August 2004

<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>August 2004</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> <div> </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. 26. August, 2004</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Editor: John Conroy<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>WANTED URGENTLY</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Items for Raffling at the Manly-Warringah Master Builders' Association Golf Day Dinner. The Manly-Warringah Division of the Master Builders' Association is holding a Golf Day at the Cromer Golf Club on Tuesday, 17 August. Proceeds from the day will be donated to the Northern Beaches Prostate Cancer Support Group to help us with our program and activities.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> At the end of the day there will be a dinner at the Club and items will be raffled among the participants. We are looking for goods and/or services to be donated by local businesses or individuals for raffling on the night to help our cause. If you have contacts with any local business-persons or individuals who would be willing to contribute an item or a service, please contact:<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> John Reid: John Conroy:<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> 9972 2088 (work) or 9918 9358 (w & h)<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> 9913 8836 (home) <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Tahoma" ><A HREF="mailto:conroyjs@bigpond.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:conroyjs@bigpond.com"><U><U>conroyjs@bigpond.com</U></U></A></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>1. THANKS</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Very many thanks to the band of loyal members who kept the Group going during my absence overseas: Geoff Emanuel, Ron Faulkner, John Reid, Jim Rogan, Jo-Ann Steeves, and Phil West. They have agreed to stay together as an informal team to keep our activities and directions under review, and to meet from time to time as the need arises. I greatly appreciate their input and willing contribution to the Group's endeavours.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>2. NEWS FROM THE UK</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Prostate Cancer is alive and well as an issue in the UK press (- Testicular Cancer, too). On May 26, The Daily Telegraph carried a report of the Cancer Research UK's second Man Alive' campaign to encourage men to see their doctors as soon as they first notice cancer symptoms; early diagnosis and treatment save lives. But, shades of what has happened in Oz, the report continued with a statement of the Institute of Cancer Research as it launched...its Everyman Cancer Awareness month with the message that the PSA test that indicates a raised risk of prostate cancer is inadequate.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> It went on to say: Removing the prostate, radio-therapy and hormone treatment can leave men with serious long-term side-effects such as incontinence and impotence, said Prof Colin Cooper, head of the Everyman Male Cancer Research Centre at the institute.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> He said surgery could be avoided in as many as half of men with positive PSA (prostate specific antigen) tests. Instead he advocated active surveillance where men with slightly raised PSA levels could be monitored for changes which would warrant treatment.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> But in many cases, he said, men could live with cancer with no harmful effects to their health.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> PSA testing has two major failings. Firstly, it doesn't detect all cancers and, secondly, when it does detect cancer, it cannot predict how that cancer will behave, Prof Cooper said. This often results in men being given invasive treatment that they do not require.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> I wrote a letter to the Editor protesting that an incomplete statement of this kind was misleading and confusing, and could well defeat the campaign to encourage men to seek early medical help. Unfortunately, I could not get my response to the Newspaper while the matter was still fresh and newsworthy, and my letter was not published.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> On the previous day, 25 May, the Western Morning News, a regional newspaper, had published an article entitled: Campaign to help male cancer patients. This was a report of the work of the Torbay Prostate Support Association in South Devon. The Group has a membership of between 300 and 400, and its aim is to raise...awareness of the symptoms and the action required should improve the chances of the disease being caught in the early stages, when treatment is likely to be more successful. However, the Group was not pushing for regular screening, as treatment could sometimes be more traumatic than carrying the disease. The Association also has an active program to support carers. Both patient and carer need support and that's what the group's all about, said the chairman, Steve Dann. We are there for each other.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> The Association had linked up with the South Devon Council and was mounting an exhibition in three major towns to raise awareness of Prostate Cancer in the community. I have written to Steve Dann in the hope that we may initiate some fruitful contact between his Association and our Northern Beaches Group.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>3. REPORT OF THE MEETING HELD ON:</B> Tuesday, 6 July<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Our speaker for the July Meeting was Professor Stewart Dunn from the Royal North Shore Hospital. Professor Dunn began the session with a series of questions and beliefs which patients need the opportunity to explore:<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> I should be coping better than this.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> How can I deal with people who want deep and meaningful talks all the time?<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> What should I tell my children?<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Is my doctor really interested in how I feel?<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Who can I trust to worry about this as much as I do?<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Am I going to die?<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> If I feel miserable does that mean it¹s more likely to come back or get worse?<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Why don't I feel normal now that my treatment is finished?<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> How can I be realistic and remain hopeful?<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Professor Dunn worked through a number of these issues in a thought-provoking way. He concluded the evening with a set of encouraging and positive pointers:<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> You're probably coping remarkably well.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Tell people how to act.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Talk to your children and grandchildren.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Doctors and nurses need time out too.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Find a doctor you trust to worry about you professionally.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Live each day.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Allow yourself time to feel bloody miserable.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Nurture realistic optimism.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Accept you will forever be different.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>4. INFORMATION UPDATE</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> a.) The latest edition of the PCFA Prostate News (Issue 18 - May 2004) is now available. It contains articles on the Peeball campaign, a report of the Life After Prostate Cancer Treatment public meeting held in March, an update by Dr Phillip Stricker on the latest developments in radiotherapy treatments, a report by Professor Villis Marshall from Adelaide on modern diagnostics and treatment, and a report of a joint Australian-New Zealand Prostate Cancer trial in relation to radiotherapy.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> If you don't receive a regular copy of Prostate News and would like to do so, please contact me on 9918 9358 or by e-mail at <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Tahoma" ><A HREF="mailto:conroyjs@bigpond.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:conroyjs@bigpond.com"><U><U>conroyjs@bigpond.com</U></U></A></FONT>.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> b.) Andrology Australia has produced a brochure on men's sexual health entitled: A User's Guide: What every man needs to know. Copies of this will be available at our next meeting. You can also find full details about men's sexual health at the Andrology Australia website:<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.whateverymanneedstoknow.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.whateverymanneedstoknow.org"><U><B><U>www.whateverymanneedstoknow.org</U></B></U></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> c.) News of Members.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> d.) Website. You can preview our website at: <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Tahoma" ><B><U>http://members.optusnet.com.au/raylee/index.htm</U></B></FONT><B> </B>If you have any suggestions or comments, please let me know by phone or e-mail. The permanent site should be ready in August.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> e.) CARERS'<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> i) With this Newsletter, you will find a copy of an invitation from the University of Western Sydney for Carers of Cancer patients to take part in a study of the needs and experiences of cancer caregivers. Please make sure that your carer receives this. It is then her/his decision as to whether or not she/he wishes to participate.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> ii) The next meeting of the Carers Group will be held on Tuesday, 10 August at 6.30 pm in the Palliative Care Cottage. The Speaker will be: Ms Brenda Doherty from Manly. Her topic will be: Sleep Therapy: Managing Sleep Disorders<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>5. REMINDER: DATES OF NEXT MEETINGS: </B>(6.30 pm on the first Tuesday of each month in the Palliative Care Cottage, Mona Vale Hospital) All friends, partners, carers, and family members are welcome. Refreshments will be served.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> 3 August Dr Peter Moore (Palliative Care Unit, Mona Vale Hospital): Palliative Care: the role and relationship of the doctor with the patient.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Dr Peter Moore is an informal and entertaining speaker and an experienced Palliative Care doctor. He will be talking about Palliative care in general, his role as a Palliative Care doctor in relation to cancer in general and Prostate Cancer in particular, and his relationship with the patient and family.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> 7 September Ms Christine Holbert: Stress Management<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> (Christine is a qualified yoga and meditation teacher and has been taking classes for many years. She formerly led relaxation classes at the Mona Vale Hospital Palliative Care Cottage.)<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Please remember: during meetings, all discussion and comment about our individual circumstances and experiences is confidential and should not be carried outside the Cottage walls!<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>