Al Roker Reveals Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Al Roker told his Today show audience that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancerRoker, 66, mentioned that he will leave the show for a while to have surgery. “It’s a good news-bad news kind of thing,” he said. “Good news is we caught it early.”

He underwent a five-hour surgery by Dr. Vincent Laudone on November 9 at New York City’s Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to remove his prostate and some surrounding tissue and lymph nodes.The surgery went well, and Al was already doing laps around the hospital hallways by that afternoon. He was home by the following day and bustling through his regular five-mile walk around the park just three days after the surgery.

“I feel good,” Al said. “The technology has gotten so good – they did it with a robot – that I felt much better after the surgery than I did with any of my joint replacements.

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The 5 Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer
  • A painful or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation.
  • Frequent urination, particularly at night.
  • Difficulty stopping or starting urination.
  • Sudden erectile dysfunction.
  • Blood in urine or semen.

In addition, you may have pain around the base of the penis and behind the scrotum, pain in the lower back, and the feeling of a full rectum. As the prostate becomes more swollen, you may find it more difficult to urinate, and the urine stream may become weak.

 

We’re celebrating World Diabetes Day with musical inspiration from Aretha Franklin.

There are many reasons that Aretha Franklin is the legend of legends, a groundbreaking singer with the fortitude to transcend race and genre, using that tremulous voice as the bulldozer to break down every barrier set up in her way.

Aretha’s own health journey is sparking a discussion about the uncertain connection between pancreatic cancer and diabetes. Long-standing diabetes can be considered a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. It causes a modest increase in risk of 1.5- to two-fold. Some of the other risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), family history of pancreatic cancer, obesity and certain genetic syndromes.

Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport, Diabetes Strong’s owner Christel Oerum, Beautyphonics CEO and “Beneath The Makeup”Author Suzanne Perez, Jessica Clark, Trisha Artman, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Aretha Franklin’s Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a  lot.”

31 Days of Divabetic Podcasts, Twenty Eight

Divabetic (Divabetic.org) presents a month-long showcase celebrating 10 years of diabetes podcasting. Each of the featured podcasts spotlights our favorite guests, topics, poems, games and/or musical inspiration. Enjoy!

On Day 28, we’re spotlighting Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite Inspired by Aretha Franklin podcast from November 2018.

There are many reasons that Aretha Franklin is the legend of legends, a groundbreaking singer with the fortitude to transcend race and genre, using that tremulous voice as the bulldozer to break down every barrier set up in her way.

Although the Queen of Soul didn’t talk much about her diabetes, she admitted to a local news station in 2014 that she was living with diabetes, but did not specify whether it was type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Later on in another interview reprinted in BlackDoctor.org, she alluded to living with diabetes when she discussed maintaining her 85 pound weight loss.  Aretha Franklin said, “I have diabetes, really, from years ago when I was really badly and grossly overweight. Now, I’m back to my natural size and thrilled about it.”

Aretha’s own health journey is sparking a discussion about the uncertain connection between pancreatic cancer and diabetes. Long-standing diabetes can be considered a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. It causes a modest increase in risk of 1.5- to two-fold. Some of the other risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), family history of pancreatic cancer, obesity and certain genetic syndromes.

Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport, Diabetes Strong‘s owner Christel Oerum, Beautyphonics CEO and “Beneath The Makeup” Author Suzanne Perez, Jessica Clark, Coach The Cure‘s Trisha Artman, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Aretha Franklin’s Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics’ courtesy of SONY Music.

 


Our monthly podcasts are dedicated to Music Lovers living with, at risk and/or affected by diabetes. We aim to be the epicenter of the circle of care, a link between patients and their health care providers, a translator of clinical speak and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence

Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with the diabetes and its related complications. Since its inception, Divabetic has presented outreach programs in 15 major U.S. cities, reaching hundreds of thousands of women, their families and health care professionals.

Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org

https://youtu.be/XHsnZT7Z2yQ

Diva Beauty Tips with Beautyphonics CEO & “Beneath The Makeup” Author, Sue Perez 

We’re revving up our ‘DIVA’ quotient and making diabetes education dazzle on November’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast with special guest, Beautyphonics CEO and “Beneath The Makeup” Author, Sue Perez on World Diabetes Day, Wednesday, November 14, 2018, 6 -7 PM, EST.

Ready to turn up  your inner ‘DIVA’? Check out Emmy Award Nominated TV Makeup Artist, Sue Perez‘s expert tips and tricks for the most common makeup problems exclusively for Divabetic:

Q: Why does my foundation look orange?

Sue Perez: Because it’s either not the right shade, your using too much or you are setting it with a pressed powder or bronzer. Makeup will naturally oxidize during the day. Only a sheer translucent powder needs to be used for everyday wear after your base makeup.

Q: Why doesn’t my makeup last?

Sue Perez: If you don’t hydrate your skin it could be drier. Our skin will absorb what you put on top of it to prevent moisture loss. Being a professional makeup artist I always use under makeup primers that will protect your foundation from vanishing during the day. The same is true of eye makeup. Using a eye shadow base will increase the longevity of your eye makeup

Q: Why does my eyeliner smudge?

Sue Perez: All pencil liners tend to move, as they are oil based. Try using a waterproof pencil or apply eye shadow over your liners to set them. Liner used in the water line will move more as we blink our eyes so decide if you need to use liner in that area of the eye. I outline a great easy makeup application in my book that all women can do for a daytime makeup.

Q: Why do some of shades of lipstick make my teeth look yellow?

Sue Perez: Try using cooler colors that have a blue undertone like pinks and reds. It will contrast with the color of your teeth and bring out the white. The same is true of your eyes. Using navy, royal blue or cobalt blue eyeliners, mascara and eye shadow will brighten the whites of our eyes.

Q: How often should I clean my makeup brushes?

Sue Perez: Once per month. Don’t soak your makeup brushes! This can make the hair fall out more from the ferule base of the brush. Just use a little hair shampoo diluted in water, rinse and squeeze out the excess water. Lay brushes flat on a dry surface or towel and let them air dry. 

Q: Why do I have to wash off my makeup?

Sue Perez: When I was working as an esthetician I got to see a lot of women with clogged pores and blackheads. I could tell which clients didn’t wash off their make up. Makeup and dirt left on the skin along with any makeup will get absorbed through your pores. Another reason why you should not workout wearing cosmetics either. I talk about this in my book and make recommendations.

Q: The official color of World Diabetes Day is blue. But blue eye shadow seems so 1960’s. What’s a diva to do? How do you recommend adding blue to your makeup?

Sue Perez: Blue is better on any eye color except blue! Brown eyed babes wear dark navy or royal blue of you like intensity. Gorgeous green eyes look best using violet, mauve, and lavender, which is blue based and will contrast the green /hazel and make their eyes appear greener. And for my blue-eyed gals they should use pinks, rose,  grey and charcoal smoky shades to contrast that often-fantastic sky blue eye color. ( Note: no one is born with black eyes, they “appear” black. )

Q: For a lot of women with diabetes tending to their self-care cuts into their time to put on their makeup. What tips can you offer to look fabulous without a lot of time?

Sue Perez: Working as a fast television makeup artist I have created short cuts to a quick makeup application. Being Emmy Nominated for my work inspired me to write about my experiences and share my knowledge with the world. In my book “Underneath the Makeup” I have a makeup application anyone can do using just a few products and makeup brushes in 15 minutes! My Book is for ALL women that truly want to understand and define their own unique beauty. You will learn the secrets that are easy and fun to understand so you can do your own makeup effortlessly. 

You can also view videos on Sue Perez’s website for more instruction at Beautyphonics.com where we created an instructional self care video that is great for women who have diabetes! 

We’re celebrating World Diabetes Day with musical inspiration from Aretha Franklin on Diabetes Late Nite scheduled for Wednesday, November 14, 2018, 6 -7:30 PM, EST.

There are many reasons that Aretha Franklin is the legend of legends, a groundbreaking singer with the fortitude to transcend race and genre, using that tremulous voice as the bulldozer to break down every barrier set up in her way.

Aretha’s own health journey is sparking a discussion about the uncertain connection between pancreatic cancer and diabetes. Long-standing diabetes can be considered a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. It causes a modest increase in risk of 1.5- to two-fold. Some of the other risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), family history of pancreatic cancer, obesity and certain genetic syndromes.

Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport, Diabetes Strong’s owner Christel Oerum, Beautyphonics CEO and “Beneath The Makeup”Author Suzanne Perez, Mama Rose Marie and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.

Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Aretha Franklin’s Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a  lot.”

 

 

Aretha Franklin Sparks Talk About Diabetes & Pancreatic Cancer

In honor of November’s Diva Inspiration, Aretha Franklin, we’re talking about the connection between diabetes and pancreatic cancer on Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Wednesday, November 14, 6 PM,  to help you and your loved ones to stay happy and healthy.

Although the Queen of Soul didn’t talk much about her diabetes, she admit to a local news station in 2014 that she was living with diabetes, but did not specify whether it was type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Later on in another interview reprinted in BlackDoctor.org, she alluded to living with diabetes when she discussed maintaining her 85 pound weight loss.  Aretha Franklin said, “I have diabetes, really, from years ago when I was really badly and grossly overweight. Now, I’m back to my natural size and thrilled about it.” 

Four years later her pancreatic cancer diagnosis was confirmed by her family after her death. Aretha Franklin’s oncologist also confirmed that Franklin passed away from advanced pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type, according to a CNN report.

Aretha’s health journey is sparking our interest to discuss the uncertain connection between pancreatic cancer and diabetes.

Below are excerpts from a recent interview published on the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network website with Suresh Chari, a professor of medicine and consultant in the division of gastroenterology and hepatology at Mayo Clinic and a member of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s (PanCAN’s) Scientific and Medical Advisory Board (SMAB), who was instrumental in the discovery that new-onset diabetes can be an early symptom of pancreatic cancer.

Q: Is Long-standing diabetes is a (modest) risk factor for pancreatic cancer?

Professor Suresh Chari (SC): Long-standing diabetes can be considered a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. It causes a modest increase in risk of 1.5- to two-fold. Some of the other risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), family history of pancreatic cancer, obesity and certain genetic syndromes.

The duration of diabetes matters.

Q: Are you more at risk the longer you’re living with diabetes?

Professor Suresh Chari (SC): Individuals who’ve had diabetes for more than 5 years can be considered at a slightly higher than average risk of developing pancreatic cancer. But those with new onset of diabetes after age 50 have a nearly 1 percent chance of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer within one to three years following their diabetes diagnosis. In this case, the pancreatic tumor caused the diabetes.

Hot Topic: A Diabetes Diagnosis After Age 50 May Be an Early Sign of Pancreatic Cancer in Black, Latino People

Everyday Health reports that a study published June 18 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggests that a type 2 diabetes diagnosis after age 50, called late-onset diabetes, is a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer, and in Latino and African-American people with diabetes who are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer within three years, pancreatic cancer itself may manifest as diabetes.

Previous previous research seems to support these findings. According to a review of 500 medical records that was published in the March 2013 issue of Pancreas nearly 40 percent of people with pancreatic cancer had also developed diabetes within the three years prior to their cancer diagnosis.

Pancreatic cancer has poor survival rates because doctors often don’t catch the disease early enough for treatment to be effective. Pancreatic cancer has a five-year survival rate of only 8.5 percent, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

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Q: Diabetes is  a symptom of pancreatic cancer?

Professor Suresh Chari (SC): It’s thought that pancreatic cancer can cause cells in the body to become resistant to insulin, a key hormone produced by the pancreas, that helps regulate blood sugar levels. In other insulin-resistant conditions (like obesity), the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas produce more insulin to overcome the insulin resistance. But pancreatic cancer appears to impede the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas from responding adequately to this insulin resistance. This results in development of diabetes. It’s important to note that even though pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) arise from the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas, diabetes is neither a symptom nor risk factor for PNETs.

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It’s very appropriate that World Diabetes Day, November 14th, and World Pancreatic Cancer Day, November 15th, happen within a few days of one another. Both ailments can present with vague symptoms that can be dismissed by both doctors and patients, and both can be much more manageable if diagnosed early and accurately. PanCAN’s focus on Demand Better this November means that we need to demand earlier detection of pancreatic cancer.

Don’t Miss Diabetes Late Nite on World Diabetes Day, Wednesday, November 14, 2018, 6 PM, EST. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport, Owner of DiabetesStrong.com Christel Oerum, Makeup Artist & Skincare Expert Suzanne Perez, Mama Rose Marie and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach. Throughout the podcast we will be playing music from Aretha Franklin’s Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a  lot.”