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Hello,
For many Americans, August heralds the beginning of the school year. Because of COVID-19, we’re facing a school year like no other in living memory: distance learning, attending classes in shifts, and the fear of, not only catching this deadly disease, but bringing it home to our families. My thoughts go out to students, teachers, staff, parents, and everyone dealing with education together with their prostate cancer journeys.
Please know that Us TOO is here for you through our support groups, many of whom are meeting virtually, our online forum for Gay Men with Prostate Cancer and Their Partners, A Forum for Her for female caregivers, our website www.ustoo.org, and many other resources. You can always reach Us TOO staff through our HelpLine, 800.808.7866 as well as our main number, 630.795.1002. We are here for you, and you are never alone.
As always, we have a number of useful articles included in this issue of the Hot SHEET (CLICK HERE for the August issue). Let me highlight the Between the Sheets insert authored by Dr. Anne Katz. She gives a very thoughtful and compassionate response to a patient undergoing radiation therapy who is concerned about passing on radiation to his girlfriend. I hope everyone dealing with prostate cancer has sources of information as candid and caring as Dr. Katz.
Webinar Series:
Us TOO’s Prostate Cancer Connections Webinar Series will return in October with a totally new program focused on genomics and genetic testing. It will feature Medical Oncologist and Us TOO Board Member Heather Chen, MD, PhD and Genetic Counselor Katie Stoll, MS, LGC. Stay tuned to www.ustoo.org for details.
UsTOO and AnCan are co-sponsoring a 4-part webinar series entitled Active Surveillance and Beyond. You can view a recording of the July 30th program, and register for the September, November, and December programs though www.ancan.org.
Book Review:
Prostate Cancer Strikes: Navigating the Storm is the best prostate cancer book I’ve ever read. Period. Full stop. Gogs Gagnon takes us on his prostate cancer journey from his rising PSA, through multiple negative prostate biopsies, to his diagnosis, surgery, recovery, and survivorship. His humor and humility shine throughout the journey. Perhaps the most important feature to me is Gogs’ willingness to admit mistakes he made:
“If there were only one thing I would do differently, it would be to join a support group with Mary (his wife) before making the final decision to have surgery.”
I couldn’t agree more! I joined my first focus group after my successful surgery. Only then did I hear from my peers about the choices they’d made, their reasoning, and their experiences. (This was in 2005, so I didn’t hear anything about active surveillance). Frankly, I don’t think I would have changed my mind. Still, like Gogs, I would have felt more confident about my choice.
No matter where you are in your prostate cancer journey, this book might be helpful. As a patient, survivor, caregiver, relative, or loved one of a fallen warrior, you’re on a unique journey and you are not alone. This book could be a welcome companion.
SEA Blue Countdown—Less Than 6 Weeks Until September 13th
SEA Blue has been the largest prostate cancer run/walk in Chicago for the past 16 years. In 2020, the event is going National and Virtual. You can now participate from anywhere in the country. In fact, from anywhere in the world! I am honoring Beau and Barbara Hill Stubblefield, my late parents, by naming my team the BBHS Team. We’ve raised $2500 so far. My ultimate goal is $5000. Why not create a team to honor someone you love? You can raise funds, participate in the event, perhaps even host a watch party. You can now purchase your SEA Blue gear online at http://store.seablueprostatewalk.org. We’ll make sure you get it in time to be decked out for the “really big show.”
Anyone can register as an individual. Registration this year is Pay What You Can, given the current economic environment and the impact of COVID-19. There’s strength in numbers, and we’d love to have you supporting the Us TOO mission to provide support and education to the prostate cancer community at no charge. Register or donate at www.seablueprostatewalk.org.
COVID-19, Prostate Cancer, and Us TOO:
Us TOO has created a webpage dedicated to addressing the impact of the pandemic on all of us affected by prostate cancer. It includes our exclusive articles by Dr. Mark Moyad and many other resources. It is updated frequently, so please bookmark it and visit often. www.ustoo.org/covid.
Shalom. Salaam. Peace.
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Beau and the Us TOO Team
Beau Stubblefield-Tave, Executive Director
James Hutson, Development Director
Tracy Cameron, Administrative Assistant
Terri Likowski, Program Director - Support Group Services
Tim Mix, Communications Director
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