Maryborough PCSG

Formation

A small group of key people met at the end of 2006 to investigate the formation of a support group specifically for prostate cancer. This workshop developed our operating principles which were adopted at the next public meeting.

Our Mission

to help others cope

Our Objectives

• to provide support, educational material and awareness in a confidential environment to men and their partners
• to provide an opportunity to talk to others in the "same boat" and to share the common experience of cancer
• to work with health professionals to provide medical advice and keynote speakers

At our 2008 review we did not alter these but replaced our initial strategies with "10 benefits offered by the MPCSG"

• partners are welcome and encouraged to attend 
• learn that you are not alone 
• contact our facilitators anytime - do not wait for the next meeting 
• share diagnosis experiences 
• access to a wide range of treatment experiences from others 
• hear guest speakers on key subjects 
• learn about the latest developments in prostate cancer research and treatment 
• gain greater confidence in making your treatment decisions 
• no obligation to attend meetings regularly--come along as often as you wish 
• part of a strong nationwide network of support groups affiliated with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia

We have been very fortunate in obtaining the support of highly credentialed guest speakers which has contributed to our community support and profile. Dr Tom Dunn (a local GP) a member of our inaugural planning committee was also our first guest speaker. 

He developed his own PowerPoint presentation and 76 attended our first public meeting in Feb 2007 following good support from our local media. 

Dr Boon Kua a visiting oncologist has twice accepted our invitation and gladly taken questions from the floor for over an hour. We have also been entertained by Dr Eric Donaldson pathologist- "deciding your Gleeson Score"; Jeff Milburn and Helen Stark who took us on a "virtual tour of S & N Pathology Lab"; Ros Male -continence nurse; Paul Kinbacher pharmist." 

Drugs for PC and complimentary medicines"; Michelle Tanwan-Sentinal Node Tracking Machine; Sharon Suter - government financial assistance plus several speakers from the Allied Health Cancer Care Team including dietician Michelle and team leader Neil.

We have been able to suggest to members to access an excellent DVD from Dr Bernie Mason, Premion, on Radiotherapy as we have been unable to source speakers in this area. We also display an extensive array of educational information each meeting.

In the local community we support Relay for Life with our PC team and conduct blueberry muffin drives to raise funds.

Activities

Our group meets 6pm on the first Monday of the month at St Stephen's Church Auditorium in Sussex St. We believe we are making a difference and "helping others cope' as originally planned.