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We want to hear from you! Members of the support group are welcome to contribute any items of interest to the group at large. Updates on your status, news about prostate cancer treatments, or anything you feel would be of interest to the group are all welcome. Contact Doug Thornton, 588-1586 or or Howard Waage, 688-0423 with your story.  

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June 2006                                           NEWSLETTER

                                                                                                                                                      Howard Waage  (688-0423) ----Editor

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At our June meeting, we will be honored to have Carlos Arcangeli, MD and Joseph Franks MD, speak to our support group about the latest treatment options for erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence which can result in men treated for prostate cancer……

Where:   Our meeting will be downstairs in two-story redwood Education Building behind Santa Cruz Dominican Hospital. We meet in the Bennett & Suzy Katz Cancer Resource Center on the 1st Floor.

When:   Tuesday, June 27th, 2006 7:00 PM.  For more information: Please call-The Bennett and Suzy Katz Cancer Resource Center at Dominican Hospital 831-462-7770

 Please feel free to contact any of the following steering committee members if you would like to volunteer or if you have any suggestions or questions. 

 Tony &  Beverley Calvo  684-0940   Frank Schmetz  438 4781   Bill McDermott 423-8350   Howard Waage 688-0423     Julie Batz 724-2701     Lynn Dreeszen 439-8632     Tim Ryan 476-6550

Our website: http://www.scprostate.org Doug Thornton  724-6446 (Webmaster)

SUPPORT SUB-GROUP FOR MEN WITH ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER MEETINGS

This group is for men that have been diagnosed with prostate cancer which has spread outside the prostate or who have experienced a recurrence after primary treatment. Typically, these men are receiving hormone blockade, are participating in a clinical trial or are receiving some other form of advanced treatment. The sub-Group meets every TWO months at the Katz Cancer Resource Center of Dominican Hospital. The sub-group meets on the 2nd MONDAY OF THE MONTH.

The purpose of this group is to better address the special problems and issues of men with advanced prostate cancer. In addition, at some meetings, we invite local medical oncologists to discuss their approach and treatments. Men with advanced prostate cancer will continue to be welcomed at the regular monthly meetings on the last Tuesday of the month. Tony Calvo has agreed to coordinate the sub-group. If you have any suggestions or questions, contact Tony Calvo at 684-0940.

Meeting Date:. The Advanced Prostate Cancer Support Group will meet on Monday, June 12, 2006, 5 – 7 pm. at the Katz Cancer Resource Center.

SUPPORT SUB-GROUP MEETING FOR WIVES and PARTNERS OF MEN LIVING WITH PROSTATE CANCER  This group is for women to share information with each other, learn more about prostate cancer, and how to cope with the impact of the disease individually and within the family in a supportive, caring and confidential environment. The meeting will be held every two months, the 2nd Monday of the month, 5 – 7pm (same time and same building as the men’s Advanced Prostate Cancer Meeting). For more information, contact Julie Batz at 724-2701

Meeting Date: Monday, June 12, 2006, 5 – 7 pm, Rm. E (upstairs from the Katz Cancer Resource Center)

Prostate Cancer Websites:

Santa Cruz County Prostate Cancer Support Group............... http://www.scprostate.org

Prostate Cancer Foundation.................................... http://www.prostatecancerfoundation.org

Prostate Pointers ............................................. http://www.prostatepointers.org

Information for the newly diagnosed............................... http://www.prostatepointers.org/newlydx.html

Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI)......................... http://www.pcri.org/

UCSF Prostate Cancer Information.....................…. http://urology.ucsf.edu/patientGuides/uroOncPt_Doc.html

What Every Man Should Know About Prostate Cancer............... http://www.yananow.net/USAMan.htm

Advice To The Newly Diagnosed................................... http://www.yananow.net/newbyadvice.htm

More Prostate Cancer Information Links.......................... http://www.scprostate.org/resources.htm

Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education & Support Network.…... http://www.ustoo.org

Patient Advocates for Advanced (Prostate) Cancer Treatments, Inc.......... http://www.paactusa.org

More Prostate Cancer Information Links...........................http://www.scprostate.org/resources.htm

UPCOMING EVENTS AND SPECIAL MEETINGS

Relay For Life of Santa Cruz    July 15 - 16, 2006  Cabrillo College, Aptos, CA

Relay For Life of Watsonville   August 12 - 13, 2006 Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds

….PROSTATE CANCER IN THE NEWS..…

Get Treatment for Cancer-Related Depression

Coping Magazine - March/April 2005

Depression is not just sadness or feeling blue. It is a combination of symptoms that often includes a change in weight and appetite, in sleep and energy, in thinking and ability to concentrate, in your desire to participate in social activities, in your overall mood, and in your interest in both people and your surroundings. These symptoms are often accompanied by feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness that can escalate into thoughts of taking your life. If you are experiencing pervasive feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness, or if you are thinking about taking your life, seek help immediately. There are many approaches to dealing with depression, including medications and the help of mental health professionals.

Some degree of depression is common in people who are coping with cancer, and some cancers are more frequently associated with depression, like those that arise in the pancreas and lung. About 25 percent of all people with cancer experience clinical depression, causing distress, impaired functioning, and decreased ability to follow a treatment schedule. Not surprisingly, depression is seen more often in people with advanced stages of cancer, and in those who have more disability from their cancer and/or poor pain control. It is not uncommon for people with advanced cancer to experience hopelessness or a sense of helplessness when they first learn that their cancer has recurred or that the treatment has failed, whether or not there are alternative treatments available for the cancer. A period of shock, disbelief, or denial is very common, often followed by a period of depression. With time, most people with cancer and their families are able to come to terms with what at first seems impossible to accept. For many, understanding what to expect and gaining more knowledge about the cancer and its progression make it easier to move forward.

If the initial sense of hopelessness or helplessness persists and is accompanied by feelings of despair, guilt, and worthlessness, the possibility of significant depression should be considered. It is important that you speak with your doctor, healthcare team, or your family and friends about these feelings. Depression can make all of your symptoms worse. Another reason it is important to talk to your healthcare team about depression is that some of the drugs used to treat cancer may make your depression worse. For example, steroids (dexamethasone, prednisone, etc.) may make depression more severe, and some biologic therapies, like interleukin-2 and interferon, can cause depression. Both counseling and medications can make a very big difference in how you feel and improve other symptoms at the same time. There are many medications available to treat depression, some of which begin to have an effect within two to four weeks.

In addition to counseling and medications, here are some other strategies to consider:

• Talk about feelings and fears that you may be having– do not keep them inside.

• Remember that it is OK to feel sad and frustrated.

• Try deep breathing and relaxation exercises several times a day.

• Don’t blame yourself for feelings of fear, anxiety, or depression.

• Engage in enjoyable activities.

Depression in the setting of advanced cancer is best treated by a combination of medication, supportive therapies (such as relaxation and distraction), and counseling. Your prognosis, and therefore the time available for treatment of your depression, is an important consideration when choosing the best treatment. If you have months of treatment ahead of you, you have time to wait the two to four weeks sometimes needed to see the benefit from the majority of antidepressants. If the time is very short, stimulants (which act more quickly) may be of greater benefit to you. Many people assume that depression is inevitable if you have cancer. This is not true. Treatment for depression has proven benefits for anyone living with cancer.

Source: http://www.paactusa.org/newsletters/index.html

“Joe Ferrara’s Life Was Saved By A Coincidence Of Cosmic Proportions”

Article by Graham Haworth - Santa Cruz Sentinel Correspondent

A little over a year ago, Joe Ferrara’s life was saved by a coincidence of cosmic proportions. Ferrara, the owner of Atlantis Fantasyworld, was visited by two longtime customers. The two men came in separately, about a week apart, and told Ferrara they had just been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Neither of them showed any symptoms.

Ferrara was so struck by their stories that he decided it was time to get himself checked out. He did, and was diagnosed with prostate cancer, although they caught it at a very early stage. He had surgery in July of last year, and was released in August. He credits his two longtime friends, one of whom succumbed to the disease, with saving his life.

Ferrara wants to do the same for other men in the Santa Cruz community. He’s launched a prostate cancer awareness campaign, and his target audience are young men.

“Most people are just not informed about prostate cancer,” said Ferraro. “The awareness of prostate cancer is nowhere near the awareness that women have of breast cancer. Men have this block about getting informed, even though one in three men will get prostate cancer. That makes it the most prevalent kind of cancer.”

Since most of his customers at Atlantis Fantasyworld, a comic book store, are young adult males, Ferrara said he has the perfect chance to help inform people. He recently bought every ticket for the 1 p.m. Saturday (May 27^th) Santa Cruz Cinema 9 showing of the new “XMen” movie. Anyone that comes into his store and donates to the Santa Cruz County Prostate Cancer Support Group receives a ticket to the screening.

“Early detection gave me all kinds of options,” said Ferrara. “It gave me the power to live life and to make decisions.”

Ferrara hopes to raise $1,000 for the SCCPCSG. Atlantis Fantasy-world is located at 1020 Cedar St. in downtown Santa Cruz. Call the store at 426-0158 if you have any questions.

Source: http://adserver1.harvestadsdepot.com/stcruzsentnl/ss/047191/

Safeway Stores Raise Money For Prostate Cancer Foundation

Safeway Inc., one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America, has partnered with the Prostate Cancer Foundation for the sixth year in a row to raise money for prostate cancer research and awareness.

During the month of June, Steve Burd, Safeway’s president and chief executive officer, leads a company-wide campaign that includes point-of-purchase promotions at more than 15,000 checkout stands in all 1,600 Safeway Stores in the U.S. raising more than $4.4 million for prostate cancer research.  Employees also participate in internal fundraising drives to boost proceeds. Since its inception in 2001, this campaign has raised more than $12.5 million for prostate cancer research.

SAFEWAY has three locations in Santa Cruz County:

2650 41ST Ave, Soquel, CA ------16 Rancho Del Mar,  Aptos, CA -------- 2111 Mission St Santa Cruz, CA

Older Prostate Cancer Patients May Not Benefit from Aggressive Treatment

Study suggests that decreases in quality of life might outweigh treatment benefits

WEDNESDAY, May 31 (CancerConsultants.com) -- According to the results of a study published in The American Journal of Medicine, aggressive treatment of prostate cancer in men aged 75 or older was linked with worse quality of life and only a small survival benefit.

A factor that may influence treatment choice is the health of the patient. Patients who have a short life expectancy due to other chronic health problems may be less likely to benefit from active treatment than patients with a longer life expectancy. Although health status isn’t necessary linked with age, researchers continue to explore how treatment outcomes vary by age.

To assess prostate cancer treatment outcomes among elderly men, researchers evaluated 465 prostate cancer patients between the ages of 75 and 84. One hundred and seventy-five of the men had been treated with prostatectomy or radiation therapy (the aggressive therapy group) and 290 had received no treatment or hormonal therapy only (the conservative management group).

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      By two years after prostate cancer diagnosis, over 80% of the deaths among study participants were from causes other than prostate cancer.

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      Men who received aggressive treatment were less likely to die of prostate cancer; the difference in risk between treatment groups, however, was only 6%.

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      Men who received aggressive treatment were more likely to report daily urinary leakage and to be bothered by urinary and sexual problems.

The researchers conclude that aggressive treatment of prostate cancer slightly improved survival among prostate cancer patients aged 75 or older, but decreased quality of life. The researchers note that “Physicians and older patients should consider these outcomes in making decisions about…treatment.”

Reference: Hoffman RM, Barry MJ, Stanford JL et al. Health Outcomes in Older Men with Localized Prostate Cancer: Results from the Prostate Cancer Outcomes study. The American Journal of Medicine. 2006;119:418-425.

Source:  http://www.prostatecancerfoundation.org  -- produced by CancerConsultants.com

We Need Your Help…….

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life® is an event that raises awareness of cancer, celebrates survivors, remembers those lost to the disease, and raises funds to fight cancer through research, education, advocacy and patient services.

Be part of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life! Together, we’ll honor the courageous spirit of people who have been touched by cancer.  Our support group will be having a table at this great event and we’d really appreciate if you can spend a couple of hours helping out. Please call anyone on the steering committee if you can help and we’d love to see you there.

           Relay For Life of Santa Cruz    July 15 - 16, 2006  Cabrillo College, Aptos, CA

            Relay For Life of Watsonville   August 12 - 13, 2006 Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds

Fair Use Notice: This newsletter may contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owners. We believe that this not-for-profit, educational use constitutes a fair use of the copyrighted material (as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law). If you wish to use any copyrighted material for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

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The Santa Cruz County Prostate Cancer Support Group does not endorse any provider, organization, product or individual.  All medical decisions should be made with the advice and consultation of medical professionals.

Our newsletter serves over 250 members. Many THANKS to the American Cancer Society for assisting with the printing and mailing of this newsletter and the Katz Cancer Resource Center for allowing us to use their facility.