Educating Men Through Prostate Cancer, Recovery, and Faith with Michael Bovarnick

I would love to hear from you. Click the link nowEducating Men Through Prostate Cancer, Recovery, and FaithJames Moffitt talks with Michael Bovarnick, an 83-year-old Reno resident who has lived with prostate cancer for more than 23 years and also survived triple bypass surgery. Michael shares the full arc of his diagnosis, recurrence, treatment, and recovery, with a strong focus on the emotional impact on men and families.This episode matters because it goes beyond medical facts and shows how education, communication, and faith can help patients and spouses navigate a prostate cancer journey with more clarity and less fear.Key topicsMichael introduces himself as an 83-year-old man living in Reno, Nevada, who has spent 23 years dealing with prostate cancer and also survived a triple bypass.He explains how his first prostate cancer diagnosis started with a PSA rise from 4.5 to 5.4 after a missed routine test and a recent virus.He shares why his father’s death from prostate cancer influenced his decision to choose a radical prostatectomy.Michael describes his first surgery, including a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in the Boston area and pathology that showed the cancer was very close to breaking out of the prostate.He walks through the long stretch of monitoring after surgery, including 20 years of undetectable PSA results.He recounts the recurrence years later in Reno, beginning with a PSA of 0.2, then 0.5, then 1.7, which led to a PET scan showing cancer had returned.He explains how radiation was used to treat two pelvic nodes, followed by a later scan that revealed metastasis through the T9 transverse process.Michael discusses androgen deprivation therapy, or ADT, including its intended effect of lowering testosterone and its difficult side effects.He speaks candidly about the emotional and physical effects of treatment, including mood swings, night sweats, sleep disruption, and strain on intimacy.He describes why prostate cancer education became his mission and how the Prostate Education Project grew from a book idea into a larger educational library, including a Spanish-language version.James and Michael discuss faith, mortality, gratitude, and the importance of leaving a legacy through service to others.Michael emphasizes that education, communication with a spouse, and self-advocacy are key tools for getting through the uncertainty of cancer treatment.He stresses that prostate cancer is not a death sentence and that quality of life is still possible with treatment, support, exercise, and diet.Timestamps(00:00) Welcome to the show and Michael’s introduction (02:17) The first PSA rise and how the diagnosis began (03:43) Choosing surgery after seeing his father’s experience (04:43) Recovery after prostate removal and years of clear tests (05:11) The recurrence returns in Reno after 20 years (06:37) Radiation treatment for pelvic lymph nodes (07:30) Cancer reaches the T9 area and the fear of bone involvement (08:00) Starting ADT and why testosterone suppression matters (08:59) Side effects nobody talks about enough (10:26) Why Michael started the Prostate Education Project (12:21) The reality of living with treatment and still having hope (13:13) Faith, prayer, and a sense of higher purpose (16:21) A nurse’s prayer and support during open heart surgery (18:01) A doctor’s question about what is left to do in life (20:54) Why sharing stories helps other people (22:12) Education as Michael’s current calling and legacy (25:35) James explains the need for Father’s Refuge (27:54) Why many men stay silent about prostate cancer (30:44) Living with the side effects of ADT and the importance of perspective (34:12) How the journey changed Michael as a husband and father (36:47) Building a guide that answers the questions people do not know to ask (38:42) Why education and self-research matter (39:30) Where to find the Prostate Education Project (40:25) Michael’s advice to men facing prostate cancer (41:34) Closing encouragement to seek help and not suffer in silenceNotable quotes“Knowledge reduces fear.”“Education changed my journey.”“There is life at the end of the tunnel.”Action itemsGet routine PSA testing and do not skip follow-up screenings.Ask questions early, especially after a diagnosis when it is easy to feel overwhelmed.Communicate openly with a spouse or partner about side effects and emotional strain.Learn about treatment options, including surgery, radiation, and ADT.Use support resources instead of suffering in silence.Support the showFacebook Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583591441571Podcast Supporthttps://www.fathersrefuge.com/support/One Time donation https://www.buzzsprout.com/2528600/supportMonthly SupportWant to be a guest?https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/fathersrefugeMobile Follow Pagehttps://www.fathersrefuge.com/follow/