The returning runner…
Act 53 – How Movement Made My Crooked Straight: My Journey with Prostate Cancer - A Story of Resilience, Recovery, and the Power of Flexercise
Guest blog by Vernon R. Henry, B.A., Physical Education, M.Ed.
I have always been committed to staying active, a promise I made to myself after losing my father to a heart attack at just nine years old. His passing shaped my focus on heart health, but I never expected that cancer, specifically prostate cancer, would be the curveball life threw my way.
From High School Athlete to NCAA Standout
Growing up in San Diego, California in the late sixty’s and seventy’s involved riding bikes, running canyons, swimming, and eating fruit, and berries off the trees in the community. My love for movement included Patrick Henry High School, where I was surrounded by an incredible group of teammates in track and field. The highlight of those years was graduating in 1975, fresh off helping our team clinch the San Diego CIF Section Championship—a memory I cherish deeply. Back then, we coined the term “Hanking Around” to capture the joy of competing, winning medals, and building lasting bonds. While my competitive days have faded, that spirit still lives in me, and I’m grateful to all my teammates from the class of ’75, including Thom Hunt, Paul Becklund, Dave Bartle, Mark Jappe, Frank Henry, David Russell, Harry Cash, Mike Simpson, David Feigelson, Jim Kallett just to name a few, and our late coach, the great Elmer Runge.
Track was not my only sport—I also earned varsity letters as a receiver on the football team. My athletic journey continued into college, where I ranked third nationally in NCAA receiving, earned All-Conference honors, was named Co-AP Back of the Week alongside Billy Simms, and eventually signed as a free agent with the San Diego Chargers.
Facing Prostate Cancer Head-On
In March 2021, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent a radical prostatectomy to remove my prostate gland and surrounding tissue. Post-surgery, I hoped for a clean bill of health, but my PSA levels told a different story. Despite negative PET/CT scans, my PSA measured 0.4 ng/ml in April 2021, suggesting some microscopic cancer cells remained.
After talking with my oncologist, I started a treatment plan in June 2021:
Eight weeks of radiation therapy
Two rounds of hormonal therapy every three months
This aggressive approach lowered my PSA to 0.04 ng/ml by October 2021. Over the next three years, my PSA fluctuated as I intermittently received hormonal therapy for a total of six months. Since January 2025, I have been off hormone therapy, and my PSA currently sits at 0.47 ng/ml. For now, my healthcare team and I are opting for ongoing monitoring.
Treatment came with its own challenges—lower muscle strength, joint stiffness, fatigue, and reduced mobility. Surgery brought localized discomfort and movement limitations, while hormone therapy led to bone density loss and more joint pain.
Discovering the Flexercise Training Method
Rehabilitation was no easy feat, as I spent over a month in bed recovering from the five deep incisions in my abdomen, not to mention doing Kegel’s every morning and night to strengthen my pelvic floor, plus I had to wear a catheter, and urine bag on my leg for 15 days. My muscles got hard, my neck, hips, knee joints hurt, and my energy level was exceptionally low, however, using the Flexercise Method (www.flexercise.net) proved to be a game changer. Its daily, slow stretching and strengthening exercises helped me regain flexibility and range of motion—especially important for pelvic floor function after treatment. Flexercise eased my chronic pain and stiffness and improved my balance and functional movement, helping me tackle daily activities with less fear of falling.
Cancer takes a toll on your mind as much as your body. Flexercise’s holistic approach, which blends mind-body-spirit wellness, helped me manage stress and anxiety through breathing exercises and meditation. Positive affirmations and principles, whether faith-based or secular, gave me a greater sense of well-being. The structured routines empowered me, restoring a feeling of control during a time when so much was uncertain.
What sets Flexercise apart is its inclusive design. Whether you are young or old, healthy or in recovery, or just nervous about starting an exercise routine, Flexercise adapts to your needs. Its routine can be done standing or sitting, making it accessible no matter whether your energy level or physical limitations.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Mindful Movement
Looking back, Flexercise offered me a gentle yet comprehensive way to rebuild my strength after multiple rounds of prostate cancer treatment. It is safe, flexible, and inclusive approach supports both my physical recovery and mental health. I have learned firsthand that mindful movement can be a powerful tool in the healing process.
Important Note: Always consult your physician and seek a referral to a urologist when necessary. Your healthcare team can help you navigate the best options for your unique situation.
Photo: Sprint and football star Vernon Henry battling back from prostate cancer