Mission Statement
The mission of this organization and site is to make a difference in the fight to eradicate prostate cancer. By providing information from survivors not collectively available anywhere else we will arm men with knowledge who are or may be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Then, they can take charge of dealing with their illness, consult their urologist and choose the best approach to deal with prostate cancer.
Letter from the Founder
The odds of a man getting prostate cancer are daunting. One man in six will get it in his lifetime, 230,000 will be diagnosed and 27,000 are likely to die this year, according to the American Cancer Society. Prostate cancer is more than twice as prevalent as other forms of cancer, except for skin, according to the National Cancer Institute. And, many men are reticent to discuss this subject.
If diagnosed with prostate cancer, a man has many options, including as examples active surveillance, prostatectomy, or radiation which may be coupled with hormone therapy.
Which approach is best for you? Only your doctor can tell you! And, you can do a lot to inform yourself so you can make the best possible decision regarding your treatment.
I was diagnosed in August and underwent a radical prostastectomy on October 24, 2006 at U.C.S.F. Hospital in San Francisco. Between the time of my diagnosis and the operation I moved from passively accepting my first urologist’s opinion to taking charge of dealing with this aggressive tumor in my prostate. The story is not about me – the story is about you and many men who have dealt with prostate cancer, took charge and improved their chances of survival. I want to provide you information gathered during my odyssey that will be useful to all men facing prostate cancer. You will observe patterns in action, attitude and determination that may help you choose the best approach for you.
The cornerstone of this site is the information given by patients and survivors in one place that can be shared with others who are earlier in the process. We all have so much to offer others facing so much uncertainty and apprehension.
Over time we want this site to become the 'first stop' for people who may be or have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Then, using our links they can seek and find more in depth information about this disease. We envision providing important information that will enable men to ask the right questions of their urologists and make a more intelligent and informed decision as to the best treatment for you.
And, with the information gathered here we want to harness survivors to lead education and awareness campaigns!
Be careful to distinguish the difference between survivor’s experiences and observations compared to advice offered my licensed urologists.! One or more person’s experiences will not be a basis for deciding your treatment. That must be done by you and your doctor,
And, we have included excerpts from the books of noted urologists such as, Dr. Peter Scardino as well as the Prostate Cancer Foundation (Dr. Stuart Holden, Medical Director) which give expert opinions about various aspects of prostate cancer.
By accessing the ‘survivor’s stories and excerpts from the books written by noted urologists you are acknowledging acceptance of all conditions in the User Agreement. If you do not agree to those terms you should not read further.
With that understanding enjoy observing the experiences of others and the knowledge of specialists in the field of treating prostate cancer.
Photograph taken by Michael Glover, UCSF Medical Center
James Girand with Dr. Peter R. Carroll, M.D. Professor and Chair Department of Urology U.C.S.F. Medical Center; recognizing
Mr. Girand winning the age group silver medal at the World Long Course Duathlon Championship, Richmond, VA, September 2007, eleven months after successful radical prostatectomy.