No Support Group Meeting In February

Tuesday February 14th – Happy Valentine’s Day! Our usual evening meeting will be canceled so that everyone can spend the evening with someone special in their life. 

A message from Garry:

Hello All

Your Steering Committee hopes that everyone is doing well and had a great Holiday Season as well as enjoying the relatively mild winter so far. The nasty stuff is knocking on our door this week.

Guy Jolin

First of all, we want to pass on that our dear friend, Guy Jolin, is currently going through a difficult time and is hospitalized at Hotel-Dieu. Guy has been with our group for many many years and is a valued member of your Steering Committee.  Our thoughts are with him and his wonderful wife Joannie.  If anyone would like to connect with Guy, he would welcome any text messages at 519-981-8215. You can also contact us if you want some information such as how to best communicate with Guy.

Winter Program

We wanted to give everyone a quick update on our winter program changes and plans.  Most importantly is our decision to NOT have a February membership meeting.  We did not take this decision lightly; however our feedback to date has concluded that there will be minimal attendance due to many members being away, enjoying southern climates, as well as many who would prefer more romantic endeavors on Valentines Day. Weather is always a wild card for travel to a February meeting. In addition, our winter program is planning to attract Urologists and Radiologists as speakers; after our long COVID pause, we want to make sure there is maximum participation for these respected presenters.

Please take advantage of any or all of the upcoming programs offered online by Prostate Cancer Support Canada. Check out details below or follow this link:

https://mailchi.mp/prostatecancerbc/january-2023-newsletter?e=30e4966d09

It is our plan to have our next meeting on Tuesday 14 March at the Hospice.  We are working hard to try and have this meeting as a hybrid ZOOM meeting. This would allow those in attendance at Hospice to enjoy real person interaction (and Noel’s banana bread), but also to allow out of town folks, and others not able to attend, to participate.

In the meantime, please continue to provide us with suggestions on how to improve our program.

Garry

As we move into the new year, we look back with gratitude and look forward with excitement. We can’t wait to continue working with you – our incredible community – to improve and expand the support that we provide to prostate cancer patients and their loved ones across Canada. As always, if you have suggestions, comments, or questions about any of our services, please feel free to reach out.

Have your grandkids for the weekend and want to keep them busy? Or do you or someone you know enjoy drawing, painting, creating, or designing? We need your help to design the Father’s Day Walk/Run’s 25th anniversary T-shirt! Please submit your creation to Nicole (nicole@prostatecancerbc.ca) by Thursday, January 26th.

THURSDAY, JAN 26TH, 2023 | 6PM PST (9PM EST)
Prostate cancer affects both partners in a relationship. This support group offers a safe space for caregivers and loved ones to share their experiences, triumphs, and concerns. 

Check out the Partners in Prostate forum where you can chat with other partners 24/7.
Register now

Coast to Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group TUESDAY, JAN 31ST, 2023 11AM PST (2PM EST)

Join us for our Coast to Coast support group meeting that will feature special guest speaker, Dr. Phil Cohen. Dr. Phil Cohen will be speaking on theranostics in nuclear medicine and the role that they play in prostate cancer. “Theranostics” is a combination of the terms “therapeutics” and “diagnostics.” The term is used to describe the combination of using one radioactive drug to identify (diagnose) and a second radioactive drug to deliver therapy to treat the main tumor and any metastatic tumors.

Register now

TUESDAY, JAN 31ST, 2023 | 
7 PM EST (4 PM PST)

PCS Toronto welcomes Dr. Andrew J. Evans, Chief of Pathology at Mackenzie Health who will be speaking on ‘Understanding Gleason Scores and Pathology Reports.’This presentation will cover the processing of prostate needle core biopsies and radical prostatectomy specimens and how pathologists establish a histologic diagnosis of prostate cancer. 

Register now

WEDNESDAY, FEB 8TH, 2023 |  4PM PST (7PM EST) This group welcomes men and their loved ones dealing with prostate cancer that has spread, that no longer responds to ADT, or is high risk. Advanced prostate cancer patients deal with unique issues. Come for the information, stay for the support. New attendees are given priority to share. For immediate support, check out the Advanced Prostate Cancer forum where you can chat with other partners 24/7.

Register now

THURSDAY, FEB 9TH, 2023 |  4:30PM PST (7:30PM EST) This group offers support and information to men looking into active surveillance as a non-invasive treatment option for their low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Learn more about how active surveillance works and why it’s not the same as just ‘avoiding treatment.’

Register now

TUESDAY, FEB. 28TH, 2023 | 
11 AM PST (2 PM EST)

Following Justin Lorentz’s presentation will be an opportunity for Q&A and support group discussion.
Register now

CHRISTMAS PARTY

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2022, 5:30 PM

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 594

5030 HOWARD AVENUE, OLDCASTLE, ON N9H 0M3

Please let us know if you’re coming.

In order to assure success, we would like to know the following:

·         Numbers of members and guests who plan to attend;

·         Who will be bringing desserts; and

·         Any suggestions that would make this event memorable.

Please e-mail us (winexpcsg@gmail.com) or contact any of our Steering Committee members; their contact information can be found on our website (www.wpcsg.com/steering-comm

Our Christmas party is planned for a 5:30pm start on Tuesday 13 December 2022 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 594 located at 5030 Howard Ave.; this coincides with that Legion’s bi-weekly spaghetti dinner.  This dinner costs $10/person and normally runs from 4:30pm to 6:30pm; it includes all-you-can-eat spaghetti, salad and a bun. 

The Legion will segregate part of the hall for our members and they will let us remain and enjoy the hall after the dinner has finished and everyone else has left. 

In Other News…….

A couple of opportunities for Prostate Cancer Survivors to help:

University of Toronto – Prostate Cancer Study

The Exercise Oncology Lab (PI: Dr. Linda Trinh) at the University of Toronto has an exciting study opportunity for prostate cancer survivors. The study is testing a distance-based program to help prostate cancer survivors sit less and move more. The study is all done in the comfort of their own homes and no study visits are required.  

We are looking for prostate cancer survivors across Canada to participate in this study. We are wondering if your Prostate Cancer Support Group would be willing to help spread word about this study opportunity with its members through email, social media, posting flyers, etc.? 

I have attached the consent form, recruitment flyer, and a link to the recruitment video for more information about the study. If you are able to help, we would be happy to provide e-mail templates about the study for you to advertise this research.  

Recruitment video: https://www.powtoon.com/s/bIT5QNU61YS/1/m/s  

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our research team at the Exercise Oncology Lab at 416-946-5856 or at exercise.oncology@utoronto.ca 

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. 

Warmly,

Michelle Ha, HBSc

Research Assistant, Exercise Oncology Lab

The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is seeking storytellers that have been affected by prostate cancer to help us advance our advocacy work. Our Story Centre program is a collection of stories that help CCS to demonstrate how we are making a difference in the lives of people affected by cancer and their families. The storytellers we work with may share their experiences in several ways, from social media or blog posts, to speaking opportunities with elected officials or media interviews.

We are interested in hearing from people with personal prostate cancer experiences or caregivers who wish to share their story to inspire others. In particular, we are looking for people who have lived experience with, or feel passionately about, the following topics:

• Cancer screening and early detection, including PSA testing
• Access to care, including the impact of COVID-19 on wait times and staffing shortages
• Stigma associated with prostate cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment
• Access to drugs, including limited or unstable access to drugs needed in relation to your cancer journey, or the bureaucracy in gaining access due to the admin involved
• Palliative care, including home care, grief and bereavement and caregiver support
• New technology and innovation in cancer care, including new treatments, technology, research investment and virtual care

If you or someone within your support group is interested in participating in our Story Centre program, please email shareyourstory@cancer.ca with the following information:

• Full name
• Community/Province
• Overview of cancer journey
• Connection to one or more areas of our advocacy work as listed above
• Connection to Canadian Cancer Society (if any)

These stories help us to raise awareness about who we are, what we do and how we help. Thank you for considering this opportunity.

Thank you,

Sasha Frost (She/Her)  Sr Advocacy Specialist (Public Engagement) / spécialiste principale, Défense de l’intérêt public (engagement public) Canadian Cancer Society / Société canadienne du cancer

E Sasha.Frost@cancer.ca 
T (905) 259-2721
55 St Clair Avenue West, Suite 300 / 55, avenue St. Clair Ouest, bureau 300 
Toronto, Ontario  M4V 2Y7 

Wednesday, December 14th 4 pm Pacific/12 pm Eastern This group welcomes men and their loved ones dealing with prostate cancer that has spread, that no longer responds to ADT, or is high risk. Advanced prostate cancer patients deal with unique issues. Come for the information, stay for the support. New attendees are given priority to share.  REGISTER NOW.

11 am Pacific/2 pm Eastern Tuesday, December 27th  Join us for our Coast to Coast support group meeting that will feature special guest speaker, Dr. Stephen Choi.  Dr. Stephen Choi, recipient of one of our 2022 research grants, will be speaking on his award-winning research focussed on developing advanced prostate cancer drugs.   Register now

Wednesday, December 28th 6 pm Pacific/9 pm Eastern Prostate cancer affects both partners in a relationship. This support group offers a safe space for caregivers and loved ones to share their experiences, triumphs, and concerns. Check out the Partners in Prostate  forum where you can chat with other partners 24/7. REGISTER NOW.

Tuesday, January 31st 11 am Pacific/2 pm Eastern Following Dr. Phil Cohen’s presentation will be an opportunity for Q&A and support group discussion. REGISTER NOW.

Sign up for our Prostate Cancer Support Canada newsletter, Your Monthly Debrief, to ensure you’ll receive monthly prostate cancer support updates including: Upcoming support group meetings, webinars, conferences, and events Available clinical trials and research opportunitiesThe latest news in the Canadian prostate cancer support communityReminders to participate in our  free exercise and yoga sessions

Sign up for the Prostate Cancer Support Canada newsletter

Tuesday November 8, 2022 Monthly Support Group Meeting at the Hospice (6038 Empress St.):

Our November monthly meeting will be at 7:00 pm on Tuesday 8 November at the Windsor Hospice.  For this month, we are very fortunate and pleased to have a presentation by Nancy Hannon, Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH) Social Worker.

Nancy worked at the Windsor Regional Cancer Program for 15 years.  She has her Bachelors of Social Work Degree (1990) as well as a Criminology Certificate (1990).  Nancy was in Children’s Mental Health for 16 years prior to the Cancer program.  She currently supports both out-patient patients and their families as well as patient’s in the Out-Patient Palliative Clinic.  Nancy is an active member of the Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) Caregiver Support Committee as well as Cancer Care Ontario Sexual Health Committee and she supports patients and their partners with their sexual health needs.

Nancy will provide an overview of social work services within the cancer program, how to refer, how the social work program supports patient’s/families and caregivers and the importance of emotional, psychological and sexual support.  She will bring pamphlets and a resource for those that wish to take one. The Hospice venue is again available to us for this upcoming meeting.  Masks are no longer required, we just ask that all participants sign in when they enter the building (sign-in is in the entryway). COVID screening forms are not needed at this time. If possible, please bring snacks as we have done in the past. 

Future Planned Monthly Meetings
Don’t forget that our December holiday party will be at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 594 (Howard Ave.) on Tuesday 13 December, which is coincident with that Legion’s bi-weekly $10 all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner.  This turned out to be a great venue last year. The Legion cordoned off our own hall and many members brought pot-luck desserts.  So please mark it on your calendars and start baking goodies for the event.  If you plan to go, please let us know so that we can get an idea of numbers.

For the upcoming 2023 winter meetings (February to May) the following doctors have indicated a desire to meet with us and provide a presentation:

Dr. Igor Gaisinsky  (Diagnostic Radiology);

Dr. Jonathan Peng (Radiation Oncologist); and

Dr. Ryan McLarty (Urologist), who is new to Windsor.

If there are other ideas you have for presentations, please let us know.

2022 Grow-On Campaign

The Grow-On Windsor 2022 campaign kicked off last Friday and continues through the month of November. Our team site is now set up and can be accessed at this link:

(https://www.canadahelps.org/s/nhzetE)

We would be pleased to have as many of you as possible as team members to spread the word to your family, friends and associates. Simply follow the above link and click on the “Join This Team” button.

If needed, Jim Fair can help if you run into any issues.

Awareness Presentations to Companies and Organizations – We have been giving awareness presentations to various organizations (VistaPrint, Royal Canadian Legion, CARP, etc.). If you are aware of any company or organization who might be interested in having us join a Health & Wellness presentation, please let us know. Thanks to Murray, Greg, Jim L., Guy, Noel, Brian, Don, Jim F. and Garry for helping out with these awareness activities. We have a good supply of our new brochures. Please pick up some at the November meeting to take with you to your medical professional appointments.

Hockey Games – We recently manned awareness booths at the LaSalle Vipers and the Lakeshore Canadiens hockey games and will be manning an awareness booth at the Windsor Spitfires game (12 November).  Thanks to Wayne, Garry and Jim for your help. If you are interested in participating, please let us know.

Golf Shirts and Baseball Caps – Golf Shirts and Baseball Caps with our new logo are available to order.  If you are interested in buying shirts ($30) or caps ($20), please let us know. Prices include all taxes and shipping costs.

Prostate Cancer Support Canada 2022 Virtual Conference – You can view recordings of the presentations and download any available slides by visiting this link: https://mailchi.mp/prostatecancersupport/2022pcvcday1.

Membership and Volunteers – If you are aware of other potential new members, please let us know.  We would also welcome women and others who are not survivors but who want to help.  If there are other areas that you would like to volunteer for, please let us know. Please get involved!!!!

Garry

Garry W. Loeper, CD, MScEng, PCIP, PMP, PEng

e-mail: gwloeper@gmail.com

cell: (613) 913-4799

Please join us tonight, October 11th, 7:00pm at Hospice of Windsor, 6038 Empress Street, Windsor. We ask that you simply sign in when you enter the building (sign-in is in the entry way). We are back to a pre-pandemic format. Masks are optional and COVID screening forms are not a requirement at this time. If you wish, please bring snacks as we have done in the past. 

Our speaker will be Jackie McCreary, who will speak to us on “How to Effectively Communicate with Your Healthcare Provider”, focusing on your rights and responsibilities as a patient. Jackie will offer us tips and hints on navigating the health care system, advocating for yourself, feeling empowered and learning better communication skills.

Jackie was an Obstetrical nurse at Met Hospital and has authoured a book “Food for Life, and for Thought”. She also owned From the Heart Boutique, for 32 years, serviing hundreds of women going through chemotherapy and needing hair replacement. 

Other Notes and News of Interest:

Wrapping up the 2022 Prostate Cancer Support Canada Virtual Conference

The 2022 Prostate Cancer Virtual Conference was a success with participants from all across Canada, the States, and even Malaysia and Tunisia! We were proud to host incredible speakers from across the country including Dr. Richard Wassersug (How to Find Trusted Information), Dr. Linda Carlson (Managing Difficult Emotions with Mindfulness), Dr. Juanita Crook and Dr. Neil Dwyer (Ask a Radiation Oncologist and Urologist), Reanne Booker (Maintaining Intimacy in Partnerships Affected by Prostate Cancer), Justin Lorentz (Prostate Cancer and Genetics), Nicole Baba (Your Most Asked Questions: Incontinence, Sleep, Nutrition, Exercise, and More), Dr. Brian Goldman (The Power of Teamwork), and many more.

If you missed the second day of the Conference, you can find the recording on our YouTube channel by clicking here youtube.com/prostatecancerbc, Using the ‘chapters’ on YouTube, you can easily skip between presentations to find the information that you’re most interested in.

Sign up for the Prostate Cancer Support Canada newsletter, Your Monthly Debrief, to ensure you’ll receive monthly prostate cancer support updates including: Upcoming support group meetings, webinars, conferences, and events Available clinical trials and research opportunitiesThe latest news in the Canadian prostate cancer support communityReminders to participate in our free exercise and yoga sessions

Sign up for the Prostate Cancer Support Canada newsletter

View some of our recent uploads by clicking on any of the thumbnails below. New videos are uploaded frequently and can be accessed at our YouTube channel, youtube.com/prostatecancerbc, including the incredible ‘Six Stories: A Celebration of Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer’ forum.

Donations are always greatly appreciated to help us continue our grassroots work with, and for, prostate cancer patients across Canada.

https://prostatecancersupport.ca/donations/

Mitch Mason

July 01 1936 – September 19 2022

We are sad to learn of the passing of Mitch Mason, a founder of our group in 1994. Mitch served as Chairperson from 1998 to 2013 and devoted almost 30 years to helping others cope with, and navigate, their journey with prostate cancer. He remained an active member of your Steering Committee until recently, when he was afflicted with a significant non-prostate related medical  issue. He will be missed, but we will cherish our fond memories.

Mitch passed away peacefully at the age of 86 surrounded by his family. He will be forever missed by his loving wife Marian of 63 years. Loving father to sons Jerry and Jeff (Linda), grandfather to Trevor and Jacob, brother to Bernice (Russ), Walter (Katie), Helen (Rod), brother-in-law to Jerry (Marion). Predeceased by his loving parents Andrija and Ljubica Masanovich. Mitch will always be remembered for his outgoing personality and friendliness. Mitch worked for Weltronic and later for Centerline Welding where he thoroughly enjoyed calling on customers. He belonged to Club 55 and Prostate Cancer Support Windsor/Essex, was an avid sports fan, enjoyed exercising, and played AKO football.

A private Memorial Service will be taking place at WINDSOR CHAPEL (Central), thoughts and condolences can be made online at www.windsorchapel.com. Donations can be made to the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation in memory of Mitch.

Tuesday October 11, 2022 Monthly Support Group Meeting at the Hospice (6038 Empress St.):

The Hospice venue is again available to us for this upcoming October meeting following an unforeseen staff issue that impacted last month’s meeting.  Masks are no longer required, we just ask that all participants sign in when they enter the building (sign-in is in the entry way). COVID screening forms are not needed at this time. If possible, please bring snacks as we have done in the past. 

This month’s speaker will be Jackie McCreary who is a cancer survivor and whose husband is a prostate cancer survivor.

She has given the talk many times: “How to Effectively Communicate with Your Healthcare Provider, (HCP),” which focuses on the rights AND responsibilities of the “patient.”  The HCP could be a physician, pharmacist, chiropractor, naturopath, specialist etc.

It is filled with tips and hints as to how to navigate the health care system, advocating for yourself, feeling empowered and learning better communication skills.

Jackie was an Obstetrical nurse at Met Hospital working Labour/Delivery and Postpartum.  From there she developed her own business educating women/ couples prenatally and postnatally.   As well she did labour coaching and taught a children’s prenatal class & pre/postnatal exercise classes.  She also was involved in many homebirths.

Jackie authoured the book “Food for Life, and for Thought” (Information and recipes for the Pregnant Family)

She owned a Gift, Card & Wig Boutique, From the Heart, for 32 years servicing hundreds of women going through chemotherapy and needing hair replacement. 

Jackie experienced cancer requiring surgery but it was determined that she did not need further treatment with chemotherapy.  Until that was determined, however, she felt the many concerns and fears that come along with a cancer diagnosis. 

We look forward to this presentation that should directly benefit those attending, but should also be equally valuable to arm those of us who may encounter those newly diagnosed who are dealing with the medical system. 

Remaining Fall Program – Nancy Hannon, who is the Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH) Cancer Program Social Worker, will be presenting to us in November.  It is our current thought to again have our December Christmas Party at Legion 594, which coincides with their spaghetti night on Tuesday 13 December.  This worked out well last year.  Please mark that in your calendars and let us know your thoughts.  If you have ideas for presentations for the winter months, please let us know.

Awareness Presentations to Companies and Organizations – Garry Loeper has be giving awareness presentations to various organizations. If you are aware of any company or organization who might be interested in having a presentation, please let us know.

Hockey Games – We recently manned an awareness booth at the LaSalle Vipers hockey game and will be manning an awareness booth at Lakeshore Canadiens (28 October) and the Windsor Spitfires (12 November).  If you are interested in participating, please let us know.

VistaPrint Health and Wellness Fair – We recently manned an awareness booth at the VistaPrint Health and Wellness Fair on 23 September.

Legion 594 Health and Wellness Fair – We will be manning an awareness both at Legion 594 (Howard Ave) on 23 October.

More Community Awareness Events – Please let us know if you have ideas for us to promote ourselves at other sports events, company health and wellness fairs, fundraising campaigns, and other community events, etc.  We need to get the word out and we need your help!!!

Golf Shirts and Baseball Caps – We are ordering Golf Shirts and Baseball Caps with our new logo.  If you are interested in buying shirts or caps, please let us know.  Shirts will cost $30 and hats $20.

Prostate Cancer Support Canada – Jim Fair recently attended the 2022 Prostate Cancer Support Canada Virtual Conference, which was excellent.  You may view recordings of the presentations and download any available slides by visiting this link: https://mailchi.mp/prostatecancersupport/2022pcvcday1.

Financial Manager – We are still looking for a financial manager to relieve some workload off current SC members.  If you are interested, please let us know.

Webmaster – We are still looking for a webmaster to relieve some workload off current SC members.  If you are interested, please let us know.

Membership and Volunteers – If you are aware of other potential new members, please let us know.  We would also welcome women and others who are not survivors but who want to help.  If there are other areas that you would like to volunteer for, please let us know.  As our networking campaign gains momentum, we will need more horsepower.  These are exciting times as we emerge from COVID stagnation!!!!  Please get involved!!!!

Garry

Garry W. Loeper, CD, MScEng, PCIP, PMP, PEng

e-mail: gwloeper@gmail.com

cell: (613) 913-4799