This page has resources for the "seasoned survivors" - those men who have been treated for prostate cancer and are concerned about their ongoing health issues.  

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ)

Bisphosphonates such as Fosomax, Aredia, or Zometa are a class of drug which is used to treat prostate cancer patients. Initially these drugs were used to treat or prevent osteoporosis, the weakening of bones due to hormone therapy. More recently it has been discovered that bisphosphonates also have some usefulness in preventing bone metastases, due to their chemical effect on bone tissue,

Recent experiences of patients treated with bisphosphonates  have shown that there is a significant risk of a condition known as Osteonecrosis of the Jaw, or ONJ. This condition occurs when jaw bone of a patient receiving bisphosphonate treatment is exposed to bacteria as a result of some traumatic event such as a tooth extraction or root canal. A patient suffering from ONJ may not initially have any symptoms, but as time goes on, there is loss of bone tissue and disfigurement.  For further information see the ONJ Website. Also see this article on Medscape.com.

Community Involvement

One of the things that we as prostate cancer survivors may do to help others is to speak out on the subject of prostate cancer in our community. Many men and their loved ones are not aware of the dangers presented by prostate cancer, and of how easily it may be diagnosed at a very early stage. There are many opportunities for us to do this - almost everyone is involved in some kind of social or civic organization, such as the Lions, Rotary, Elks, VFW, Church groups, and so on. It is usually easy to ask for ten or fifteen minutes to speak about a topic of importance to the health and well being of men over 50 in your group. If you need assistance or information pamphlets, just get in touch with a steering committee member, and we will give you any help you need. If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, we may be able to arrange for a speaker for your group. The photo is of Dr. Stephen Strum, Harry Pinchot, and Doug Thornton at a community awareness meeting sponsored by Don Cooley and the San Jose Prostate Cancer Support Group in April of 2001. The meeting was attended by about 200 men and partners.