8 - 12 September 2011 -Prostate Cancer Research Institute Conference- Los Angeles

Barb and I flew from Moncton to Los Angeles to attend the Prostate Cancer Research Institute conference.  The conference was a very positive experience, lots of expert speakers talking at our level and plenty of resources.  I attended twelve sessions in two days, plus three small support group sessions on active surveillance.  We both learned a lot, met many interesting people.  There were about 800 in attendance, mostly from the US, but we did meet other Canadians, and some from beyond.  Dr. Laurence Klotz was recognized as the international authority on active surveillance. 

19 June 2011 - Fathers Day Walk for Prostate Cancer

Barb and I arrived back from an escape to Iceland the evening of June 18.  On Father’s Day, Barb, daughter Meredith and I went to the Dalhousie University campus in Halifax for the Safeway Walk/Run for Prostate Cancer Research.  Our friends, Keith and Sue Cameron, met us there.  It was a beautiful morning (until the rain at the very end of the walk) and we were pleased to be there.  My total fundraising efforts brought in $1410 for the cause.

27 April 2011 - Active Surveillance continues (for the time being)

Appointment with Dr. Dwyer for my blood work results.  My PSA is 2.3.  He did a DRE, found no change since the first time he saw me nearly two years ago.  Because he feels there isn’t enough difference between where I am and where I might require treatment, he plans to schedule another biopsy for September or October.  He said that based on stats, 35% of active surveillance patients will require treatment, 65% won’t.  He wants to keep me in the 65%.  All I can do is maintain a healthy lifestyle so that if I did require treatment, I would be able to handle it well.  The biopsy in the fall will determine our next plan of action. 

24 February 2011 - Blue Tie Event, Moncton

Attended the Blue Tie Event at the Royal Oaks golf course in Moncton.  It was interesting, a fundraiser for prostate cancer research.  Met Peter Mallette, former ATV newsman, who is now the Atlantic rep for Prostate Cancer Canada.

14 October 2010 - Active Surveillance continues

14 October 2010:  Appointment with Dr. Dwyer for my biopsy results.  He says I’m consistent- third identical biopsy results.  Still T2a, still 4 cores out of 12 showing prostate cancer, still 3 + 3 = 6 Gleason score, PSA is 2.2.  I will have my next PSA test in six months and at that time he will decide when to schedule another biopsy.  So the news is good.  I asked “Will I hear from you?”  His reply, “You’ll hear from me.  You’re fine.”

21 September 2010 - Biopsy #4

Appointment with Dr. Dwyer in Clinic E at the Moncton Hospital for my fourth biopsy.  No problem.  It was more uncomfortable than usual, but I guess that goes with the territory.  I will be passing blood for the next little while.  It should be about a month before I get the results.  My hope is that there will be no significant change.

2 September 2009 - Active Surveillance continues

Barb and I came in from the shore to get the biopsy results from Dr. Dwyer.  We were hoping the results would verify the findings of May 18, show nothing worse, and they do.  The prostate cancer is still there.  Our stats are virtually unchanged and I am still a candidate for active surveillance.  I will see Dr. Dwyer in six months and have my PSA checked then.  If it’s okay, in a year from now, I will have another round of biopsies done.  Should everything be okay then, okay being generally unchanged, we will wait two years before the biopsies will be redone.  There are no guarantees, but there aren’t with medical treatments of any kind.  The doctor is fine with my choice and he feels my choice is suitable for my condition.