14 July 2022
Eltham Prostate Cancer Information and Support Group
When were you diagnosed with prostate cancer?
After monitoring my PSA for 10 years at the age of 58 my PSA reached 4.05. My GP referred me to a urologist and after an MRI and Biopsy I was diagnosed in May 2016 with a Gleeson 7. I had Brachytherapy in November 2016 which went very well and after 6 years my PSA is down to .14. If I had not been a member of the Support Group I may not of had this treatment. I believe I was probably one of the most informed prostate cancer patients after having nearly 10 years of hearing about every type of treatment available.
What's the biggest challenge you faced after your prostate cancer diagnosis?
My biggest challenge was telling my family and friends I had cancer. I was lucky in that I was able to give them the confidence of a positive outlook based on the knowledge I had gained from being involved with a Support Group. I poked a bit of fun at my fellow support group members who I blamed for my diagnoses after hanging around with them all for seven years.
How long have you been involved with the Eltham Prostate Cancer Information and Support Group?
I joined the group about 15 years ago as a volunteer and have been the Convenor for the last eight or so years. I was also on the Victorian PCFA Chapter Council and became the Chairman of the PCFA National Support and Advocacy Committee in 2009. I was also on the Victorian and National PCFA Board between 2009 and 2015.
You’ve recently re-launched the group, what prompted this?
We moved the location of our meetings into the middle of Eltham and the group decided to change the name from Diamond Valley to Eltham as its an actual suburb. We also included the words “Information” in the name to try and attract people also looking for information.
To help relaunch the group and focus on new ways to market it locally, we engaged the support of two young volunteers in the community to assist us. We have been very fortunate to have their support and help us promote the new group, along with a new website. If you are looking for young volunteers to help - approaching the local high school or University is a great place to start.
What motivates you to give back through the group?
I feel motivated every time I speak to someone who has reached out for information about their recent diagnosis. They all seem so grateful afterwards. I hope this has come from getting answers to questions they haven’t been able to ask others. I am especially satisfied when I get phone calls from women seeking information because their husbands won’t attend the group or seek support.
Having so many guys who keep coming to the group to tell their personal prostate cancer story to new guys is motivating. They come back more for new guys than for themselves.
What's one piece of advice you'd like to share to other groups struggling to gain traction after COVID?
Connect with your local Council. Most Councils have a responsibility to promote local groups to their residents as reducing health burden is now on Councils agendas.
Also, reach out to local Community Groups like Rotary, Lions and Men’s Sheds, and ask if you can present about your group to their members. Most have members over the age of 40 which is our target demographics.
In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?
Spending time with my wife, our children, grandchildren and friends. I also enjoy playing golf with my son and mates. My wife and I have recently experienced caravanning, so we hope to do more of it as I am hoping to semi retire later this year.
