Prostate Cancer Support Edmonton
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April 2024 Newsletter

 
Tuesday, April 9th
Doors open for setup at 6:30PM, Meeting 7:00-8:45PM
 

The Executive is very pleased to announce our speaker for the April
9th meeting will be Dr Howard Evans. He will be joined by Emily Lennstrom,
Director of Philanthropy Royal Alexandra Hospital.

The members are acutely aware how demanding and busy the urology
professionals are. When they share their time with us, we encourage all
members to show appreciation for our medical professionals and attend the
meeting. Bring along a friend / neighbor/ wife that might have not
attended a meeting for awhile.

Dr Evans will provide an update on the influences that dictate waiting
times and procedures. He will discuss equipment acquisitions and
strategies that will improve efficiencies of their day to day operations.

As members understand, Dr Evans must refrain from discussions of personal
treatments suggested and undertaken by his peers and the medical
professionals in oncology and radiology.

By attending this meeting you have the opportunity to provide men that will
follow in your footsteps a better outcome. Let’s fill the room and show
our appreciation to Dr Evans and all the men he has offered an extended and
productive life.

Thanks for helping PEPSS and men that will be diagnosed with prostate
cancer.

 
We will provide light snacks and drinks at the meeting. 
 
As always, you are encouraged to bring along a friend or family member that may be facing a PC diagnosis. If you are aware of someone struggling with PC, let us know and we will try to help. 
 
If you have questions or suggestions before the meeting, email Terry Kirkland: info@pepss.ca
 
Terry Kirkland
 
National Council Activities:  www.prostatecancersupport.ca

ManVan Update, January 2024

The ManVan initiative is a growing success. Coordinator Keith Persuad has the Van booked until the end of March.

We would enthusiastically welcome more volunteers to help host these events. This is a simple task. We approach men that appear to be between 50 and 70 years of age and ask if they would like to receive a free PSA test . If they consent, we use a small tablet to collect a minimal amount of personal information – date of birth, postal code and a point of contact where they can receive the results of their test. More often than not, the men that consent often put the data into the system. A very easy task. If you shadow myself or one of the other volunteers for an hour, that will allow you to determine if this volunteer opportunity is for you. When we recruit a few more volunteers the Calgary Prostate Centre will facilitate a training session.

You can also volunteer as a driver of the ManVan to scheduled events. The 32′ ManVan is scheduled to arrive in YEG in June. It is designed with 3 nursing stations and equipment to process and spin blood samples collected. In the interim we are using a 19 seat passenger van to deliver the equipment to the events. CPC pays the drivers $25 per hour and if the event is out of town, expenses and accomodation costs.

An example of upcoming events – The YEG Home and Reno Show / The Boat and Sportsman Show / The Home and Garden Show / Lexus of Edmonton private event. Out of town events will include Beaver Lake Cree Nation / Duffield Paul Nation. The future will take us to some of our northern cities served by the Kipness Clinic.

I have had the pleasure of working with several members and there is no shortage of fun and kibitzing. Come and join us.

If interested, contact Terry Kirkland at terry48kirk@gmail.com / 780 909-9960 text or call. This will allow us to schedule an orientation course and collect the necessary info for CPC.

If you want to test run this opportunity, let me know and I will gladly have you shadow me for an hour or so at one of the events. If you are at the Home Reno Show this weekend ,stop by the booth and introduce yourself.

Thanks for helping to spread PC awareness.

January Newsletter

 
Tuesday, January 9th
Doors open for setup at 6:30PM, Meeting 7:00-8:45PM
 

Please accept the Executive’s wishes for a fulfilling 2024 and the good health that allows you to enjoy the coming year.

Dr Desmond Pink is our scheduled speaker for the January 9th membership meeting held at the lovely Wellspring facility. Desmond will provide an update on the newly launched ClarityDX testing protocol. This test is a refined PSA testing protocol and Desmond will share the most recent responses from PC patients, the medical practitioners and health care providers such as AHS / FDA and Canada Health. There are several PEPSS members that have received this test and if they are present, I am sure Desmond will include them in his presentation.

The ManVan has a busy January schedule and our thanks to those that have volunteered to attend these clinics. There is always a need to increase the volunteer contingent, so we can embrace the “many hands make for little work”. A permanent ManVan will arrive in YEG in the spring and is expected to travel to some Northern Alberta communities. As a driver you will be paid $25 per hour and expenses incurred when volunteering. I have had fun with this volunteering and got to know members on a more personal basis. Come on and share that fun. Send me an email indicating you will help and we will set up an orientation course for you to attend (4 or 5 hours.) Thanks to Joe and Bruce for offering to shadow us at a couple of January stops.

Dr John Lewis and his research team lead by Desmond, have generously given their time to the PEPSS group. Let’s provide Desmond with reciprocal support and attend the meeting to show we appreciate the endless work they do to improve PC treatments. The meeting is held at Wellspring, Tuesday January 9th (11306 65 Ave) . Call to order at 7:00PM. Adjournment before 9:00 PM.

Thanks for the engaging support year in 2023. Let’s keep the momentum going.

 

We will provide light snacks and drinks at the meeting. 
 
As always, you are encouraged to bring along a friend or family member that may be facing a PC diagnosis. If you are aware of someone struggling with PC, let us know and we will try to help. 
 
If you have questions or suggestions before the meeting, email Terry Kirkland: info@pepss.ca
 
Terry Kirkland
 
National Council Activities:  www.prostatecancersupport.ca

December Newsletter

Thanks to the 29 members that attended the November meeting to listen to and provide support to our speaker Ray P. By all accounts it was an informative and engaging meeting..

Please join us at Wellspring December 12 / 7:00 PM for our monthly meeting. Bryan Krysta has agreed to share his story on treatment for a very large prostate. Brian did spend time at the Kipness Prostate Clinic and after consulting with our urology team, chose to have treatment in the USA. Brian is an articulate professional that will enlighten those in attendance. Come and support Brian.

We are always trying to broaden our membership resources so we can assist those that join us on the PC path. If you have received Cryotherapy, and are willing to share your experience please contact Terry (780 909-9960). If you have prostate cancer that has metastasized and is outside the prostate, we could profit from your experience if you are willing to share.

Tuesday, November 14th
Doors open for setup at 6:30PM, Meeting 7:00-8:45PM
 
We will provide light snacks and drinks at the meeting. 
 
As always, you are encouraged to bring along a friend or family member that may be facing a PC diagnosis. If you are aware of someone struggling with PC, let us know and we will try to help. 
 
If you have questions or suggestions before the meeting, email Terry Kirkland: info@pepss.ca
 
Terry Kirkland
 
National Council Activities:  www.prostatecancersupport.ca

October Newsletter

Members
Thanks to the 39 members that attended the  September meeting. Dr Kinnaird stated he was impressed and the trickle down effect at the Kipness Clinic will put us in good stead. Thanks again for answering the call.
 
One of the Executive goals is to lobby  for an improved Kipness Centre education program. The Calgary Prostate centre has a very robust education program ranging from spiritual care to partner care.  Treated PC members are the CPC volunteers helping new members navigate their clinic.and educating.
 
We are fortunate to have Bear Johal in town from Vancouver for the Oct 10th meeting. Bear is the owner of Osborn Medical Canada. He has developed the only FDA approved vacuum therapy solutions used primarily for penile rehab and health. He has conducted extensive educational sessions for many prostate groups. He will present at the Kipness Centre the following day.  
 
I can assure members,  you will be surprised at how many urology clinics include this in their educational programs.. Calgary included. 
 
Give the Executive some help and be prepared to share the educational material/classes you received at the Kipness Centre.
 
Meeting Location: the lovely  Wellspring Facility.(11306 65 Ave) Tuesday Oct 10. Doors open at 6:30.
Adjournment not later than 8:40 PM. Could use help setting up chairs and putting them away. 
upon adjournment.
 
Hope to see another great crowd.

Terry for the Executive
780 909-9960
terry48kirk@gmail.com

August Newsletter

The Man Van
Members
I hope summer has been enjoyable for everyone and families.
 
The Executive is seeking help with a dynamic project that will unfold in the next 8 weeks.   Calgary Prostate Centre is bringing the ManVan to Edmonton for a permanent residency. The ManVan is a mobile lab that appears at “events” and is fully equipped to check men’s PSA count. They have agreements in place with the urology clinics to ensure a second test is conducted and follow up is completed even if the man does not have a family doctor.  The ManVan will remain in YEG for the next few years and  ultimately service our Northern neighbours, rural areas and Indigenous  communities. There is no cost for the testing to the patient.
 
Ideally the Executive requires about 10 / 12 volunteers. They will act as Ambassadors at the events and encourage men to visit the “van”.  Of those volunteers we would need  to qualify 3 or 4 drivers. Neither of these activities is a big volunteer commitment as scheduling will work to minimize all efforts.   It is expected 3 events will be held this year. You control your time contribution.
 
Schedule:  
Evening of Sept 19th / morning of the 20th – volunteer interviews. 
Wed Oct 4th / Thur. Oct 5th – volunteer training
Media Event Friday Oct 27th- Central Fire Hall / EPS present as well.
Saturday Oct 28 – first ManVan event – Kingsway Garden Mall
 
This is a glorious gift to raise awareness of PC.  Please give serious consideration to making PEPSS a significant player in the Edmonton PC scene and share your skills and knowledge. 
 
Please send an email to Terry to request the volunteer job descriptions and application.
 
Thanks
The Executive.

July Newsletter

I hope everyone is enjoying summer and health as good as it can be considering the circumstances.

 
A few quick notes:
 
Reminder – Edmonton’s own Dr Adam Kinnaird  is featured on the BC Prostate Cancer speaking roster  July 13th. Dr Kinnaird has been instrumental in the new precise biopsy, precise external beam radiation treatment and a prostate MRI  before treatment. These processes are game changers. Let’s support Adam and tie into his seminar on the 13th.  bccancerfoundation.com
 
VP Randy  Peterson and I attended the Partnership in Prostate Health sponsored by AB Cancer , Royal Alex Foundation and the U of A Foundation June 15. The who’s who of prostate cancer in Edmonton were in attendance. Our friend, John Sexsmith was the MC and he plugged  the importance of  PEPSS. He also slyly arranged to have me speak for a minute to the audience. A great stop I thought.  Thanks John.
 
In July, I met with Ward Sutheralnd  to plan an Edmonton visit of the “Man Van” . This Van is operated by the Calgary Prostate Centre. This van is equipped to take PSA tests on site. It usually appears at events to maximize testing.  I assured Ward we have a great volunteer contingent to assist with the “Man Van” when we finalize dates. I am sure you won’t let me down when Van visits. Easy fun volunteer duties.
 
Most members will have heard me speak of the “Choma Will” William Choma graciously named PEPSS and 32 other charities as  recipients in his substantial “Will”. We expected to receive those funds in June / July. The Will has been challenged and the proceeds will be delayed for months I suspect. The Executive did not attempt to raise any funds based on the windfall. Unfortunately that leaves us in a bit of a cash shortfall. The Edmonton Community Foundation Kirkland Fund will gift $1000 to PEPSS this week. If any other members have some “spare change” to share with us, we would be most appreciative. As a registered Federal Charity, we will provide a charitable receipt for any offerings received.   
 We will even add your name to our website “sponsor page’ if you are comfortable with  the undertaking.
 
Enjoy the rest of the summer. See you in September. Location to be determined
.
Terry for the Executive

March 2023 Newsletter

Members
Again, please accept the Executives apologies for the short notice cancellation of the February meeting. We appreciate the understanding.

Scott Davis graciously agreed to speak to the membership in March after the February cancellation. Scott is an international businessman that has received PC treatment in the USA and in Canada. His experience in both countries and his depth of knowledge on the disease itself will enlighten any member in attendance. Scott Davis co-presented with Dr. Adam Kinnaird in November 2022. You can expect Scott to be an engaging speaker that speaks frankly to treatment modalities.

We will provide light snacks and drinks at the meeting. The meeting is being held March 14th, at the Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 176 St). Doors open at 6:30. Meeting call to order at 7:00pm.
 
As always, you are encouraged to bring along a friend or family member that may be facing a PC diagnosis. If you are aware of someone struggling with PC, let us know and we will try to help. 
 
If you have questions or suggestions before the meeting, call Terry.
 
Terry Kirkland
780 909-9960
 
National Council Activities:  www.prostatecancersupport.ca

February 14th Meeting

You don’t want to miss the February 14th evening meeting. We recognize it is Valentine’s day and the importance of our “sweethearts” . Ensuring your “sweetheart  feels special just before or after Valentine’s day, may free up your Tuesday evening. 
 
Scott Davis, a very successful international business owner, will be our guest speaker.  Scott  has received PC treatment in Canada and the USA. Scott presented with Dr Adam Kinnaird in a recent webinar. Scott’s in depth PC treatment at home and in the USA gives him a knowledge layer that will educate and stimulate your PC understanding. Don’t miss Scott’s presentation at the Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 – 176 St  at 7:00 PM). Invite friends or family that may have been touched by PC.
 
The Executive strives to keep emails to a minimum.  Dr Tamm has requested the assistance of our membership to seek equitable treatment for men with prostate cancer.  We will provide details on how you can help. Watch for an email in the coming week explaining  how we can help Dr. Tamm and his colleagues meet their pursuit of fair treatment for men diagnosed or living with PC.

December Newsletter

Members

In keeping with the wishes expressed at the November 8th meeting, we will hold our monthly meeting at the “cafe” located at Westend Seniors Activity Centre (9629 – 176 St). Doors open at 6:30 meeting 7:00 PM.  Adjournment 9:00 PM.
 
We will provide light snacks and drinks at the meeting. We do not have a speaker scheduled for this meeting. The intention is to hold an open forum so members can share their PC experience or seek peer assistance with any treatment challenges they are facing.
 
As always, you are encouraged to bring along a friend or family member that may be facing a PC diagnosis. If you are aware of someone struggling with PC, let us know and we will try to help. 
 
If you have questions or suggestions before the meeting, call Terry.
 
Terry Kirkland
780 909-9960
 
National Council Activities:  www.prostatecancersupport.ca

Talk to a member that has received prostate cancer treatment

You may not want to ask questions at a group meeting. You may want to speak with someone having the same issues. You may want to talk with someone who has gone through the same treatment you are considering. Or after treatment, you may be dealing with complications.