My journey started the same as everyone else with the fateful words ...You have cancer. I don’t think I heard another word after that. Then the 6 week blur of going from knowing nothing to learning so much that it almost becomes impossible to make a decision because the choices are so plentiful. And truthfully, most of the options are pretty awful.

It all began with an elevation in my PSA from a fairly steady 4.8 to 5.0 to 6.5. At that point, my Family Practice doc shuffled me off to the Urologist. They had been contemplating doing a biopsy for a couple of years. I had hit the limit of waiting.

After my PCa diagnosis, I was fortunate to get hooked up with The Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition. I spoke with many of the folks involved. They helped me talk my way through the options without ever being critical or judgmental. I was further lucky enough to find a local UsToo support group in Mobile. Their next monthly meeting after I discovered their existence was also their annual shindig in September in support of Prostate Cancer Month. One of the speakers did a presentation on Focal Laser Ablation (FLA)....

I hope many of you will feel free, and even obligated, to use this "blog".  It is a very effective way to get your thoughts and "story" out.  I promise you that there is one, or more, men who will relate and use your information for their own personal improvement.  Don't be bashful!  And don't forget to come to our monthly meetings and GET INVOLVED!  Duane Kent, Mobile Chapter Leader; 251-591-8557.

For example, here is a recent email I received from the son of a newly diagnosed father, "Thanks for all your help! you guys are truly a blessing to help others with prostate cancer. My family and I learned so much more about prostate cancer after attending the ustoo support group. We hope to be able to attend the next meeting if all goes well. We have so much literature and books to read, but the ustoo support group pointed us in the
right direction. Thanks again for everything!!

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