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Recent Newsletters

September 2026

September 28, 2026
 
This is the last week of September and in honour of the prostate cancer awareness month we have our last two sessions the Prostate Cancer Foundation Canada seminar series, occurring today (September 28th) and on September 30th.
 
The details of the seminars are provided below:
 
  1. For the September 28th seminar:
Speaker: Kristen Anderson
Title: When Sex Changes: A Practical Guide to Intimacy and Sexual Recovery for Men and Their Partners; Before, during and after prostate cancer treatment
Brief description:
Prostate cancer and its treatment can change desire, erections, orgasm, ejaculation, body confidence and the way partners connect. But changes in sexual function do not have to mean the end of intimacy or a satisfying sex life.
Join sexual health coach Kristen Anderson, MA, MBSR, for a practical, compassionate conversation about navigating these changes, expanding the definition of intimacy and discovering new possibilities for connection and pleasure.
Date and time: September 28th from 4-5 pm PST
For Kristen’s seminar, participants also have the option to submit their questions in advance through a Google Form. Please feel free to share the link below with anyone who may wish to submit a question: https://forms.gle/pyKZropCyk7Zo7MT7
2) For the September 30 seminar:
Title: Prostate Cancer Across Diverse Communities: Perspectives, Experiences & Navigating the Journey
Description:
This seminar brings together voices from Asian, South Asian, and Black communities to share their experiences of navigating prostate cancer. Speakers will discuss the cultural, social, and personal factors that can shape the cancer journey, from diagnosis and treatment to accessing support and care. The session aims to foster greater understanding, awareness, and dialogue around prostate cancer across diverse communities.
Speakers: William Yung, Keith Berganza, and Tracy Reece
Timing: 3-5pm PST
If you are interested in joining either session, or if you would like to share this opportunity with others, please feel free to share the registration link. You are very welcome to register and attend.

September 2026 Newsletter

September 21, 2026

A few upcoming online meetings from Prostate Cancer Foundation Canada:

  1. For September 22nd the details of the presentation are:
 
Speakers: Dr. Connor Wells (Medical Oncologist) and Gabriel Su (Registered Nurse)
Topic: A brief overview of the current treatment landscape for metastatic prostate cancer
Description: This seminar is being presented by Dr. John Wells and Gabriel Su (RN).
The objectives of this presentation are:
1)To understand the various treatments approved for metastatic prostate cancer
2)To appreciate the differences in treatment effectiveness and side effects
Biography:
1) Dr. John Wells is a medical oncologist at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Calgary, with specialized training in clinical trials and genitourinary and gastrointestinal cancers. He completed his medical oncology residency at BC Cancer in Vancouver, followed by a clinical trials fellowship at Barts Cancer Institute in London.
2) Gabriel Su is a Registered Nurse with experience in outpatient oncology. He currently works with Dr. Wells in outpatient oncology, where he supports patients through their cancer treatment journey, including assessment, education, symptom management, and care coordination. Gabriel has a particular interest in prostate cancer and is passionate about helping patients better understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and the resources available to support them throughout their care
Registration link:
Date and time: September 22nd from 3-5pm PST
 
   2) For September 24th the details of the presentation are:
Topic:  What’s next in prostate cancer? Upcoming treatments and clinical trials for metastatic prostate cancer
Description: This seminar is being presented by Dr. Connor Wells 
The objectives of this presentation are:
1)To gain insight to new and upcoming treatments currently in clinical trials
2)To understand the process of participating in a clinical trial
Biography: Dr. Connor Wells is a medical oncologist at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Calgary, with specialized training in clinical trials and genitourinary and gastrointestinal cancers. He completed his medical oncology residency at BC Cancer in Vancouver, followed by a clinical trials fellowship at Barts Cancer Institute in London.
Date and Time: September 24th from 3-5pm PST
If you are interested in joining either session, or if you would like to share this opportunity with others in your network, please feel free to share the registration link. You are very welcome to register and attend.
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  As follow-up from the PEPSS September meeting, we are providing the following links for your reading pleasure:

July 2025

July 6, 2025

This week we lost a good friend and valuable member of our peer support society. Ray Provencher would spend time with us as often as he could despite his illness. He was a generous man, inspiring all of us with his tenacity, kindness, courage and determination. It was a blessing to have him with us. We extend our condolences to Ray’s family for their loss. Below is the obituary from Ray’s family:

 

In loving memory of Ray who passed away July 3, 2025 

Ray had a way of turning moments into memories. Whether it was his laugh echoing through a movie theatre, his unmistakable sneezes, his knack for blurting out something awkward at the perfectly inopportune moment (which he would later recount in vivid detail to his family), or his unwavering commitment to being the last one clapping, he reminded us, again and again, that joy lives in the little things, especially when shared with those we love.

Ray was such a kind and loving soul: a caring dad, husband, son, brother and uncle. He poured his heart into his family, going head-to-head in Wordle with his daughter Ayla, building Lego creations with his son Sam, and taking long walks through Millcreek Ravine with the family’s dogs Poppy and Matilda. He and his wife, Carrie, shared a love and home full of laughter, warmth, and joy. As a vegetarian for nearly 30 years, Ray turned mealtimes into memorable family moments—often centered around a new lentil-based experiment that Carrie concocted. Whether the recipe was a hit or a hilarious miss, the dinner table was always a place of connection, laughter, and playful games shared with those Ray loved most.

Ray had a deep passion for cycling and held a lifelong love for kung fu movies, often quoting his favourite lines. He loved puzzles, from Suduko to fitting too much luggage into the trunk of the car to interpreting IKEA furniture instructions. And most of all, Ray loved helping people. He considered it a true honour to play a role in improving the lives of others through care, precision, and compassion in his role as a seating specialist. 

 Ray’s passing leaves a space that will never be filled, but his joy, kindness, and unforgettable laugh will continue to echo in the hearts of everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Carrie, his children, Ayla and Sam, his parents, Ray and Murielle, and his sister, Michelle, along with her family, Travis, Lauren, and Emily, as well as countless extended family and friends.

The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the incredible staff at Unit 43 of the Grey Nuns Hospital and at the Cross Cancer Institute for their exceptional care and kindness, as well as to his colleagues who went above and beyond to support Ray’s journey. 

 

Ray had a way of making life brighter, funnier, and more meaningful just by being in it. We are so grateful he was.

 To share a memory or story about Ray, please visit: bit.ly/MemoryForRay.

December 2024 Newsletter

January 7, 2025
 

Thanks for the excellent support and participation in 2024. 

Please accept the Executives’ wishes for good health and memorable times with family and friends in 2025.  Dr Tamm advised us that the Canadian Association of Nuclear Medicine has reached agreement with Novartis to include a new drug (Pluvicto) in the treatment of metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (cancer that has spread beyond the prostate). This is a precision cancer treatment that uses a radioactive particle (lutetium 177) that binds to prostate cancer cells that express PSMA. The radioisotope attaches to the target cells and damages them, disrupting  their ability to replicate. This is a game changer for men that have had PC escape the prostate  gland.

There will be a bit of a delay before Pluvicto is available as each Province has to follow protocols to use it as a treatment modality. A reasonable guess before it is available would be 6 months from this date.

Stephanie Weimar contacted me seeking men in our Society that may be interested in participating in a short film to speak of their experience in the Canadian healthcare system. As the “wait” list continues to grow for PC treatment, this would be an effective lobby for improvement. 

Producer – award winning Jamie Kastner (https://cave7productions.com/). Check out his past work.

Stephanie Weimar – writer / director / story editor.  stephanie.wiemar@gmail.com  / 416 827-4277. Contact Stephanie for more details.

 

We have several men in the Society that are excellent speakers that know their subject well. Give this opportunity some consideration. It might be your first step to possible fame.

 
National Council Activities:  www.prostatecancersupport.ca

August Newsletter

August 8, 2024

As you know we will not be meeting in August. However PEPSS is hosting a BBQ for the membership of Wellspring in appreciation for the monthly use of their facility. The BBQ will be held Tuesday August 13 between 11:30 and 1:30. Randy Petersen has secured donations of  food and supplies from his employer (Torch Industries).  All we need is a few members to give us a hand to serve the meal. It would be great if you can help us out and have a little fun. Please let Terry Kirkland know if you can give us a couple of hours of your time (text or email 780 909-9960 – terry48kirk@gmail.com) . Thanks


According to a recent communication from the Kipness Centre staff, PSMA Pet scans will be available for purchase in Alberta August 9th. MIC will be the provider of the Pet scans. I am not sure of the cost – my guess, about $4000.   As you know the PSMA Pet scan can determine the location of  Prostate cancer that has metastasized outside the prostate. This is incredibly helpful to determine a treatment program. The PSMA Pet scan is far superior to the bone scan offered. 


There is a website members can explore if they would like to participate in  clinical trials around the world. Clinic Trials are an important component for improved treatment / cures for diseases. https://www.ancora.ai/


A little help please. Uro Spot is a business advertising a chair that apparently works the pelvic floor and kegel muscles to help improve continence. Have any members or spouses tried this treatment? If so, are you willing to share your experience? Call Terry with your assessment. 780 909-9960. 


The ManVan is hosting its first fund raising event September 8 to 14. We would be pleased to have as many members as possible attend this unique event. This fundraiser offers 7 nights of exceptional dining at Cafe AMORE Bistro (10807 106 ST)  The evening starts at 5:30 and offers a different meal selection each evening. A celebrity MC will host the evening. Click on the attached link and be sure to click on the + sign for the menu and celebrity MC. https://www.prostatecancercentre.ca/thatsamorefesta/. Treat your spouse or friend to an evening of fine food, fun and entertainment. Encourage  family, friends or colleagues to join us with this unique and important fundraiser. Nona and I will attend Friday September 13.

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.