December 2002

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" height=120 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="03f8dfe1esnpes.jpg"> <div> <B>December 2002</B></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Calendar"><U><B><U>Calendar</U></B></U></A><A HREF="id3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Calendar"><U><B> </B></U></A><B>  |   </B><A HREF="id60.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Carers Group"><U><B><U>Carers Group</U></B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id2.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Group Guidelines"><U><B>Group Guidelines</B></U></A><B>   |  </B><A HREF="id61.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Library"><U><B> </B></U></A><A HREF="id61.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Library"><U><B><U>Library</U></B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id4.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Current Newsletters"><U><B><U>Current Newsletters</U></B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id16.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Archived Newsletters"><U><B><U>Archived Newsletters</U></B></U></A><B>   |   </B><B><U>Pamphlets</U></B><B>  |  </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Northern Beaches Prostate Cancer Support"><U><B><U>Hom</U></B></U></A><B><U>e</U></B></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=360 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="03f8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <B><U>NEWSLETTER</U></B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>No. 8. December, 2002</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Don't forget our Christmas Party which will happen in the Palliative Care Cottage at 6.30 pm on Tuesday, 3 December. All members, their partners and carers are warmly invited. And why not bring a friend?<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> The speakers for the year have been invited to rejoin us for an open forum, and already several have indicated that they will be present, including Dr Richard Foster (Radiation Therapy) and Professor Miles Little (Surviving Cancer). The panel will be chaired by Mr Con Casey (Prostate Cancer Council of Australia). Maree McCausland, Social Worker with the Palliative Care Unit, who is keen to get feedback from members of the Group on their needs, will also be joining the speakers. Come along with your questions for the panel, and your anecdotes to share.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> After the panel discussion, Christmas cheer will be served.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>1. REPORT OF THE MEETING HELD ON:</B> <B>Tuesday, 5 November</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> The first Tuesday in November is probably not a good time to hold a meeting, but we were pleased to have a showing when Sr Judy Tarlington, the Nurse Continence Adviser at Mona Vale Hospital, spoke to us on: Treatment Side-Effects - Incontinence and Soiling.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Judy began by explaining that her concern was not so much with incontinence alone, but with the range of bladder and bowel control matters. She herself only became interested in the problems of incontinence after leaving hospital. Nurses on the wards generally don't bother about incontinence as an issue, because the response to any bed wetting or soiling is to change the bedding and get on with things. However, when she began visiting people in their homes, Judy became aware of how ashamed people were of their difficulties with bladder or bowel control. Her work covers the Northern Beaches area and includes help for people in all age groups, both male and female. Physiotherapists as well as nurses may be involved in treatment. Judy has a long waiting list for appointments. Regrettably, it is an issue that is not talked about.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> For men, as they grow older, enlargement of the prostate gland is a quite common phenomenon, unrelated to prostate cancer. The need to get up twice a night is quite normal as we age. However, men may find themselves going frequently to the toilet at night, or the stream gets slower, or they can't start; but they don't take the matter to their GP. Another factor may be an irritable (unstable) bladder, which is also common in men; or the problem could be to do with the kidneys.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Judy defined incontinence as involuntary loss of urine or faeces. It is not an illness. In Australia it is a social problem. Wetness is regardedas an embarrassment, but it depends on how it is perceived. People need to make their problem known in order to get treatment. There is no operation for urgency. It is a nerve problem, coming from enlargement of the prostate in men. Urgency can depend on our habits. For example, we may drink too much fluid - or too little. The current fashion to drink bottled water can lead some people to drink too much. Usual voiding of the bladder is no more than 600ml but Judy gave examples of people whose bladder held much more. Non-emptying of thebladder can lead to bladder stretching but once this occurs it cannot be repaired.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> There are a variety of treatments for incontinence. Pelvic floor exercises may be used to help sphincta control. You can check by lifting the muscles during the urine flow. Practice perhaps twice a day; for example, when cleaning your teeth. Flomax is a fairly new drug and may be given after Brachytherapy to help the urine flow. However, it is not used if there is a definite obstruction. A catheter through the abdomen may be used if there is a long term problem.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> While bad incontinence may be costly in terms of pads, there is a variety of pads and other devices available. The Urodome is an external catheter for bed wetting cases. Bed wetting occurs when the individual does not wake to void. In fact, a bed wetter is often hard to wake. Bladder training is helpful: practice holding on. Children who are bed wetters are often given more to drink during the day so that they can learn to hold on. If bed wetting is a problem, use a plastic sheet and pads.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> The Irish condom fits over the penis and has a hole in it connected to a bag. Pouches are also available, though these are not very effective.There is a range of pads on the market and, for Veterans Affairs Gold Card holders, there is no charge. New full pants can be bought in supermarkets, and these are very good. Bonds also makes underwear with a pad for dribbling incontinence.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Bowel incontinence is not usual in the early stages of prostate cancer. It is more related to radiotherapy, when proctitis (inflamation of the rectum) may occur. However, as prostate cancer progresses, pressure can cause bowel problems.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> The session was a very informal one, and discussion was uninhibited throughout the evening. Judy handed out two very useful pamphlets published by the Continence Foundation of Australia: Bladder Problems and the Prostate, and Good Bladder Habits for Everyone.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> The National Continence Helpline is: 1800 33 00 66<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> This is a Freecall number, available from 8.00am to 8.00pm EST Monday to Friday. </div> <bR> <div> The phone number for the Continence Foundation of Australia Resource Centre (NSW) is: (02) 9840 4165 and email:<A HREF="mailto:contfoundnsw@ozemail.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:contfoundnsw@ozemail.com"><U>contfoundnsw@ozemail.com</U></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Anyone can ring Judy Tarlington for an appointment on: 9998 0357 (No doctor's referral is necessary.)<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>2. RAISING COMMUNITY AWARENESS</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Our Support Group was present at the NSW Cancer Council's Relay for Life at Brookvale Oval on Saturday, 9 November. We set up a display table with a range of handouts on prostate cancer and our own Support Group, and we had our banner in evidence for all to see. Also, we assisted with the setting up of the morning tea.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> On Thursday evening, 14 November, John Conroy spoke at the monthly meeting of the Master Builder's Association at Dee Why. Once again a variety of handouts were distributed.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> If you have any ideas on ways of passing on information to the Northern Beaches community about prostate cancer, the risks to men, and the work of our Group, please get in touch with John Conroy, John Reid or Richard Darmopil.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>3. PALLIATIVE CARE UNIT</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> As from the beginning of December, the administration of the Palliative Care Unit at Mona Vale Hospital will be assumed by Hope Healthcare. We are looking forward to working with them, and anticipate that they will continue to give strong support to our activities.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>4. RESEARCH: SURVEY OF PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Many thanks to all members who filled in and returned the survey form which was sent out with the November Newsletter. Also, a polite reminder to any of you who have not yet done so. The information is confidential, and will be helpful to the PCFA in planning and setting up other prostate cancer support groups around Australia in the future.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>5. PCFA LAPEL BADGES</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia has produced a small and smart lapel badge bearing the words Finding the Answers Together and the Foundation's sunflower logo. The cost is only $4.00 and badges can be obtained at the sign-in desk at each meeting. Proceeds go towards the work of the Foundation.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>6. WEBSITES</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Have you visited the Andrology Australia website recently?<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.andrologyaustralia.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.andrologyaustralia.org"><U><B><U>www.andrologyaustralia.org</U></B></U></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Issue No. 4 of their Newsletter (Spring 2002) is dedicated to a Focus on Prostate Cancer. This is worth a browse - or maybe you would like to download it for further reference.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>7. REMINDERS:</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> This is your last Newsletter for 2002. The next issue should reach you in January, prior to the meeting to be held on Tuesday, 4 February, 2003 at 6.30pm in the Palliative Care Cottage at Mona Vale Hospital.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Dates of coming meetings (All meetings are held in the Palliative Care Cottage, Mona Vale Hospital)<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> No meeting in January, 2003<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> i). February Meeting (6.30pm, Tues., 4 February): Complementary Therapies.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> ii) March Meeting (6.30 pm, Tues., 4 March): The Epidemiology of Prostate. Cancer<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> iii) April Meeting (6.30pm, Tues., 1 April): Brachytherapy.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> iv) May Meeting (6.30pm., Tues., 6 May): PSA Update.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> All friends, partners, carers, and family are welcome at all our meetings. (Refreshments will be served.)<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>YOUR CONTACT NUMBERS</B></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="664" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 116 WIDTH="357"><div> <U>Program Co-ordinator</U> </div> <bR> <div> Dr Peter Moore </div> <div> Northern Beaches Palliative Care<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 9997 3555 </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="296"><div> <U>Group Leader</U></div> <bR> <div> John Conroy<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 9918 9358<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:conroyjs@bigpond.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:conroyjs@bigpond.com"><U><U>conroyjs@bigpond.com</U></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 89 ><NOBR><div> <U>NSW Cancer Council Cancer Support Helpline</U></div> <bR> <div> 13 11 20<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <U>Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia</U></div> <bR> <div> 1800 220 099</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>