Mostly classical, country, and 50s/60s.

I've read half the Patrick O'Brien series on Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin and look forward to reading the rest. One book was featured in the movie "Master and Commander -- The Far Side of the World," with Russell Crowe in the lead role. While prostate cancer has taken over my reading list, now and again it strikes me how fighting prostate cancer is like the campaigns that Captain Aubrey engaged in. Similarities include training, financing, building alliances, research, deciding and implementing strategy and tactics, development of new weapons, ammunition supply, communications, reconnaissance, councils-of-war, using the weapons in battles, damage assessment and control, etc. Of course, real life is for real and high stakes. That may explain why the books are of less interest at the moment.

I'm reading the long biography of Truman at the moment.

One of the side effects of prostate cancer is that most of my reading is about the disease or cancer research. Fortunately, I enjoy this.

Comedies (many), such as The Burbs, The Money Pit, Meet the Parents, Meet the Fockers

The Hunt for Red October, Apollo 13, Casablanca, North by Northwest, whatever Tom Hanks does

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Initially high risk, challenging case; now at age 64 in 2ND "OFF-THERAPY" PHASE FOLLOWING 2ND ROUND OF INTERMITTENT TRIPLE HORMONAL BLOCKADE that started May 18, 2005 -- Lupron, Casodex 50 mg, Proscar 5 mg X 2, plus Boniva in support (dropped Celebrex 1/31/5 due to change in insurance coverage of the drug), and simvastatin in support; as of 8/16/7 PSA 2.49; 6/7/2007 PSA 1.61, after .28 in April and .03 in February, following cessation of Lupron and Casodex in December 2006; increase consistent with regrowth of prostate, hopefully with minimal cancer, but about twice as rapid as during first off-therapy period. Quality of life excellent as of August 2007, with testosterone recovery from 22 in December 2006 at end of full therapy round to 144 in February 2007, 417 in April 2007, 549 in June 2007, and 585 in August. NO SURGERY OR RADIATION. BMD (Bone Mineral Density)10/1/5 continuing improvement to averaging all healthy, both spine and hip, with only spine L4 still in osteopenia range at T=-2.1, a great improvement from T=-3.6 for L4 in 2006 (increased calcium and D3; targeted strength exercise, especially lower back). STRATEGY: hopefully find a way to slow PSA doubling time after prostate recovers to now reduced full size, but use thalidomide to hold back rise when PSA hits the 5 to 6 range, resuming blockade when those drugs no longer hold back PSA. PREVIOUS (FIRST) ROUND OF INTERMITTENT TRIPLE BLOCKADE (fine response): 31 months on Lupron, adding Casodex, adding Proscar for triple therapy for 22 months of the 31, PSA less than .05 for a year with low point of less than 0.01, then off Lupron and Casodex from July 17, 2002 for 34 months, soon feeling fine and free of side effects, with Proscar, Fosamax, Celebrex and brief Avodart in support, plus low dose thalidomide for last 6 months of that phase. ORIGINAL DIAGNOSIS December 1999, age 56 and otherwise fit and healthy, with PSA 113.6, GS 4+3=7 confirmed by expert; all cores +, most 100% and perineural; BS and CT negative; later ProstaScint essentially negative. FOLLOW DIETARY/NUTRITIONAL/SUPPLEMENT/-EXERCISE AND STRESS REDUCTION GUIDELINES for support of prostate cancer therapy. Have my church’s support in prayer. Enjoying life and feeling fine. Prostate cancer knowledge mainly from the School of Hard Knocks, but also the Prostate Forum and other newsletters and books, membership in the 2005 and 2006 Scientist-Survivor Program sponsored by the American Association of Cancer Research, participation as prostate cancer research proposal reviewer for 2006 and 2007 Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, activity in support groups, and attendance at prostate cancer/cancer conventions in 2000, 2003, 2005 and 2006 – no enrolled medical education. Board of Directors, Virginia Prostate Cancer Coalition since founding in 2002. Planning Board, Fairfax, VA US TOO since 2002. Have attended and delivered oral statements at FDA hearings related to prostate cancer.

Fast walking/race walking, though for fitness and as part of a program to minimize prostate cancer rather than a hobby. I try to get in at least 10,000 steps per day, logged by a pedometer, and I try for at least a couple of miles at a good clip. I have participated in and won a number of local fast walking events. Prior to diagnosis, I could racewalk a mile in nine and a half minutes, which was fast for someone in his fifties. I haven't been able to devote the time to training, so I'm now moving at a slower pace. Racewalking is a terrific fitness activity but requires know-how. I've done it since the early 90s.

Since late 2005 gym work, aerobic and for strength, part of program to minimize the cancer as well as to keep fit and weight in some kind of control

Toastmasters (public speaking, etc.) I have an Able Toastmaster Silver certificate and am working toward the Able Toastmaster Gold. I have the Competent Leader designation. Over the years I've competed in many Toastmasters speaking contests, advancing to the Division level competition in the International Speech, Humorous Speech, and Table Topics contests. I've been a member since 1993 in District 26, Area 52, NRL Thomas Edison Toastmasters Club. The skills I have learned have been a huge help in my current role as a survivor educator and advocate for prostate cancer.

Running a support the troops care package project with my wife for our church. Our church has sent over four and a half tons of care packages to our troops. Church is an important part of our lives.

Yard work

Watching birds at our feeders and bird baths

Watching British comedies and mysteries, The Sopranos (now missing them). Watching science shows.

Watching uninterrupted movies on TV in the evening with my wife

Watching and reading about the Redskins, especially when they win.