to fight back and endure the most aggressive treatment plan.
💪 I was about to enter the crucible.
Follow My Journey: Strength, Recovery & Rebuilding
This blog isn’t just a cancer story. It’s about what comes next—proving that after 50, you can be the fittest version of yourself—perhaps ever, all things considered.
What I’ll Be Covering Here:
✔ Strength training, cardio, and flexibility after 50
✔ Nutrition and supplements for optimal health, weight loss, and muscle-building
✔ Mindset, resilience, and inner strength
✔ My real-time comeback story—plus insights that may help if you’re facing a relatable challenge
If you’re navigating your own health scare, fitness journey, or personal challenge, I hope my story motivates and informs you.
📢 Follow along as I share my approach to being as fit as you ever can be, all things considered.
For the record, I’m far from perfect—especially when it comes to diet.. I like to call this: Flawed Fitness.