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The Importance of Cancer Support Groups

As the number of cancer diagnoses increases, so does the number of cancer support groups. Cancer support groups are groups in which cancer patients can join and find help, resources, and companionship in other cancer patients. Patients can find local, statewide, nationwide, and even international cancer support groups to join. Some groups are cancer specific, like groups for mesothelioma patients, or skin cancer patients, while many tailor to cancer patients in general.

These support groups are a great tool for fighting and surviving cancer. Many studies have examined these groups and have found them to be an important part of cancer treatment. One study examined the psychosocial benefits of cancer support groups and found that women in these groups were "significantly less depressed, less anxious, and had more knowledge of their illness. This resulted in better relationships with care givers, fewer sexual difficulties, and more participation in leisure activities.

Support groups also provide companionship for cancer patients. In these groups, people gain friends, connections, and support beneficial to their recovery. Many cancer support groups use the same methods and activities to help patients such as counseling, informational sessions about cancer related subjects, social events, doctor and hospital referrals, and some even include support like free rides and hotel stays. Cancer support groups are incredibly beneficial because they offer services and support that cancer patients cannot get on their own or from family members who have never had cancer. Cancer support Groups are more than just information, they are a network of other cancer patients that will support each other, celebrate each other's victories, and share each other's tears.

Cancer support groups are the medicine that doctors cannot inject and cancer cannot defeat. Many studies even show a correspondence of survival rates to cancer support treatment groups. Support groups can help you manage and survive during cancer. Even for those who have non-treatable cancers, these groups can help inject a positive outlook on life, which might not increase their life expectancy, but will most definitely make their last years more comfortable and enjoyable. When medicine and support come together, we can win against cancer!

By: David Haas

Into Ocean City Md.

Last hundred miles into Ocean City, hot and muggy. The Boss was lucky to find us a place to stay. The Fourth of July is big doin's at the beach. Felt good to get to the Atlantic Ocean. We ended up bypassing large stretchs of hwy for safety or to abide by the law. Still stepped into the Ocean with a little over 2200 miles. Not my goal, but all in all a reasonably successful ride. I still plan on picking up a few more bikeing miles on the way home.

Talked to many folks across the country about prostate cancer and PSA testing. Met a waitress in St. Louis whose father and uncle both had the desease. A valet in Atlantic City was grateful for my ride, because of his father having the problem. Almost everywhere we stayed our banners and our shirts elicited enquiries about the trip or the cause. I am happy to have been able to have had the opportunity to help get the word out. With early detection this desease can be successfully treated.

I have many friends and relatives to thank for thier support, both during my surgery/recovery, and with my cycling effort. It's a long list.
I will name just a few.

My SAG drivers my wife Shelli and Wayne.
My Father Bill for his support.
The staff at the Health Club at GSR, thanks Michele and Chuck.
My friends; Kevin, Mike, Joe, and Tom, all GSR gym buddies. And all my other friends at GSR that have been supportive.
My personal trainers, Grandson Chase and Granddaughter, Jobella, and thier mother Shannon.
Also my wife's cadre of friends Helen, Linda, Nanny, and Corbel who have been very supportive.

Once again Thank You all.

Wayne

Staying Alive.

Been riding and driving, trying to avoid dangerous conditions. Had some success in Indiana for a while as well as Ohio. But am driving more and cycling less. West of St Louis was more wide open, more room to navigate.
I have had to call "The Boss" to come and pick me up on several occasions, when the roads have been too narrow for "The Dude" and the "Big Rigs".

Bums Rush.

I am not being allowed to ride on Hwy 50 as planned. I have been taking
side and back rodes. Today I will try again. I am in a new state, Indiana. Maybe they will be agreeable to my riding. We will see. If not I may have to find some routes more campatable to law enforcement, or maybe drive farther East. So far I have biked 1850 miles. I guess as the old saying goes " It's all part of the journey."

Gateway to the West.

Another nice day of rest. Took Her Highness to the St. Louis Arch. Also had a nice stroll along the Mississippi River. Beautiful day temp about 85 degrees, all in all very pleasant.
Tomorrow back to peddaling Hwy 50.

Meet Me In St. Louis.

Well, the weather in St. Louis is stormy.. My wife Shelli had her flight cancelled and rerouted later in the day on Sunday June 26, because of airport flooding. Wayne my driver was also delayed and rerouted on his trip back to Reno. It's nice for me, I get to take an extra day off. Today we will take a trip by "car" to the Arch. Shelli also wants to see Harrah's, she has a vested interest in thier properties.

Changing of the Guard.

My SAG driver Wayne, is leaving for Reno in the morning. He's been a valued helper and friend. He has to return to work, at least thats what he calls it. But he has been a valuable asset to my ride.
Now my wife arrives tommorrow to help me finish the ride. Could be the weak link in my chain. Only time will tell.
Today I was peddling through rural Missouri and I stopped for a banana and some water. I was curious as to why a German Shepard was comming towards me with his tail between his legs. Then I started to hear the thunder. Well I thought I could out run the little storm. Wrong! Luckily I rolled into a town just as the storm was unleashing its fury. I was able to find shelter in a nick of time. A lightning strike hit within 100 yards of my shelter. the thunder clap was ear shattering.

"He took the Katy."

Rode from Lee's Summit to Sedalia Mo. Stopped at a Mc Donalds for a strawberry milkshake. A nice man approached us about our intended route. Hwy 50. He informed us that Hwy 50 was under a lot of repair, and long waits could be expected. He then said that he was a retired park ranger. He told us that an alternate route could be used to get to St. Louis. Katy Trail State Park. It's a restored railroad line, turned into a park. 225 miles long, it meanders along the Missouri river, from Clinton to St Charles Mo.
I decided to avoid Hwy 50 for a while and "Take The Katy."
Very plesant surroundings. Riding on crushed rock, avoiding Turtles slowly crossing the trail and thousands of moths and butterflies.
The Missouri river is very high with swampy areas all along the trail. I was told that, it is expected to rise to well above flood stage and cover the trail I have been traveling along.

Booted Off The I-35.

Great morning, Wind at my back Hwy50/I-35 out in front of me, I am going to make time. Siren screeching breaks the morning traffic noises. And it's me they are after. NO bicycle riding on the I-35. I was informed that Old Hwy 50 ran along I-35 and I could take that.
The Interstate has 15 foot shoulders, Old Hwy 50 has 1 foot or no shoulders. He seemed to be concerned with my safety.
But Old Hwy 50 was very lovely. Manicured lawns and well cared for homes, in all a very nice ride.
Stopped by an old abandoned Church, overrun by wild flowers and shade trees, that I am sure my Mother would have liked.
Tomorrow on to Jefferson City Mo.

Retraction.

I take it back, Kansas is not so bad, the wind was at my back today.
Passed the 1500 mile mark on the odometer. I am making progress! Slow but sure.

Deflated!

First flat. I had not changed a tire in 25 years. "Piece of cake." Next morning flat again. I just did not see the other tiny hole. 'checked it in the bathroom sink and little air bubbles were escaping, so had a double hole. Now a thump has developed in my front tire. Every revolution. Did not have that problem prior to my "piece of cake" tire change. But I am making do. Bought a gel seat, hopefully that will resolve some issues.
Kansas is a wonderful place to leave. Wind, Heat, corn fields, miles of nothing. Great steaks.

Over the Rockies.

Felt good, beautiful day. Should be over the top in no time. Started the climb, cooking along at 7 miles an hour, should be there in no time. 45 minutes into the climb and the sign says 7 miles to the summit. I settled in at a very respectable 5 miles an hour. About a third of the way up two younger bicyclists flashed by me going the other way. Downhill. I busted my rear all the way to the top. Probably 2 hours total. I sat down at the summit and the two bicyclists pulled up 15 mins later. They greeted me and asked if I was the guy that they had passed going downhill. I proudly said yes. I then asked if they had gotten a ride back up to the summit. " No we just turned around and rode back up."
Must have had the wind at thier backs.

Out of Nevada

Got to Delta Utah this evening. I was cooking right along. Climbing up one of the passes I inadvertantly lost my cell phone. My hindquarters are expressing thier displeasure being in the saddle all day. I did my after ride stretch and got a nasty cramp in my right hamstring. But when I think about my little problems, a fellow I met along the route makes my problems seem very minor. His name was Mike Rumsowea. I came up on him along side of hwy 50, 40 miles west of Delta. He was carrying a cross that replicated Jesus's Cross. and he was carrying it from Sfo to Mo. He was making this extremely arduous journey, in what he called the "Walk For Christ."


My SAG wagon driver Wayne Zulker, has been an inspiration. He is always waiting at the end of the day by the pool having a tall cool one.

golden Gate

Rode From Placerville to Sfo.  Shelli my wife wanted to see the city.  Windy but beautiful.

Dads Thoughts

Prostate cancer blog preface;

My father Bill Waltrip having read my blog felt he could smooth my rough edges. I agree. Here is his introduction to my cancer blog.

My son is 63 years old, damn. Seems like yesterday I watched him play high school football.
He is a retired air traffic controller.
Some might say my son is an exercise nut. His lifestyle has been to exercise daily. He has endeavored to have a reasonably healthy diet, Enjoys his red wine, it’s good for you.
When things go wrong he is not a why me, kind of person. He thinking is, lets just get it solved.
So when my son Wayne, found out he had prostate cancer, he researched his options looking for solutions. And he found that finding the cancer is the essential beginning. Knowledge is the key to surviving this disease.
A man needs to be PSA tested. Because as luck would have it, my son found a lump on his testicle, which led to a PSA test. Prostate cancer was diagnosed . This led to the surgery that eradicated his cancer.
I am proud to say that Wayne rode Coast to Coast in 1985 for MS. And the fund raiser was a success raising $22000 for the charity. We are very proud of this accomplishment. Now he is riding for a cause that dramatically affected his life. This bicycle ride fund raiser is very close to his heart.

I am proud to be a part of his journey.

Bill Waltrip

Prostate Cancer Survivor
Ocean to Ocean
Bike Ride



“Why are you standing in front of the television, blocking Oprah?”
“Honey I have a lump on my left nut and I wanted you to check it.”
“Yes Honey, there does seem to be a small lump there.”
“Oh wonderful! Probably what that Tour De France guy had. Say, while your down there could you do me a favor?”
“Right.” “ Just pack up your gear and git!”

Next stop Dr. Alm.
“ Hi Wayne, do you mind if my female apprentice observes this check-up?”
“ Ahhh, I guess not”
But I was saved any embarrassment when Dr. Alm asked her to leave while he checked my testicle.
His diagnosis was that I had a small hernia on my nut. But he thought it was a good idea to have me get a blood test, to include a PSA test. A week or so later I called and scheduled a visit to find out the results. I am always curious about my cholesterol levels.
Dr. Alm advised me that my cholesterol levels were moderately high but my HDL was very high which indicated low heart risk. He then advised me that my PSA test was abnormally high at 7.5. Meant nothing to me. Dr. Alm scheduled me a visit with a urologist, a Dr. Freeman.

Dr. Freeman’s office staff scheduled me for a consultation. During the scheduling his receptionist Sara, asked;
“What would be a good time during the day for your appointment?”
I replied;
“ I prefer the afternoon. I like to get in a work-out and steam and sauna before any stressful situations.”
Sara said, “ Don’t worry this visit will not be stressful.”
I asked, “ Will the doctor ask me to bend over and grab my ankles?”
“Well yes.”
I replied, “ What, you don’t think bending over and grabbing your ankles is stressful? Oh, wait maybe I better not ask you that question.”
Sara didn’t miss a beat, “ We don’t know each other well enough for me to answer that.”

I had my office visit with Dr. Freeman, and another blood test was taken. He also did a rectal ‘finger wave’ checking for lumps or abnormalities that might be present on my prostate. Everything looks and feels good. Easy for him to say.

A couple of days later I am called back for another consultation because my PSA was still high at 4.8. After some discussion, I schedule a biopsy on the prostate, this will end all speculation about cancer or no cancer.

“Mr. Waltrip, take off your clothes and put on this gown that ties in the back, then lay on this table. The Doctor will see you shortly.”
“ OK. Thanks.”
“Mr Waltrip, lay on your side and push your rear end out towards me.”
“ I am going to insert this probe into your rectum.”
“ First I will shoot a needle into your prostate that will somewhat deaden the area.
“ I will then use this needle gun to penetrate your prostate and extract tissue samples, twelve times.”
“Ready?”

“Go for it.”

Famous last words.

During the procedure Dr Freeman was certain that everything was alright. My elevated PSA levels were most likely attributable to calcium deposits on the prostate, but every thing looked good.
The following evening I received a call from Dr. Freeman,
“ Wayne I am very sorry to bring you this bad news, but every specimen we extracted from your prostate has cancer.”

“Interesting, slept like a baby that night.”


A consultation was arranged, that would help explain what types of procedures/options that where available to me.
Dr. Freeman was very forth coming in his explanations of the different options available to attack the prostate cancer.
1. Wait and see. ( hard to sleep at night )
2. Radiation therapy.
A. several different types.
1. Small isotopes, to pin point laser rays.
2. Success rate was comparable to surgery.
My concern was that it is more of a problem to operate on the prostate if the cancer returns. And because of the radiation other organs meld into the prostate and make the overall removal much more invasive.
3. Prostate removal or partial prostate removal.
Dr. Freemans explanation was; “The prostate is like a walnut, It has a core and a shell.”
He went on to explain that the data that had been gleaned from the pathology report on my prostate biopsy indicated that:
1. If the core of the prostate was removed, I had a 60% chance of getting all the cancer. But if I also removed the shell, the chances of getting all the cancer was 93%.

Well, how tough a call is that?

Enter the Dragon.

I said, “ That’s a no-brainier, lets take it all.”

Dr. Freeman was then kind enough to inform me that, if we just took the core of the prostate, I could still attain an erection with just Viagra. But if we took the whole nut I would need to use an erection pump to load my cannon.
Well at 62 and extremely randy it’s was a tough choice. But I can thank my lucky stars that I am only randy. But it was still a decision.
I asked Dr. Freeman what he would do in my situation. His emotional answer was; “ I have three sons and I want to see them graduate from college, I would have the total prostate
removed.”

If I were a younger man or had less cancer in my prostate it would have been a more difficult decision. I Still I believe that knowing I had cancer and I was letting it grow inside me, would have been an extremely mentally challenging proposition.
Having made the decision to have the robotic prosectomy, I was motivated to have it done as quickly as possible. I was probably just being superstious, but what does it take for the cancer to get out of the shell and into other organs. Lets get it done.

I had advised my family of my cancer and my brother Bill was most concerned. He went to see Dr Alm to get more information. I got a call from my brother and he was quite upset.

“Wayne I am screwed again.”
Dr. Alm advised me that if a sibling had prostate cancer that other siblings were 30% more likely to get the cancer.

“ Wayne, it’s not about you it’s about me.”

Poor guy everything is working against him. But he was PSA tested, the results came back elevated. But after treatment for prostitis, his numbers returned to normal. Great news.


My arrival at St. Mary’s hospital where the surgery was to be performed, was at 5:30 on a Friday morning. I checked in on time. And I had preped as requested. Have no food and drink a gallon of evil tasting liquid to clean out the bowel, I had not eaten in two days. I was irritable and headachy and ready for this to happen.
After checking in, my wife and I sat around waiting for me to be taken into pre-op. But no one came to get me . I went to admissions and asked;
“what is the problem?" “Oh, we are sorry Mr. Waltrip, but your doctors office has had a scheduling snafu and your surgery will not be until 11:30.”

“ Wonderful!”

My Wife and I walked across the street to the Silver Legacy. I watched my wife enjoy a lovely breakfast. Then we dropped $40.00 gambling.
Needless to say, when I was finally taken into pre-op, I was eager.

All the hospital staff were professional and very considerate, during my entire prostate cancer odyssey. I only remember getting emotional during pre-op. The nurse asked me to tell her what I was having done. And I got a little choked up when I said; “ I am having my prostate removed.”

My surgery was five and one half hours long. It was done roboticly, Dr Freeman was across the room from where I was on the operating table. Five incisions were made in my abdomen. A camera and all the instruments were inserted enabling the Dr. Freeman to extract my cancerous prostate.

My first memory after the surgery, was the orderly’s asking me to help lift my body from the gurney to the bed. I was not helpful.
My wife Shelli and daughter Shannon and grandson Chase and 4 month old granddaughter Joebella were on hand to observe my transition from being under anesthetic, to emerging from that painless state into awareness. Not pretty.
I had been provided with a morphine pump that I could manually press to inject the drug into my intravenous tube. I was only too eager to avail myself of the pain killer. But my caring wife advised me numerous times during that first 40 minutes, that no matter how often I pressed the button, Morphine would only be dispensed every 10 minutes. I was not dissuaded from playing a ra-ta-tat-tat on the button. Luckily for me after 40 minutes, enough of the drug had been dispensed to ease my discomfort.

I had a fairly comfortable night, The staff checked on me often. In the morning Dr. Freeman stopped by and told me every thing had gone very well. And if I felt up to it I could go home that afternoon. I left that afternoon.
In retrospect I probably should have stayed another night. I was not at all comfortable at home. The pain pills I had been given seemed to cause me some breathing problems. I would nod off and then quit breathing. Only to awaken panting. I called the hospital and was told to quit taking the Percacet and only use OTC pain killers. I was not very comfortable. But time passes and my sleeping problem improved.

I think one of the most underrated advantages to having surgery is the catheter. No need to get up and pee. Just empty the bag occasionally. My wife had informed me that she thought catheters were great. I was not so enamored. Having a tube hanging out of my member was not all that wonderful. But Dr. Freeman had advised me that it would probably only be in me for a week.

When the prostate is removed the urethra is re attached to the bladder directly. Before the catheter can be removed a test is performed that injects fluid into the bladder to see if it has any leakage. I went in 4 times, leaked every time. I had that bag of urine attached to me for 30 days. If I had any experience that was a real downer during this ordeal, it would be the tube in my penis.
The average time is 7 days.

Dr. Freeman finally had me come into his clinic and had the catheter removed. Prior to this appointment I downed two vicaden to ease my fears, But the catheter removal was relatively painless and my worries were ill founded.
Because of the leakage problem Dr. Freeman deemed it necessary to insert a tube into my urethra and take a look at my bladder, as he removed the tube he said;

“Everything looks good, you can unclench your toes and fingers now.”

“Thanks.”

After I had regained some composure Dr. Freeman invited my wife to join us. He then proceeded to tell us that my most recent PSA test showed no measurable PSA amounts. And that he felt that we had, with early detection removed all the cancerous tissue. Very good news indeed. Cancer Free.

Another concern that I had was that I would have trouble with incontinence. Dr. Freeman advised that with the new robotic surgery being less invasive, chances were very good that I would regain complete control of my bladder. I was fortunate enough to only have to wear Depends for a couple of weeks. Now I am back to normal.

When I became aware of my cancer, my wife and I had several discussions. I have always been concerned about her health. She being overweight and with no exercise of any kind I fear the worst for her. But as these things go, this cancer of mine gave her the opportunity to chortle;

“And you take such good care of yourself.”

Small ironies.

Dr. Freeman had a heart to heart discussion with my wife and I about my future erectile capacity, or lack thereof. (I had all but given up on any real function, my thinking being; Prostate gone, sex life pretty much gone.) Dr. Freeman told us that I would have the same mental attitude towards sex. He stated that my physical responses would not go along with the program. Because of my surgery, blood flow to the “little fellow” would need to be enhanced by the use of an erectile pump. This device pulls blood into the penis, thereby creating a “hardon”. OOK... But in my case the pump would not be enough to bring blood into the portion of the penis inside the body. So no base. Just a normal erection, but “unhinged.” He advised to provide blood to the inside portion I would also need to take Viagra. “Hope lives eternal.” He also mentioned that a man needs to use the pump regularly or risk losing up to 2 centimeters of penis over time.

I met with the authorized pump salesman 3 days later. No time or centimeters to lose.
Rob was a wealth of information and had me convinced this was the unit for me. I told him I would buy it. He said this unit was not for sale, but he could order me one. We talked some more and I inquired as to how he had come to be a pump salesman. He replied; “ Since I was a little boy my dream was to sell erectile dysfunction pumps to men.” I guess I had asked a silly question. To clinch the sale Rob asked if I wanted to try the unit. I declined, but to this day I wonder why I could use it, but not buy it. And was it virgin? Maybe I don’t want to know. But to answer the obvious question, I have not lost any centimeters.

I was having a conversation with my father about the effectiveness of the pump. I told him, to quote an old Merle Haggard lyric “ It’s not love, but it ain’t bad.”

I would like to point out that my over all experience with this cancer and subsequent surgery and recovery is very up beat. I am in great shape, not sickly and I am enjoying life.
My intention is to help men see that it is very important to have regular PSA testing, and that early detection is extremely important in the overall success of prostate cancer treatments.

Prior to being diagnosed with cancer, I had been planning a bicycle trip from Anchorage Alaska to Reno Nevada. At the time I mentioned this to my friend Tom Fath and he asked why I didn’t do the ride for charity. I kind of shined him on at the time. But here 1 year after my surgery, I re-evaluated his suggestion.
I called the Prostate Cancer Foundation and told them of my intention. I received positive feedback.

I talked to Tom again and he thought that it might be effective if we had some sort of Urology/PSA testing in selected cities along my bicycle route. I mentioned this to the Foundation and they seemed to be very receptive to using their contacts in the news and media to promote the idea. I changed my route to hopefully gain more exposure and help the awareness feature of the bicycle ride.
I purchased from Adventure Cycling Mag. The map routes for the Western Express Route joining the Transcontinental Route for a “ Solo Ocean to Ocean Prostate Cancer Survivor Bike Ride.”
I am starting on June 10 from Grand Sierra Resort Health Club.





























































































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