February 2005

<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>February 2005</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"> <bR> <div> <B><U>NEWSLETTER</U></B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>No. 31. February, 2005</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> Proposed Program of Monthly Meetings, 2005 (Meetings held at 6.30 pm on the first Tuesday of each month in the Palliative Care Cottage, Mona Vale Hospital)<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="952" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Tuesday, 1 February</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="765"><div> Members' Open Forum</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="180"><div> Tuesday, 1 March</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="765"><div> Dr Justin Vass [Urologist] with Melanie Griffin [Novartis Pharmaceuticals]: Advanced Prostate Cancer and Its Treatment</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="180"><div> Tuesday, 5 April</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> Dr Kenneth Vaux [Urologist]: Regaining Bladder Control after Treatment for Prostate Cancer</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="180"><div> Tuesday, 3 May</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="765"><div> Forum with members of other Support Groups</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="180"><div> Tuesday, 7 June</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="765"><div> Afternoon Visit to the Institute of Magnetic Resonance Research, Royal North Shore Hospital with Dr Carolyn Mountford: Magnetic Resonance Technology and Prostate Cancer</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="180"><div> Tuesday, 5 July</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="765"><div> Dr Philip Katelaris: Recent Research into the nature, causes and cure of Prostate Cancer both in Australia and overseas</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Tuesday, 2 August</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> Gillian Adamson, Simon McErlane & Jerrod Taylor [Pfizer Australia]: Prostate Cancer and Chemotherapy</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Tuesday, 6 September</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> Assoc. Prof. Phillip Stricker (St Vincent's Hospital): Recent Advances in Treatment for Prostate Cancer</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Tuesday, 4 October</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="765"><div> Dr Stephen Carroll: Prostate Cancer and the Mind</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Tuesday, 1 November</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> Dr Michael Izard (The Mater Hospital, St Leonards): New Brachytherapy Techniques</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Tuesday, 6 December</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="765"><div> Christmas Get-Together</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <B>*</B> Confirmed<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>1. COMING EVENTS</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Regular meetings are held at 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> 6.30 pm, Tuesday,1 February - First meeting for 2005. [Note: this meeting is on the first Tuesday, which is also the first day of the month.] </div> <bR> <div> Group Members' Open Forum<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> This is an opportunity for Members to get together to compare notes with others in the Group, especially with those who have had similar treatments and experiences and to give an update as to where they are at. It is also a chance for men who have been recently diagnosed or treated to talk to men who have been through the mill and who can take away some of the anxiety and the mystery of the medical jargon. Bring along any of your mates who might be interested in knowing a bit more about Prostate Cancer.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> 6.30 pm, Tuesday,1 March - Dr Justin Vass [Urologist] with Melanie Griffin [Novartis Pharmaceuticals]: Advanced Prostate Cancer and Its Treatment [Note: this meeting is on the first Tuesday, which is also the first day of the month]. </div> <bR> <div> Please note: During meetings, all discussion and comment about members' individual circumstances and experiences are confidential and should not be repeated outside the Cottage walls!<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>2. REPORT OF THE 'SOCIAL GET-TOGETHER' HELD ON: Tuesday, 7 December.</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Over 30 members and guests were present at our third Christmas party. It was another relaxed and happy occasion, and a good time was had by all. The meal was magnificently catered for by Jo Ann Steeves, ably assisted by Norma Bennett and Eleanor Swansbra. What a feast! Thanks, ladies, for all the time and hard work you put into preparing and serving such a delicious treat.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> We were pleased to welcome David and Pam Sandoe, representing both the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and the Sydney Adventist Hospital Support Group, and also Sr Gerry Dixon and Sue and Pierre Clain from the Palliative Care Unit.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Apologies were received from Andrew Giles [CEO, Prostate Cancer Foundation], Bill McLaren [CEO, Hope Healthcare], Dr Phillip Katelaris [Sydney Adventist Hospital], David Smith [Cancer Council NSW], Dr Peter Moore, Sr Marion Cuneen, Mrs Maree McCausland and Mrs Daphne Hoade [all from Palliative Care, Mona Vale Hospital], Sr Shirley Kennedy [Mona Vale Hospital], Ron Faulkner, Eric Jarvis, Lee Purser, Geoff Shields, and Philip and Wallis West.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>3. INFORMATION UPDATE</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> a. 'Be A Man' Prostate Cancer Awareness Campaign<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> The campaign was launched in Martin Place, Sydney at 12.30pm on Wednesday, 19 January. The event was preceded by some stunning entertainment by The Other Three Tenors, and the launch itself was graced by a line-up of some spectacular public figures, including actors Magda Szubanski and Sandy Gore, singers Marcia Hines and Marty Rhone, MPs Wayne Swann and Jim Lloyd, sports personalities Darren Beadman, Michael Long and Gavin Robertson, urologists Professors Phillip Stricker, Tony Costello and Dr Andre Lalak, and former AMA President Professor Kerryn Phelps. Many thanks to seven of our Members who joined a team of helpers from other groups to assist in handing out publicity material to the public - who were there in large numbers: David and Norma Bennett, John Conroy, Ron Jones, Bill McLean, Jim Rogan and Ron Woodward. Huge thanks go the the sponsors, Australian Pensioners Insurance Agency [APIA]. It was a great occasion. Be on the lookout for the television commercials.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> b. PCFA - NSW Chapter Teleconference Meeting<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> John Conroy attended a meeting of the NSW Chapter of the PCFA held at Jacaranda Lodge, Sydney Adventist Hospital on Thursday, 20 January. Topics under discussion included: a debriefing of the APIA awareness program; an update on PCFA activities and its focus for 2005; progress on a revised Speakers Kit on Prostate Cancer to be made available to all Support Groups; continuing liaison with the Lions Club and the Cancer Council NSW; possible involvement at the Royal Easter Show; maintaining a link with the Rural Men's Health initiative; survey of pre-treatment kits provided to men by hospitals etc; September as 'Prostate Cancer Awareness Month'; a State conference in 2005; uniform name badges for all Support Groups, similar to Rotary Badges; and updates from other Support Groups.The next meeting will be in March.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> c. Library<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Many thanks to Helen Moore (wife of Paul) who has undertaken to organise the resources in our lending library so that they will be much more accessible to members. Helen is a qualified Librarian, so we can be assured that the task is in good hands. Many thanks, Helen, for taking on the job and giving up your time.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> d. Publications received<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> The following publications have been received from other Groups and Organisations and are available through our Lending Library:<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Prostate News, Issue 20, December, 2004, Prostate Cancer Foundation of NSW<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> [Topics include: Keyhole [laparoscopic] and robotic surgery for prostate cancer; report from the CEO; progress in Translational Prostate Cancer Research; update on the peer Support in Prostate Cancer Project; St Vincent's Prostate Cancer Centre.]<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Prosupport/Cansupport, December, 2004. Newsletter, Royal North Shore Prostate Cancer Support and Cancer Support Groups.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> [Gives outline of policy changes and meeting dates for 2005.]<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Prostate Cancer Support Group Newsletter, January, 2005. Cancer Support Centre, Jacaranda Lodge, Sydney Adventist Hospital.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> [Gives summary of presentation by Stephen Carroll, psychotherapist - who will speak to our Northern Beaches Group in October, 2005. Also gives Program Outline for 2005.]<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Cancer Voices NSW News, Issue 17, December, 2004.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> [Topics include: grants to support groups; cancer patient's charter; federal government cancer promises; Cancer Institute NSW update; Cancer Council NSW support for support groups; finding good cancer information; consumer advocacy training workshops; cancer conferences; new cancer drugs on PBS.]<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Cancer Voices AGM will be held at 5.30pm on Tuesday, 16 February, 2005, at the Cancer Council NSW building, Level 6, 153 Dowling Street, Kings Cross.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> e. Websites<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Life Force Foundation is a non-profit organisation, providing emotional/psycho social support for people dealing with the experience of cancer, through a range of support programs and therapies including groupwork and meditation, counselling, special workshops and retreats. Support groups are held weekly in Sydney's metropolitan area.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> In learning how to cope with and transform our feelings of fear, aloneness, hurt, anger, we have a precious gift - each other. Support groups offer an opportunity to overcome isolation through the sharing of feelings. In a safe and loving environment, healing can take place on many levels. A team of trained counsellors, group facilitators and therapists work together in helping people on the healing journey.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Find out more about Life Force by visiting their website: <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Tahoma" ><A HREF="http://lforce.customer.netspace.net.au" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://lforce.customer.netspace.net.au"><U><U>http://lforce.customer.netspace.net.au</U></U></A></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://lforce.customer.netspace.net.au" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://lforce.customer.netspace.net.au"><U> </U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <div> f. Pamphlet #2: I've Just Been Told I've Got Prostate Cancer. The second pamphlet in our series deals with the information worth collecting by men newly diagnosed with Prostate Cancer to help them make decisions about the treatment options given to them by their doctors. A copy will be included with your March Newsletter. Meanwhile you can view it on our website.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> g. News from Other Groups<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Christmas e-mail greetings were received from the team at PCFA headquarters; from David and Pam Sandoe, Sydney Adventist Hospital Support Group; and from the Palliative Care Unit, Mona Vale Hospital. We have also had e-mail responses to contact made with other groups: the Bankstown Men's Cancer Support Group; the Central Coast Prostate Support Group;</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>YOUR CONTACT NUMBERS</B></div> <bR> <div> <U> <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></U></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>