4 January - PCCN Prostate Cancer Support Group Meeting

It was a cold night, but we were pleased to have a good turnout for our third prostate cancer support group meeting.  There were 21 in attendance, including six spouses.  We are getting to know each other a bit better and have the basis for a strong support group.  We showed the video of the Olivia Chow luncheon meeting in Halifax where she described how important support groups were to Jack Layton when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  Anyone can check out this video on YouTube or the Prostate Cancer Canada Network website.  Dr. Rob Rutledge from Halifax had planned to be in Moncton on Saturday, the 7th, to give a talk on cancer and healing.  However, due to family illness, he isn't able to make it.  We did show his book "The Healing Circle" and discussed the work he is doing on healing and cancer in Halifax.  We are hopeful he will be able to get to Moncton later in the year.  If you visit http://www.healingandcancer.org/ , you can check out some of the work he is doing.  We also mentioned a program in Halifax where a free nine-week course in resistance training/yoga for prostate cancer patients is about to start.  Following a break for cookies and water (our coffee source was on vacation), we spent some time sharing introductions to the various people attending.  They were willing to share stories of their journey with prostate cancer- very worthwhile and we learned a lot.  This emphasized how many different stories abound in this experience, and we can derive strength from each other.  Our next meeting is scheduled for February 1.