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SUPPORTER is the newsletter of
the Kidderminster Prostate Cancer Support Group This electronic version includes articles and announcements but excludes some of the graphics and advertisements in the paper version.
PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP KIDDERMINSTER & DISTRICT REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1100718 P.O. B OX 3854, KIDDERMINSTERWORCESTERSHIRE DY11 5WP www.kidderminsterpcsg.com PATRON Nick Owen March 2012 ISSUE 43 Editors |
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Mary Symons |
John Banner |
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Editorial
Editor - Mary Symons
Dear All, I am pleased to announce that John Banner our Membership Secretary has agreed to be co-editor with me on the Newsletter and will be producing the next Newsletter for June. Contact details above if you have any contribution for the next Supporter to John or myself. We have moved forward with the Facilitator role and discussed the first pilot started by Dennis Anelli, prior to the A.G.M. at the town hall on Monday 16th January. By the end of the evening we signed up 22 potential facilitators which included 2 ladies who are keen to offer their help supporting the ladies of the group. We know when a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer that it does not only impact on him but on his wife/partner also, and we feel that we have a role to play in supporting these ladies from the outset. There are approximately 400 members in the group at present, but not everyone needs regular contact from a Facilitator, so after the initial phone call from a Facilitator they may just need a contact number and just a phone call once a year, if they have not attended the events that we run throughout the year. Paul Markall has worked hard to set another 9 groups since the town hall meeting and is working on the logistics for setting up more. It is important that we ensure that every new member is contacted by either a Facilitator or committee member as soon as they join the group and John Banner will ensure that we are informed when we have a new member. I have been asked by Paul to ask if anyone would consider being a Facilitator for the Bewdley area? One of the things that we feel we had lost as a support group was members talking round a table at the quarterly meetings and at the A.G.M. this is possible. This made it much easier for myself and other members of Committee to get round the tables and talk to our members properly. We know it is not always possible to do the seating like this when we have a high profile speaker who will attract more people than the A.G.M. does. However, quality is more important than quantity to run a support group, and I personally feel that the atmosphere was more open and warm because people were able to interact with each other. Also, we had the wonderful music of Richard Leadbetter and then wonderful comic talent of Peter McGovern as our after dinner speaker, marvellous and thank you so much to both gentlemen.
I am pleased with the Speakers we
have managed to get for our Town Hall meetings this year.
Professor Pandha from Surrey is working with a team on the new
EN2 urine test which could actually diagnose prostate cancer in
the urine. This would not necessarily replace a biopsy of the
gland because we would still require a tissue diagnosis, but it
could mean that men would not go through so many unnecessary
biopsies. He is coming to give us the results of their research
to date, and many in the medical profession are waiting for the
outcome of this research with high hopes. In July on a lighter note we have David Skitt coming to talk about steam railways and the journey from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth, something of great interest to many of our members. Also I am delighted to have got Professor Nick James to talk to the group in October, he is one of the leaders in prostate cancer treatments in the country and is well known to some of our members. I will let you know more about his talk when I get confirmation from his secretary. I am working hard on some interesting speakers for 2013, if anyone has any ideas please let me know. As a Committee of a Charity we are lucky to retain most of our Trustees year in year out, unfortunately we lost the wonderful Frank Carter last year but I think most charities would consider themselves lucky to retain a Treasurer for as long as we retained Frank. Two other Trustees have resigned in the last 12 months, but in a 2 year period that is a record for most charities that I am aware of. We were lucky to welcome back John Banner as our Membership Secretary, who was a sad loss to us when he moved house and had so much DIY to do. Can I thank Paul Markall, John Banner and Fred Lancaster for the comic contributions to this Newsletter, keep them coming please.
Happy New Year, Mary
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“My prayer for 2012 is for a Fat bank account and a
thin body. |
Question: “How many days in a week?”
Answer:
6 Saturdays, 1
Sunday. |
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Co-Editor
Hello everyone, I am back to share the production of the ‘Supporter’ with Mary. I never really went away after standing down as secretary, I continued by being Membership Secretary. I am back on committee as a co-opted member. I checked when I came off committee and it has been nearly two years. In that time I have moved house, to a house that needed a little doing to it. Ha! Ha!, until management got involved. I have re-roofed the carport and garage, refitted and tiled the kitchen, decorated the hall and laminated the floor. Only a lounge and two bedrooms and bathroom to go, so I thought I should find something to do. Here I am Co-Editor, some people never learn do they. Oh dear, I forgot about the garden.
John Banner
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President
Mr Jonathan Sullivan
I would like to thank the Kidderminster Prostate Cancer Support Group for inviting me to take on the role of Honorary President and medical adviser of the Support Group. I was appointed Consultant Urologist at Kidderminster Treatment Centre in March 2006, taking over from Mr. David Baxter-Smith. In the years since then I have met members of the support group as patients at the hospital, and seen first hand some of the excellent work the Support Group does in assisting patients with prostate cancer. I was also fortunate to work for 3 years with Mary Symons when she was Urology Clinical Nurse Specialist at Kidderminster, before she moved into her new role working with the Worcestershire Prostate Cancer Survivorship Project. The Support group wants to refocus its efforts on its core aims, which are to provide help to patients and their family and friends, when they are given a new diagnosis of prostate cancer, when they are going through treatment such as surgery or radiotherapy, and also for those whose prostate cancer is more advanced. I see my role as helping to inform discussions on how best to support patients and keeping the support group up to date on new medical knowledge in diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. I hope that my role as the main urology consultant at Kidderminster will help maintain links between the support group and the NHS at the Treatment Centre. Another part of the support group’s activity is to promote education and understanding of prostate problems and how they are treated. Some of you will have seen me at the support groups annual education evenings, which have been a great success and I hope these will continue and go form strength to strength over the coming years. As you know the support group has also promoted understanding and awareness of prostate cancer through providing PSA blood tests at the Town Hall and elsewhere. I hope to further strengthen this process and ensure that everyone taking part understands the advantages and disadvantages of the PSA test before they decide to proceed with blood testing. I am delighted to be the new Honorary President and Medical Adviser to the support group, and I look forward to working with the support group to ensure that prostate cancer patients in Wyre Forest get the best possible care and support. Jonathan
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Question : When is a Pensioner's bed time? Answer : 3 hours after he falls asleep on the couch |
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What is a Multi-Disciplinary Team You may all have been told by us when you first had your diagnosis, “we’ll see you after we have discussed your case at our multi disciplinary team meeting”, and wondered why. I hope the following explains why and proves to you we are doing it for your benefit! When you have a diagnosis of cancer, your case is discussed at the hospital’s appropriate multidisciplinary (MDT) meeting. They meet weekly to discuss all new cancer patients and the continuing care of others. The purpose is to ensure that patients receive a coordinated approach to their care. The team works by following national guidelines on how they should work together and with other specialist services. They are there to ensure that each patient is given the same high standard of care, and to make clinical decisions based on the review of the most appropriate investigations and treatments. They are responsible for working out your treatment plan and deciding if any further tests are necessary. Sometimes there is a choice of treatments (for example, surgery or radiotherapy) that is available after discussion at MDT. The team should include: A lead clinician (usually a surgeon) who takes responsibility for the meeting and who specialise in performing the type of operation which may be recommended for you. An administrator who co ordinates the meeting and makes sure your records are kept up to date. An oncologist who specialises in the treatment of cancers. A radiologist who is an expert in performing imaging (x-rays, Ct scans, MRI scans etc) and in interpreting the results. A histopathologist who examines tissue and cell samples under a microscope. A clinical nurse specialist who specialises in a particular type of cancer and can act as a link between you and the team. In Worcestershire we also link in by video conferencing to our partners around the region in Cheltenham, Coventry and Wolverhampton as some specialist treatments take place in these hospitals. This means that all patients receive the best possible care no matter who your GP is or which hospital you attend.
Penny Templey
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Question : What do pensioners
call a long lunch? Answer : Normal Question : What is the best way to describe retirement? Answer : The never ending coffee break |
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Vintage Tractor Run for Prostate Cancer
On Boxing day over fifty vehicles, including thirty five vintage tractors and early model Land Rovers, a milk float and a timber towing truck gathered at Keenes Farm, Wyre Forest. Harry Bray and Ray Attwood had put out an open invitation for a tractor run to raise awareness and collect donations for Prostate Cancer Support, and their friends responded magnificently. The tractors left at 10.00 am and took a circuitous route down very narrow lanes, much to the dismay of oncoming drivers, to Little Lakes Leisure Park. They were met by Nick Fernihough, Park Manager who presented a cheque to our treasurer Paul Markall. Paul was persuaded, and foolishly accepted, to ride on the trailer of a tractor alongside Michael Carr. Michael and his wife Gill are involved in both Prostate Support and Vintage tractors groups. The convoy went through Little Lakes Park and went off road. At this point Paul got off the trailer and retreated to a Land Rover. The tractors made their way down the lanes to Dog Lane car park, Bewdley and were met by most of our committee and their partners. The tractors soon attracted a large crowd and it was a superb opportunity to promote awareness by leafleting along with a bit of bucket rattling. The Tractors returned to Keenes Farm where the money was counted and presented to Pauls Brothwell and Markall. In all, £607.00, plus the cheque from Little Lakes, was collected. An enormous thank you to the tractor drivers, male and female as well as Father Christmas, and their committee, but the biggest thanks must go to Harry Bray and Ray Attwood for suggesting it.
John Banner
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Question : How many pensioners to change a light bulb ? Answer : Only one, but it might take all day ! |
REMINDER Annual subscriptions of £5 were due on 3rd January 2012. If you have not completed a standing order with your bank, then payments can be made either by cheque or cash to any member of the committee. If you no longer wish to remain as a member of the Group, again please inform a committee member in order that we can amend our records.
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Question : What is
the common term for someone who Answer : Nuts ! |
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The information and opinions expressed in this Newsletter are not an endorsement or recommendation by the Kidderminster and District Prostate Cancer Support Group or the Editors, for any medical treatment, services or course of action. For medical, legal, or other advice, please contact the appropriate professional of your choice.
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Visit to the National Memorial Arboretum
Your committee has agreed to arrange a ‘day out ‘for members and partners similar to those we have had in past years. This year it has been suggested that we don’t go too far away and that we try to link with our national pride (culminating with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in June). The venue is the National Memorial Arboretum which is situated at Alrewas, set in 150 acres of trees and gardens located within the National Forest near Lichfield. It was created in 1997 and already has 50,000 trees planted amongst various memorial areas remembering those who have served , and continue to serve the nation in many different ways.
The date is Thursday 3rd May and we anticipate
departing from the hospital around 9.00am (TBC later). On arrival at
the visitor centre those who wish can join the daily Act of
Remembrance in the Millenium Chapel which is followed by an
introductory talk from an experienced volunteer. We can then join a
guided walking tour or take a tour on the Land train around the
site. Back then to the visitors centre we can purchase some
refreshments in their café/restaurant or take our own picnics which
must be consumed in picnic areas away from the centre. The date is Thursday 3rd May and we anticipate departing from the hospital around 9.00am (TBC later). On arrival at the visitor centre those who wish can join the dailyAct of Remembrance in the Millenium Chapel which is followed by an introductory talk from an experienced volunteer. We can then join a guided walking tour or take a tour on the Land train around the site. Back then to the visitors centre we can purchase some refreshments in their café/restaurant or take our own picnics which must be consumed in picnic areas away from the centre. After lunch we will drive to the nearby City of Lichfield for a guided tour of the only medieval Cathedral in England with three spires’ finishing up with tea/coffee and biscuits in the College Hall. Charges for the day are £5 per person members and partners or £10 for non members (Non returnable deposit). Admission to the Arboretum is FREE but donations are welcomed. Any refreshments must be paid for on the day. The site also has free wheelchairs, and motorised ones at £5 per day both of which have to be booked and reserved in advance. We have booked a 49 seater coach with toilet facility and at this early stage we are asking for those who are interested in coming to this day out to let us know as soon as possible by phoning Colin Tomkinson on 01562 66593. As soon as we know the level of interest we will come back to you for your £5 deposit per head plus any requests for wheelchairs. At this stage members and partners will have priority over non members.
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Facilitators Information |
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Background The role of the facilitator was initially brought about following a letter that the committee received from the wife of one of our members who had passed away. In the letter she said, “where were you when I needed you“! With a group of some four hundred members it is almost impossible for your committee to monitor the well being of a group this size. It was therefore decided to break the group down into smaller units of approximately 10 members and install a facilitator to act as a communication link between the members and the committee. (An administrative role.) As a facilitator, you may need to use elements of the above information when you first contact your group as some of the members may not be fully aware of what we are attempting to achieve, ie. Improved communication and support. Guidelines for Buddies/Facilitators These guidelines were drawn up by Mary Symons and a sub-group for ‘caring’ to help and guide men who take on the role of buddy, or in this case facilitator, to any other member of the Support Group. It is extremely important that as a facilitator you adhere to this document. In addition to the above guidelines, it was agreed that facilitators would contact their group every three months following the first call. We are also asking for a record to be kept of the date when calls were made and any correspondence you believe may be of use to a future facilitator should you no longer wish to continue in this role, as we will need to maintain continuity. |
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Data Sheets Supplied
A list of your group members including addresses
and telephone numbers. • Committee contact numbers. • Guideline document for Buddies / Facilitators. • A number allocated to your group for identification purposes. If you have any queries regarding the enclosed information, please contact Paul Markall or Mary Symons. February 2012
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Question: “What is the biggest advantage of going back to school as a retiree?
Answer: If you cut classes, no one calls your parents.” Question : What do you do all week ? Answer: Monday through to Friday, NOTHING ….. Saturday and Sunday I rest.”
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Emails When we changed to an annual subscription, on the membership form was a request for members e-mail addresses and one hundred and twenty members filled in that information. The idea was that we could contact a range of members quickly usually for Mary, or to lobby the NHS on prostate cancer treatment or trends, etc. It seems that with the NHS those who make the most noise get results. I did send an e-mail to members at Christmas and it worked well. Unfortunately, due to my lack of expertise, I sent them out in groups of about twenty and not individually. Which means of course you had access to twenty or so members e-mail addresses. I can only apologise and assure you I can now send e-mail with only your address showing. Anyone wishing to be removed from or added to the circulation should contact me at: bandjbannerdash@gmail.com
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The Christmas Card Postage Error
Our most sincere apologies to those members who had to pay postage excess and collect their Christmas envelope. We were assured that the lapel badge would just fit into the small envelope category. What we did not reckon on was the badge moving between the cards and expanding the thickness, changing it to the large envelope category. So some members had to pay excess and others paid nothing. We can only apologise again and offer to reimburse those members who had to pay. Please contact a committee member to arrange this. |
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Wives Membership
In a similar vein, when we changed the subscription and issued membership cards, some wives and partners thought they had to pay to get a membership card. In our constitution wives and partners get automatic free membership and can attend meetings with our members, without a card. However, any wife or partner who wants a card in their own right can get one by contacting me:- John Banner, Membership Secretary, by email: bandjbannerdash@gmail.com or by phone 01562 228535. I will need your first name, family name and the membership number of your other half. It will cost you nothing, it is free.
John Banner
“Every sixty seconds you spend angry upset or mad, is a full minute of happiness you’ll never get back.”
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Annual General Meeting
Strains of music coming from the Kidderminster Town Hall, and, dare I say, many elderly people eager to join in, no not a Silver Age Disco but the A.G.M. of the Kidderminster Prostate Group. There was a very good turn out on a cold and icy evening with Richard Leadbetter, our ‘resident’ pianist giving of his best as usual.
Our Chairman Paul Brothwell welcomed and thanked everyone for their support through what had been a difficult year. A warm welcome was given to our new Hon. President Jonathan Sullivan who said he was very pleased to take on the role and would try to support us in many different ways, up to date urology, new drugs, new tests etc. Support for P.S.A. testing was controversial but it potentially still has a role, all things developing over time, he said the K.P.G. is greatly acclaimed and would keep moving forward. Paul thanked all the committee for their sterling work throughout the year and all were re-elected to carry on for a further twelve months. A cheque for £627 was presented by Titan Steel Wheels which I think brought a smile to our Treasurer’s face as he remarked in his report all charities were finding things difficult, but we were keeping our chins above water. |
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Neil Pearson, the Sales Manger at Titan Steel Wheels, Cookley, presenting the cheque for £627 to Paul at the A.G.M.
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Mary Symons spoke on the Buddies Scheme and introduced Derek Anelli who is a Facilitator for the group, who spoke on the first pilot group after the raffle and refreshments, ably provided by our resident ‘maitre-de’ Colin Tomkinson and the ladies. Our evening speaker, Peter McGovern, an excellent after-dinner speaker and professional golfer was then introduced and gave a most amusing talk, accent on the amusing, his jokes came thick and fast and one wondered how he found time to teach or play golf. After leaving school he went straight into golf, 1971 saw him take the P.G.A. exams then time spent at Churchill and Blakedown clubs before going to the prestigious Belfrey where he has been since 1981, also having been host to four Ryder Cups An entertaining evening was enjoyed by all and presentations were made to both Peter and Richard.
J.O.S.
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From The Chairman
The ninth Annual Meeting in January was a very happy and successful meeting. The number of members attending was excellent for an Annual Meeting. For those of you who could not attend, all the committee and officers were re-elected for the coming year. This was a welcome relief for the Committee who had worked so hard in so many different ways though the past year. They all felt that this was a vote of confidence in all they were doing for the Support Group.
We had a very informative presentation by Mary Symons and Paul Markall on the ‘Buddy’ scheme and the development of the ‘Facilitators’ within the group. This has been taken up, so that we are showing practically, that we are developing further the care and support of all our members. This is very much at the forefront of the Committee. The evening was rounded off, after the buffet supper, by Peter McGovern whose humour and humorous observations of life concluded the evening in a wonderful way. Thank you to Richard Leadbetter for his selection of music both before and after the Annual Meeting. I look forward to seeing you all at the Education Evening in the Town Hall on the 16th April at 7.30 p.m. With all good wishes for a Healthy New Year.
Paul Brothwell
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Man who runs in front of cars gets Tyred: Man who runs behind cars gets exhausted |
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War does not determine who is right, it determines who is left.
Man who drives like hell is bound to get there.
Lady who goes camping must beware of evil intent.
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And now that you have enjoyed reading this edition of the SUPPORTER time to go to the diary and events page to plan your schedule GET YOUR DIARIES OUT !!!! |
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