“Twice-kicker of Cancer s Butt Shares Knowledge that Oncologists Won t Tell You”

“Twice-kicker of Cancer's Butt Shares Knowledge that Oncologists Won't Tell You” (Richard Bagdonas) [#161] Brad Power September 17, 2025 “I have found that in the community that is in and around cancer and cancer treatment. It is just that it is a community.

The moment that we get a diagnosis, and we enter the black box of cancer care, it is so important to let other people know that we are there, because if you are silent about it, people won't know that they can come and support you. I was very vocal when I got the diagnosis. The first thing I did was I called up the CEO of doctor.

com, and I said, ‘Hey, I've just been diagnosed with stage IV mantle cell lymphoma. I've got three to five years to live. I'd like to create a Slack channel for the company, which I called ‘Richard Kicking Cancer's Butt’.’ I invited anybody that wanted to come in to share their words of wisdom and encouragement and communicate with me.

I then posted on Twitter, and I posted on social media about this, because I was looking for people that had these pearls of wisdom that could come in and say, ‘Hey, you should try this.’ Or, ‘Hey, I've got a doctor you could talk to.’ Or, ‘Hey, did you see this study?

’ It was only because I was vocal about it and transparent with my diagnosis that I was able to recruit the people that helped me find the right doctor, get the right treatment, and encouraged me as I was going through it, because there's plenty of times where you feel like, ‘Is it worth it? Should I give up?

’ Because I've had friends of friends who have told me that their loved one was going through chemotherapy. It was tough. And they just decided to give up and not go to the next treatment. And unfortunately, they passed.

This is life or death, and if we tell folks that we're going through it, there is a support group and a community that will wrap their loving hands around us and guide us and help us through cancer care.” – Richard Bagdonas “There are ways that I have found to help with survivor's guilt. The first one is to help others.

I went on social media, and I broadcast it everywhere that, ‘Hey, I conquered cancer, and here's how I did it.’ I also offered help. I said, ‘Hey, if anybody has somebody that they know that has been recently diagnosed with cancer, have them connect with me, and I will find them the right cancer care.

’ And if you think about a tour guide, I have been tour guides for over 50 people so far in helping them find the right care, staying away from content that was not going to help them, and ensuring that they had the positive coaching necessary to get through it. I also advocated by sharing my story with others.

I wrote my state reps, and I donated to organizations that were helping move cancer treatment further along, and then I volunteered by looking for opportunities. I visited cancer centers. I'm now a member of the patient council at Texas Oncology and still a spokesperson for MD Anderson.

h others. I wrote my state reps, and I donated to organizations that were helping move cancer treatment further along, and then I volunteered by looking for opportunities. I visited cancer centers. I'm now a member of the patient council at Texas Oncology and still a spokesperson for MD Anderson.

” – Richard Bagdonas Meeting Summary Patients and their families face crippling fear each time a cancer diagnosis is made. Richard Bagdonas, his family, and his support group faced the same challenges, including how to find the "right oncologist" to ensure successful outcomes such as when to choose a clinical trial over local oncology.

“Twice-kicker of Cancer's Butt Shares Knowledge that Oncologists Won't Tell You” (Richard Bagdonas) [#161] Bodybuilder Richard Bagdonas was diagnosed with Stage IV lymphoma at the age of forty-five, then aggressive prostate cancer at 50. Richard was patient #1 in a clinical trial at MD Anderson and was cured of lymphoma in 56 calendar days.

He later spent two years in treatment for prostate cancer with a positive outcome. Richard's background includes 20 years as a healthcare technology professional, leading the innovation team at Doctor.com, serving as the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Healthcare Architect for MI7, and serving as Chief Operating Officer for Remote Operations. How can you find your best cancer treatment?

●Build your support community; be vocal about your diagnosis; leverage your personal and professional networks; connect with people who have similar experiences; seek support from cancer communities and advocacy groups ●Advocate for yourself in the healthcare system. ●Understand the standard treatment options and research experimental and cutting-edge treatments; explore all options.

●Actively participate in your care; ask questions; consult multiple doctors and get second opinions. ●Be open to clinical trials and innovative approaches. How can clinical trials improve your cancer treatment outcomes? ●Clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments that may offer better outcomes, fewer side effects, and hope if you have limited traditional treatment options.

How can exercise improve your cancer treatment outcomes? ●Maintain strength during treatment. ●Reduce side effects (especially from chemotherapy). ●Lymphatic system support (moves lymphatic fluid through the body). ●Increases mental clarity, reduces stress, and helps maintain a positive mindset. ●Faster recovery. How can diet improve your cancer treatment outcomes?

●Eliminate sugar, as cancers feed on sugar. ●Avoid alcohol. ●Eat clean, whole foods. ●Remove processed foods. ●Consider pH-balanced and macrobiotic options. ●Stay hydrated (60-100 ounces of water daily). ●Avoid fruit during treatment (due to sugar content). How can mental health practices reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well- being?

“Twice-kicker of Cancer's Butt Shares Knowledge that Oncologists Won't Tell

te my state reps, and I donated to organizations that were helping move cancer treatment further along, and then I volunteered by looking for opportunities. I visited cancer centers. I'm now a member of the patient council at Texas Oncology and still a spokesperson for MD Anderson.

” – Richard Bagdonas Meeting Summary Patients and their families face crippling fear each time a cancer diagnosis is made. Richard Bagdonas, his family, and his support group faced the same challenges, including how to find the "right oncologist" to ensure successful outcomes such as when to choose a clinical trial over local oncology.

“Twice-kicker of Cancer's Butt Shares Knowledge that Oncologists Won't Tell You” (Richard Bagdonas) [#161] Bodybuilder Richard Bagdonas was diagnosed with Stage IV lymphoma at the age of forty-five, then aggressive prostate cancer at 50. Richard was patient #1 in a clinical trial at MD Anderson and was cured of lymphoma in 56 calendar days.

He later spent two years in treatment for prostate cancer with a positive outcome. Richard's background includes 20 years as a healthcare technology professional, leading the innovation team at Doctor.com, serving as the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Healthcare Architect for MI7, and serving as Chief Operating Officer for Remote Operations. How can you find your best cancer treatment?

●Build your support community; be vocal about your diagnosis; leverage your personal and professional networks; connect with people who have similar experiences; seek support from cancer communities and advocacy groups ●Advocate for yourself in the healthcare system. ●Understand the standard treatment options and research experimental and cutting-edge treatments; explore all options.

●Actively participate in your care; ask questions; consult multiple doctors and get second opinions. ●Be open to clinical trials and innovative approaches. How can clinical trials improve your cancer treatment outcomes? ●Clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments that may offer better outcomes, fewer side effects, and hope if you have limited traditional treatment options.

How can exercise improve your cancer treatment outcomes? ●Maintain strength during treatment. ●Reduce side effects (especially from chemotherapy). ●Lymphatic system support (moves lymphatic fluid through the body). ●Increases mental clarity, reduces stress, and helps maintain a positive mindset. ●Faster recovery. How can diet improve your cancer treatment outcomes?

●Eliminate sugar, as cancers feed on sugar. ●Avoid alcohol. ●Eat clean, whole foods. ●Remove processed foods. ●Consider pH-balanced and macrobiotic options. ●Stay hydrated (60-100 ounces of water daily). ●Avoid fruit during treatment (due to sugar content). How can mental health practices reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well- being?

“Twice-kicker of Cancer's Butt Shares Knowledge that Oncologists Won't Tell You” (Richard Bagdonas) [#161] ●Guided sel

60-100 ounces of water daily). ●Avoid fruit during treatment (due to sugar content). How can mental health practices reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well- being?

“Twice-kicker of Cancer's Butt Shares Knowledge that Oncologists Won't Tell You” (Richard Bagdonas) [#161] ●Guided self-meditation : Close your eyes and systematically address worries by identifying what's bothering you; categorizing concerns as past, future, or present; and speaking out loud to give yourself permission to let go of unproductive thoughts.

●Present-moment focus : Clear mental clutter by scheduling future concerns on your calendar, resolving immediate interpersonal conflicts, and eliminating distracting thoughts about tasks and obligations. ●Active meditation : Practice mindfulness during routine activities like exercising with eyes closed, listening to music, and focusing on your breath and current sensations.

How should you design your exercise, diet, and mental health practices? ●Consult with medical professionals before starting new regimens. ●Personalize your approach based on your individual health condition. ●Track and document your experiences. ●Remain flexible and willing to adjust strategies. How can you build a supportive community and leverage technology during your cancer journey?

●Be vocal and transparent about your diagnosis on social media and with colleagues. ●Create dedicated communication channels for group updates (Slack, text messages, email, or social media). ●Be proactive in communications; provide regular updates to reduce pressure on yourself and your family. ●Invite people to support you and share wisdom. How can you deal with “survivor's guilt"?

●Help others: Offer support to people recently diagnosed with cancer by becoming a "tour guide" for their care journey. ●Share your story: Speak publicly about your experience, write to representatives, appear on podcasts, write a book, engage on social media, and donate to organizations advancing cancer treatment.

●Volunteer: Look for opportunities to support cancer centers and patients, such as joining patient councils. How can you learn more about the experiences of engaged cancer patients and caregivers? ●Connect with Richard Bagdonas at richard@fitforanybattle.com to learn more about his "Fit for Any Battle" program and book. ●Join online support groups and forums, such as community.cancerpatientlab.

org .

“Twice-kicker of Cancer's Butt Shares Knowledge that Oncologists Won't Tell You” (Richard Bagdonas) [#161] ○“A Hackathon (Molecular Tumor Board) for Advanced Prostate Cancer Patient and Cancer Researcher Dr. Elliot Davis” [#114] ○“A Guy with Two Cancers Explores Treatments and Life” (Burt Rosen) [#112] ○“An Engaged Care

utt Shares Knowledge that Oncologists Won't Tell You” (Richard Bagdonas) [#161] ○“A Hackathon (Molecular Tumor Board) for Advanced Prostate Cancer Patient and Cancer Researcher Dr.

Elliot Davis” [#114] ○“A Guy with Two Cancers Explores Treatments and Life” (Burt Rosen) [#112] ○“An Engaged Caregiver” (Rochelle Prosser, RN, CLNC) [#101] ○“A Cancer Hacker Solves His Own Needs and Helps Others Access the Best, New, Personalized Tests and Treatments” (Mark Taylor) [#71] The information and opinions expressed on this website or platform, or during discussions and presentations (both verbal and written) are not intended as health care recommendations or medical advice by Cancer Patient Lab, its principals, presenters, participants, or representatives for any medical treatment, product, or course of action.

You should always consult a doctor about your specific situation before pursuing any health care program, treatment, product or other course of action that might affect your health.

“Twice-kicker of Cancer's Butt Shares Knowledge that Oncologists Won't Tell You” (Richard Bagdonas) [#161] Meeting Notes KEYWORDS Cancer survivor, fitness journey, mantle cell lymphoma, immunotherapy, prostate cancer, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, diet, exercise, mental health, survivor's guilt, patient advocacy, clinical trial, testosterone replacement therapy, lymphatic system.

SPEAKERS Richard Bagdonas (73%), Brad Power (15%), Jeff Marchi (7%), Rick Davis (3%), David Plunkett (2%) CHAT CONTRIBUTORS Roger Royse, Helen, Jeff Marchi, Rick Davis SUMMARY Richard Bagdonas shared his journey as a cancer survivor, detailing his diagnosis of stage IV mantle cell lymphoma in 2018, his treatment with immunotherapy at MD Anderson, and his subsequent battle with aggressive prostate cancer.

He emphasized the importance of diet, hydration, and exercise, including weightlifting and BMX biking, in his recovery. Richard also discussed the role of mental health, stress management, and community support in his treatment. He highlighted the significance of being vocal about his diagnosis to build a supportive network.

OUTLINE Richard Bagdonas' Background and Medical History ●Richard Bagdonas is a cancer survivor with a focus on fitness. ●He is a leader in the patient advocacy space, recommended by many people. ●He has an active lifestyle as a weightlifter and BMX biker.

●In 2018, Richard was diagnosed with stage four mantle cell lymphoma, a rare form of lymphoma with a three to five-year lifespan without treatment. ●He became patient number one in a clinical trial at MD Anderson using pure immunotherapy, achieving clinical cure in 56 calendar days.

●In 2020, Richard caught COVID-19 and had pneumonia, and in 2022 he was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer, undergoing a prostatectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and two years of hormone deprivation. ●Diet, hydration, and exercise are very important.

rd caught COVID-19 and had pneumonia, and in 2022 he was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer, undergoing a prostatectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and two years of hormone deprivation. ●Diet, hydration, and exercise are very important. ●The role of diet in cancer treatment includes avoiding sugar, alcohol, and fruit, and focusing on a clean diet.

●With immunotherapy and traditional oncology treatments, following medical advice is important. ●Survivor's guilt can be turned into a positive by helping others and advocating for cancer care.

“Twice-kicker of Cancer's Butt Shares Knowledge that Oncologists Won't Tell You” (Richard Bagdonas) [#161] Complementary Activities and Therapies during and after Treatment ●Hydration is important, especially during chemotherapy. ●Exercise, including weightlifting and BMX biking, is important in cancer treatment.

●A workout program should focus on time-boxed sets and avoid heavy weights to prevent injury. ●Exercise can maintain strength and reduce side effects of cancer treatments. ●The use of cold and hot therapy can manage side effects. ●Rest and sleep are important for recovery. ●Integrative and complementary therapies, including glutathione supplements and peptide injections, are worth considering.

●BPC 157 and TB 500 can help with injury recovery. ●A gym environment and the support of a workout partner can help in recovery. ●Contrast tub therapy and NormaTec can help with lymphatic system support. Advocacy and Community Support ●It is important to be vocal about your cancer diagnosis and build a support community. ●You can create a Slack channel and use social media to connect with others.

●Transparency and openness in cancer care can help in receiving support and guidance. Stress Management and Meditation ●Stress management techniques include meditation and guided conversations with oneself. ●You can use meditation at the gym, focusing on clearing past and future worries to stay present.

Final Thoughts and Summary ●Community support, transparency, and active participation in cancer care are important. ●Exercise, diet, and stress management can improve treatment outcomes. ●You should experiment with different approaches and find what works best for you.

“Twice-kicker of Cancer's Butt Shares Knowledge that Oncologists Won't Tell You” (Richard Bagdonas) [#161] TRANSCRIPT Brad Power This is the Cancer Patient Lab. We're glad to have Richard Bagdonas with us today. As you can tell if you're looking at this screenshot, he's an exercise person as well as a cancer survivor.

He's been doing some work on fitness, among other things, but today he's going to mostly be telling us about his journey as a cancer survivor. At the Cancer Patient Lab, we like to highlight people who actively engage in their care and get better outcomes as a result.