Who We Are…

The intent of our support group is to offer a platform for those with prostate issues (prostate cancer, BPH, etc.) to connect, share their experiences, and point out resources to help them navigate their treatment journey. The support group is not a substitute for medical advice but aims to inform and provide a network for patients. The group features member roundtables, where patients share their experiences, and hosts speakers who discuss various topics related to prostate treatment and management. 
Our Group offers a spectrum of information on prevention and treatment. We provide a forum where you can get your questions addressed in one place by men that have lived through the experience and are familiar with resources in the area. Prostate cancer is very personal. Our goal is to make you more aware of your options before you begin a treatment that has serious side effects that were not properly explained. Impotence, incontinence, and a high rate of recurrence are very common side effects and may be for life. Men who are newly diagnosed with Prostate Cancer (PCa) are often overwhelmed by the frightening magnitude of their condition. Networking with our members will help identify what options are best suited for your life style.  
Things to consider when you are initially diagnosed:

• Unless it is an aggressive form and has metastasized, there is time to make a decision, don’t rush into a treatment that will affect the rest of your life.

• Be your own case manager.  There is a lot of good online info to help ask valid questions and make an informed decision about treatment.

• Second opinions are a good idea, particularly if you are uncomfortable with the first.

• If you are having difficulty reaching your doctor and their office, don’t expect that to change.

• Be aware of potential side effects of each type of treatment.

• There are excellent tools to assess extent and aggressiveness in addition to PSA, including blood tests like PHI and 4Kscore, and scans like PET PSMA and 3T MRI (pelvic and whole body). Don’t be afraid to request their use before biopsies and treatment.

• Strongly recommend MRI guided targeted biopsies.

• Consider what is most important to you when choosing a treatment option: removing cancer completely, expected quality of life after treatment, length of treatment, location of treatment center, etc.