Mariette Snyman

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Navigating prostate cancer: what I’ve learnt

Prostate cancer is one of the most daunting challenges a man can face. Elred Lawrence candidly shares his experience of the diagnosis, decision-making process, eventual prostatectomy, and living an adventurous and joyous life ever since. He highlights facing serious concerns like possible erectile dysfunction and incontinence, the importance of garnering emotional support, and finding the courage to deal with an illness jeopardising “what makes one a man”.

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If you are new to podcasts, simply click on the arrow to listen to Elred and Mariette, or on the download button to download the conversation onto your device.

Please note that Elred is not a mainstream medical professional and discusses his personal experience of prostate cancer.

In ep. 165 of the podcast series Calm, Clear and Helpful, traveller, adventurer and foodie Elred Lawrence touches on: 

  • his adventures as a solo cyclist, including a 12 000 km trip from Singapore to Hong Kong that took him 8 months

  • his core values, including respect, compassion, courage and gratitude

  • being diagnosed with prostate cancer

  • the point where Elred’s doctors became concerned

  • to have - or not to have - surgery

  • understanding the various options open to individuals with prostate cancer

  • implementing Shiatsu (as a Shiatsu practitioner himself)

  • being mindful of his attitude and lifestyle, including dietary choices

  • alarming facts one needs to face when one is getting surgery for prostate cancer, including the possibility of erectile dysfunction and incontinence

  • how Elred experienced having a prostatectomy

  • the reason for the epidural he had, and its effects

  • unpleasant aspects of prostate surgery, like having a catheter

  • advice regarding bladder control

  • whether Elred had adequate emotional support – and where one can get it

  • how the experience of prostate cancer influenced Elred’s outlook

  • Elred’s 3 tips on living a good life.

In this episode, Elred mentions PSA or Prostate Specific Antigen tests.

Scroll down to learn more about Elred or to get in touch with him.

Palliative care nursing sister Cherry Armstrong discusses her hands-on, invaluable guide for cancer patients and their loved ones who are facing this challenge.

Listen to Dr Jireh Serfontein’s advice on the sensitive issue of erectile dysfunction.

Also listen to integrative practitioner Dr Carel-Piet van Eeden’s experience of cancer and consider his 6 suggestions for optimising one’s healing journey.

Upon arrival in Bali: Elred and Bobby McGee, all set for their adventure (2022)

About Elred

Elred Lawrence is a traveller, adventurer, enthusiastic solo cyclist and foodie from Cape Town.

A former radio and electronic officer in the Navy, Elred had a long career in IT. He currently works as a wealth engineer, helping others earn sustainable and residual income.

Blog: www.cyclefoodfun.com

TickTock: Elred Lawrence or Peace of mind

Facebook: Elred Lawrence

Instagram: Elredl

After 5 years of health challenges including cancer, social entrepreneur Marilyn Hallett has turned a corner. An inspiring listen!

You can find the free podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful on iTunes, Spotify, Player FM, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts and Iono.fm.

Original music by Mart-Marie Snyman

Thumbnail image: Unsplash

Photographs of Elred Lawrence: supplied