One-on-One (Peer) Support Request for Unique Case:
We have received a peer support request for a rather unique case. This is the information provided by the Windsor/Essex support group leader, Garry, who is hoping to find someone to connect his member with:
“This particular fellow was subjected to a radical prostatectomy followed by radiation therapy and now suffers from Radiation Cystitis of the bladder and is not doing very well with it. He may be undergoing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in Hamilton; unfortunately, that may take upwards of three (3) months. In the meantime, he may be subjected to other treatments pending his HBOT therapy due to his suffering.
Are you aware of anyone who is suffering from Radiation Cystitis of the bladder. Having been through HBOT is a bonus, but other treatment experiences would be equally valuable. This fellow really needs to talk to others in the same boat.“
One-on-One Supporter Training Program:
On another note, as many of you are aware, our One-on-One Supporter training program was released a couple of weeks ago and we already have one leader who ahs completed it. Congrats and thank you, Gavin!
Eligibility: The course is open to anyone in the prostate cancer community who has lived experience (as a partner or a patient) and has an interest in providing peer support. We would especially love to see more folks who have undergone unique treatments (focal therapies, side effect management like slings, etc.) join the program so we can cover a wider range of peer support requests.
Format: The course is free, online, work-at-your-own-pace, and designed to be somewhat of a Peer Support/Prostate Cancer 101 – meaning that more seasoned support group leaders/supporters, like most of you, will likely find that they know most of the material. Never hurts to refresh your knowledge though!
If you’re interested, or if you have folks in your group who may be interested in taking it, please sign up here by clicking on “I want to sign up to be a One-on-One Supporter”: https://prostatecanada.ca/get-support/one-on-one-support.
Please note that Supporters will need two references and a background check to be official Supporters in the program. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.