I have just returned from being a consumer evaluator of 72 training proposals.  The program is part of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program.  This conference was sponsored by the US Army Medical Corp. and was excellently directed by the Constella Group - a contractor.  The prostate cancer proposals we evaluated were mostly excellent to very good, but only 1 in 5 could be funded since there was only $80 million allotted.  Breast cancer research got more - about $120 million as I recall.  The scientists on the panel were professors and doctors and came from prestigious institutions.  It was an honor to serve with them, and Constella managed the best conference I have ever attended.  Unfortunately for us, the research is funded for 2 or 3 years, and at the end of the period any immediate help is some more years away.  However one must walk before one can run.

Improved outreach: 

Telephone tree:  We had 14 members at our June meeting which was held at an unusual time of the year, in order to test the telephone tree.  At least 5 attendees said they came because we called them; they usually forgot in the past.

One-on-one counseling:  We have always offered one-on-one counseling, but we want to use the advertising dollars from the off-meeting months to announce the fact.  Henri has counseled a few men based on the ad.  Tom and I also counseled a young woman from East Texas, with ovarian cancer, who was bothered by her outcomes and the lack of effective communication with her doctor before the surgery.  I think Tom was a big help.

Have a nice summer.  Jerry Bylander

Date:  To be scheduled in August
Time:  6:30 pm - Social & Coffee  7:00 pm - Program
Location:  Classroom 1,  Wilson N. Jones, 500 N. Highland, Sherman, TX                              
Speaker: To be determined

New Meeting Plans:  We plan to continue our telephone tree to help get the word out.  We will ask those who want us to continue meeting, to take some names and call before the next meeting.  Please send us names and phone numbers of interested men.

As always the group does not recommend any particular treatment, therapy, physician, or hospital. US TOO Sherman is a prostate cancer group formed for the purpose of sharing information, education, and mutual support.   

Speaker:  Dr. Steve Johnson, a board-certified urologist with offices in Sherman and Denison

Topic:  Cryotherapy for Early Prostate Cancer

Dr. Johnson discussed the technique of prostate cryotherapy as well as the associated cure rates associated with this treatment.  He is the only urologist in Grayson County offering prostate cryotherapy for patients with prostate cancer. 

About the speaker:  In 2006 Dr. Johnson begins his 10th year of private practice in Grayson County.  In 2005 Dr. Johnson was honored nationally as one of only 16 urologists in the country chosen for the inaugural American Urological Association leadership class.  He is a Past President of the Texas Urological Society and been the first urologist to introduce many new technologies to Grayson County.

Date:  June 20, 2006
Time:  6:30 pm - Social & Coffee  7:00 pm - Program
Location:  Classroom 1,  Wilson N. Jones, 500 N. Highland, Sherman, TX                              
Topic:  An Oncologist’s Role in Prostate Cancer Therapy

Speaker:  Dr. Larry Barker, Sherman Oncology Clinic

The meeting consisted of a Q and A session with Dr. Barker's usual clear and helpful explanations. 

His discussion of the oncologist's role helped our members to have a more productive relationship with their physician and included tips on how to ask effective questions and how to exercise your role in making decisions about your care.  He also discussed dietary factors involved in improving a man's cancer therapy.

Your organization's meetings listed here.  Contact the Editor at jerryby@cableone.net.

Material posted here is intended for educational purposes only and must not be considered a substitute for informed medical advice from your own physician.

Jerry Bylander, Editor