ON-LINE
SUPPORT LIST
PURPOSE
OF THE SUPPORT LIST
The
HRPCa On-line Support List is an internet forum for men with diagnosed
hormone-refractory prostate cancer and for their families and caregivers.
We have found that once a man is diagnosed with HRPC, he is fighting
a different battle than that waged against the earlier stages. This
forum allows families fighting HRPC to share their experiences candidly
with others similarly committed.
Members
of this group recognize the importance of (1) understanding thoroughly
the therapies that have been found effective and their side effects;
(2) searching out new therapies that have the potential of helping in
the fight against HRPC; and (3) understanding the medical science surrounding
this stage of the disease and the relevant therapies.
This
is a small, highly focused group, dedicated to the serious search for
better answers. It is a working group actively looking for information
and treatments that will lead to slowing the disease and extending quality
survival.
Each
participant is considered a contributor to the group effort. At this
stage of the disease, each individual has experienced a number of treatments
and side effects, and he has gathered knowledge and experience that
may be of use to others.
It
is not the purpose of this group to withdraw from the community of Pca
fighters. Any information of general interest that is developed through
the group efforts is posted on this web site, which is open to all.
We also post this information regularly to the other lists that deal
with all issues surrounding Pca.
HOW
TO SUBSCRIBE
If
you have an up-to-date prostate cancer digest (PCD), send a copy to
Howard Hansen with a request that you be subscribed by clicking on the following link:
If there is any question about
the diagnosis of hormone-refractory Pca, Howard will contact you. If you
do not have a PCD or know how to prepare one, just contact us,
and we will work with you to prepare it. An example PCD is
located in chapter 6 of the booklet.
A very useful and recommended
method of keeping your prostate cancer related treatments and responses
to treatment is the Multigraph Plotting provided by PCREF (Prostate
Cancer Research and Education Foundation). The instructions for
creating a chronological digest are at
http://www.pcref.org/instruction.php and the "Smart Chart
instructions are at
http://www.pcref.org/medsmartchart.php.
Your
pc digest will be re-posted to the support list, so that the members
know where you are in your fight against Pca. All members are encouraged
to comment on the pc digest wherever they have applicable and meaningful
experience to share with you.
You
will receive a summary of the status and therapies of the other members
so that you can make use of their experience and knowledge.
By
reading some of the posts you will quickly see the direction of the group,
and you are encouraged to participate with your own questions, comments,
and research.
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