It’s all about good conversation and learning: Meet @jeffmarc

JOHN: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect? 

@jeffmarc: I participate in many online forums and somebody referred me to the Mayo Clinic Connect prostate cancer forum. I have found its very active participation to be a real benefit. I have had prostate cancer for 16 years and I’m always looking for new treatments because the type of cancer I have will keep coming back. 

JOHN: What motivates you to take part in the community?

@jeffmarc: Mayo Clinic Connect has a lot of well informed people. I not only look to help people with prostate cancer questions with the knowledge I have, but I am looking for answers to help with solutions to future problems I will have. People in the forum really come in for help which I can give, and other people supply new information which I also need. It is a learning experience every day.

 JOHN: What about Mayo Clinic Connect makes you feel comfortable to share and to be open with the community?

@jeffmarc: There are a lot of other people in the Mayo Clinic Connect prostate cancer forum that are sharing their experiences, their fears and tribulations. I just feel that I can be open with all the knowledge I have about what has happened to me and others I have heard from, over the years, as well as what I have learned from attending many online webinars and support groups. 

I’ve had multiple positive reinforcement messages from Mayo Clinic Connect members thanking me for the help I have provided. 

JOHN: What support groups do you participate in?

@jeffmarc: On Mayo Clinic Connect, I take part in the Prostate Cancer Support Group. 

Other organizations that I also participate in include:

• AnCan.Org online advanced prostate cancer group,
• AnCan Men’s online speaking freely group,
• The Reluctant Brotherhood advanced prostate cancer group, 
• Cancer support community online forum cancersupport.net, 
• The UCSF prostate cancer online group, and
• Healthunlocked prostate cancer forum.

JOHN: Tell us about a meaningful moment on Mayo Clinic Connect.

@jeffmarc: People thanking me for helping them with their prostate cancer issues keeps me going, and wanting to participate and help people with their life-changing decisions. Here are just a few of the comments I get from people:

• @tuckerp - “I think your advice and knowledge has been marvelous. Several of you that contribute daily are inspiring.”
• @sandguy - “Yes, I suspect that several of us are members of the Jeff Marchi fan club! His nearly-constant presence here, with his calm, informed voice, is such a balm for us.”
• @surftohealth88 - “I will be sending you healing vibes on April second, that is for sure! I really admire your strength, discipline and perseverance as well as the courage to take any problem "by the horns" and solve it! :))). I am sure that you are an inspiration to many, many more people here on this forum and beyond, and I can not imagine this place without your constant support and your immense knowledge.”

JOHN: What surprised you the most about Mayo Clinic Connect?

@jeffmarc: The number of people in the forum, helping others with their life-changing decisions. There are so many that are really knowledgeable about many areas of prostate cancer treatment. I learn new things all the time in this forum..

JOHN: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?

@jeffmarc: I walk on the track across the street twice every day for a mile and go to the gym three times a week and work out with the weights.

My wife and I like to go dancing most Saturday nights. We go to a restaurant that has a bar and a large dance floor and a live band. We swing dance and do a little foxtrot.

These changes in the environment allow me to think about many more things other than prostate cancer treatments.

JOHN: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@jeffmarc: I spent 50 years in computers doing programming for 25 and running a consulting company for 25. I spent about 10 hours a day on my iPhone, iPad or computer. I helped my wife and friends troubleshoot problems. I read three different newspapers every day and keep up with politics and just about every kind of news around the world.

I watch just about all the college and NFL football on TV and also watch most PGA golf. I also watch a lot of TV, nightly shows and a wide variety of streaming. 

JOHN: What food can you simply not resist?

@jeffmarc: I really love chocolate cake and brownies. My wife’s a great cook who makes cake and cookies for me. She also buys this great dark chocolate mousse cake, I cut it into pieces and have at least one a week.

JOHN: What do you appreciate the most in your friends?

@jeffmarc: My wife started a dinner group 9 years ago. We dine with about 10 people once a month. The people in the group have become good friends. We have some of them over separately for dinner or to go to their houses. Some of them go dancing with us at the restaurant I mentioned. Sometimes I go walking with one of the men, we have great discussions about a variety of topics. When we get together monthly for dinner, we can talk about just about anything. A lot of informed people and everybody’s just interested in learning about everything. I really appreciate the great food and friendships we have.

JOHN: Puppies or kittens?

@jeffmarc: I really like dogs and puppies. I go to the park twice a day across the street and walk on the track. Frequently there are dogs there that I know and pet or scratch and they are good friends. I also get to know their owners and have some really interesting conversations. 

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