My Prostate Cancer Path: November 2011

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

30 November 2011 - New Brunswick MLAs Support the Cause

On November 30, 2011, the MLAs wore the blue ties/blue scarves in the New Brunswick Legislature to raise awareness of prostate cancer.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

23 November 2011 - Oh, oh!

Barb and I went for our appointment with Dr. Dwyer. He says the results of my biopsy have changed and I am no longer a candidate for active surveillance. There is more than 50% cancer in two of the cores tested this time, and that moves my Gleason to 3 + 4. He says “your story has just become more interesting.” We have until 2:30 next Thursday to decide on whether my treatment will be surgery or radiation. Either will take place early in the new year.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

2 November 2011 - Launch of PCCN Greater Moncton Prostate Cancer Support Group

On Wednesday, November 2, the newest member of the Prostate Cancer Canada Network, Greater Moncton, launched its support group at the YMCA on War Veterans Avenue. The board room was filled to overflowing with an enthusiastic group of about twenty prostate cancer survivors, their spouses, visitors, special guests, almost fifty altogether. Greetings were extended to our group by Mayor George LeBlanc, Y CEO Zane Korytko, Peter Mallette and Carol Murray from PCCN Atlantic office in Halifax, Stephen Patterson and Albert Murray from the Fredericton support group, and advocate Jenn Marr. Special speaker was Dr. Neil Dwyer, local urologist, who spoke on Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer and the meaning of PSA, grades, and Gleason scores. It was a very positive meeting and a good start for a support group. From the group, we now have a steering committee and some volunteers. The Harrigans have agreed to coordinate the group. Meetings will be held on the first Wednesday of each month at the Y.

Expenses for this group will be minimal each month: light refreshments, printing and office supplies, resource materials, probably around $150 - $200 monthly. The network will cover these expenses, but we are hopeful a local service group or business with an interest in prostate cancer will take us under their wing and help us, so network funds can be allocated to education and research. If you know of anyone who may be interested, please let us know.

We appreciate the interest from Moncton and area (anyone within driving distance is more than welcome). As I said at the meeting, this is not a team any man would choose to be on, but once we are, hopefully our group will provide a community of support for survivors and their loved ones. Next meeting, December 7, at the Y.