Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Movember 2013


Thank you Mr. Ward from Governor Kasich's office. Ohio did not have anything for Movember but ask and Ye shall receive. Again I will do what ever it takes to bring awareness to Prostate Cancer!

Sunday, November 24, 2013

S.C.R.10

As Reported by the Senate Medicaid, Health and Human Services Committee

130th General Assembly
Regular Session
2013-2014
S. C. R. No. 10



Senator Burke 


Cosponsors: Senators Brown, Gardner, Tavares 



A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
To memorialize the Congress of the United States to seek the withdrawal of the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommendation against prostate-specific antigen-based screening for prostate cancer for men in all age groups.


BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF OHIO
(THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING):


       WHEREAS, The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is an independent panel of nonfederal experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine that is composed of primary care physicians; and

       WHEREAS, The USPSTF members are appointed by the United States Department of Health and Human Services to conduct scientific evidence reviews of a broad range of clinical health care preventive services and develop recommendations for primary care clinicians and health systems; and

       WHEREAS, The USPSTF acknowledges that prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed nonskin cancer in men in the United States, with one in six American men being diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime; and

       WHEREAS, Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men in the United States; and

       WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2013 approximately 238,590 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 29,720 men will die from the disease; and

       WHEREAS, In Ohio alone, there are approximately 7,961 newly diagnosed cases of prostate cancer and 1,232 deaths from the disease on an annual basis, according to the February 2011 report issued by the Ohio Cancer Incidence Surveillance System; and

       WHEREAS, In 2008, the USPSTF recommended against prostate-specific antigen-based screening for prostate cancer for men ages 75 and older; and

       WHEREAS, In October 2011, the USPSTF issued a new recommendation against prostate-specific antigen-based screening for prostate cancer for men in all age groups, because it concluded that there is moderate or high certainty that the service has no net benefit or that the harms outweigh the benefits; and

       WHEREAS, The USPSTF states that the October 2011 recommendation applies to men in the United States who do not have symptoms of prostate cancer, even though by the time a man experiences symptoms of prostate cancer, the cancer is generally too advanced to cure; and

       WHEREAS, The USPSTF states that its recommendation against screening applies regardless of race, even though the USPSTF acknowledges that African-American men have a substantially higher prostate cancer incidence rate than Caucasian men and more than twice the prostate cancer mortality rate of Caucasian men; and

       WHEREAS, The USPSTF issued this recommendation without having a urologist or oncologist, two types of physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating patients with prostate cancer, on the task force; and

       WHEREAS, The USPSTF's 2011 recommendation regarding prostate cancer screening follows its recommendation in November 2009 against routine mammograms for women ages 40 to 49 and against teaching women to do breast self-examinations, which Congress rejected after public outcry; and

       WHEREAS, The most recently updated study, the Goteborg Randomized Population-based Prostate Cancer Screening Trial, found that with screening, deaths from prostate cancer dropped 44 per cent over a 14-year period, compared with men who did not undergo screening, and that prostate cancer screening efficiency was similar to other cancers; and

       WHEREAS, The USPSTF recommendation against screening puts into harm's way men who are most at risk: the underinsured, those who live in areas where health care is not readily available, those who have a family history of prostate cancer, and African-American men, who have a higher incidence of and higher mortality rate from prostate cancer than Caucasian men; now therefore be it

       RESOLVED, That we, the members of the 130th General Assembly of the State of Ohio, in adopting this resolution, respectfully memorialize the Congress of the United States to seek the withdrawal of the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommendation against prostate-specific antigen-based screening for prostate cancer for men in all age groups; and be it further

       RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit duly authenticated copies of this resolution to each member of the Ohio Congressional delegation.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights 25th year

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Petey's Room

Mom displayed most of my Adventures Scenes! But I have done so many she ran out of space on the shelf. She promised me she will get more!


Lesson in Government

I am learning more and more everyday!

                                                 


Petey at The Ohio State House


Yesterday before we left The State House Petey wanted to take a picture. Gotta love Petey for always raising awareness for Prostate Cancer!

My Testimony

Senate Medicaid, Health & Human Services Committee
 November 20, 2013 
S.C.R. 10 
Proponent Testimony 

On June 19, 2009 my life as a wife had forever changed in to a prostate cancer caregiver wife. My husband’s PSA rose from 7.91 to 8.42 in little over one month. June 15th a PSA and Biopsy were done I never gave it a thought that we would be called back to Wright-Patterson 4 days later and I needed to be there. That morning of the 19th I was not thinking that there was anything wrong! But when we get to the base it was strange to hear that the doctor cleared his morning schedule to talk with us. Thought it was strange but no RED flags here! The doctor comes out to greet us and he had this strange look on his face. We get into his office and sit down and he tells us…I am sorry Sergeant Hoetger your biopsy came back positive for an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Stunned, shocked, numb are just a few words that I can describe on that day. My tears started flowing, and then my husband’s eyes. This is no news one wants to hear but for a doctor to have to tell the patient or the wife! After all the tears and trying to absorb the diagnosis Dr. Arzola took the time to discuss the tests in depth, treatment options, questions. Ray did not want to hear any option except the prostate is causing the problem then take it out NOW! The Urologist said to become students and learn everything about prostate cancer and so that is what I did. I did research all the options and tried to share them with Ray but he did not want to hear any of them except surgery!

 Ray was diagnosed at 56 years old with prostate cancer with a simple PSA blood test that the United States Preventative Task Force recommends against at any age. I do not agree with their recommendations as the wife of a Prostate Cancer Survivor and also a Mom of young sons’ in their 20’s. It was devastating hearing that my husband was diagnosed but hearing it from my sons! When there is a simple PSA blood test that could save their life?

 Linda Hoetger
ZERO The End of Prostate Cancer
Central Ohio Regional Coordinator

Saturday, November 16, 2013

S.C.R. 10

On Wednesday November 20, 2013. There will be another Senate Hearing on the USPSTF recommendations on ALL MEN NOT GETTING A PSA TEST!
I am planning in going and giving testimony as a Wife and Mother of 4 young sons.
On June 19, 2009 my life as a wife had forever changed in to a prostate cancer caregiver wife.  My husband's PSA rose from 7.91 to 8.42 in little over one month. June 15th a PSA and Biopsy were done I never gave it a thought that we would be called back to Wright-Patterson 4 days later and I needed to be there.  That morning of the 19th I was not thinking that there was anything wrong! But when we get to the base it was strange to hear that Dr. Arzola cleared his morning schedule to talk with us. Thought it was strange but no RED flags here! The doctor comes out to greet us and he had this strange look on his face. We get into his office and sit down and he tells us…I am sorry Sergeant Hoetger your biopsy came back positive for an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Stunned, shocked, numb are just a few words that I can describe on that day. My tears started flowing, and then my husband's and even the doctor had tears in his eyes . This is no news one wants to hear but for a doctor to have to tell the patient or the wife! After all the tears and trying to absorb the diagnosis Dr. Arzola took the time to discuss the tests in depth, treatment options, questions. Ray did not want to hear any option except the prostate is causing the problem then take it out NOW! The Urologist said to become students and learn everything about prostate cancer and so that is what I did. I did research all the options and tried to share them with Ray but he did not want to hear any of them except surgery!
Ray was diagnosed at 56 years old with prostate cancer with a simple PSA blood test that the United States Preventative Task Force recommends against at any age. I do not agree with their recommendations as the wife of a Prostate Cancer Survivor and also a Mom of young sons' in their 20's. It was devastating hearing that my husband was diagnosed but hearing it from my sons! When there is a simple PSA blood test that could save their life? 


Central Ohio Regional Coordinator for ZERO

Celebrity Mo's I know


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Prostate Cancer Live

http://www.prostatecancerlive.com/featured-mo-sista/

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My Mo page

RT Check out who is changing the face of men’s health for #Movember  http://us.movember.com/mospace/2977713 via @movember


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Tuesday, November 12, 2013

New step in Journey

Yesterday Ray started his round of radiation for the remaining prostate cancer in the lymph nodes. The plan is for the next 7 weeks, 5 days a week. Focusing on the tumor bed and also the lymph nodes.


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Thursday, November 7, 2013

S.C.R. 10 Hearing

COMMITTEE NOTICE

To: Members of the Medicaid, Health and Human Services

From: Senator Shannon Jones, Chair

Date: November 7, 2013

Re: Senate Medicaid, Health and Human Services Committee Notice and Agenda

___________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

9:00 AM

South Hearing Room

(Room 231, Senate Building)

AGENDA



S. C. R. No. 10
BurkeProstate cancer antigen-based screening- withdraw recommendation against2nd Hearing
Proponent




* Possible Vote

NOTE: All witnesses are asked to prepare written testimony, provide an electronic copy to the Committee Secretary at least 24 hours prior to committee and prepare 30 copies for committee. All committee dates and times are subject to change at the Chairman’s discretion.

Dana Dunlap

Office of State Senator Shannon Jones

Ohio's 7th Senate District

614-466-9737

dana.dunlap@ohiosenate.gov

  

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Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Governor's office

Today I emailed Governor Kasich's aid about having a Movember proclamation for consideration. I hope the Governor will support my request!


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Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Got my Mo on what about you?



Add a Moustache to you picture for Movember!

Letter to Ohio Senators about the USPSTF

As a wife of a Prostate Cancer Survivor and a Mom of 4 son’s in their 20’s I do not understand how these medical professionals on the USPSTF Board are allowed to recommend against prostate-specific antigen-based screening for prostate cancer for men in all age groups. Because there is moderate or high certainty that the service will provide no benefit and may cause more harm than good.

In 2009 we found out that my husband had prostate cancer at the age of 56 with no family history. The day was June 19th my husband had an appointment with the UROLOGIST! So we could discuss the results from the prostate-specific antigen-based screening and biopsy. The UROLOGIST with a sullen face tells us the news that my husband has an aggressive form of prostate cancer and his Gleason Score was an 8. The doctor did clear his morning schedule to make sure we had the time we needed to ask questions. But at first it was more of Ray and me crying yes you heard it right we cried! Finally the news was started to sink in more and it is time to start asking question to what now. One of Ray’s questions was if the prostate is the cause of all of this I want it out now! The Tumor Board met in length the day before to discuss a plan of attack. He was too met with the Radiology, Oncology which he did. That day was a long day and at the end of the day it was Information Overload. But the best advice that I got from the doctor was when we go home we need to become students of prostate cancer and learn everything that we can. I started doing just that! But then I hit a road block! Ray my husband would not look at any of the information that I found. He was sinking into depression and so did I but that was not going to stop me from learning all that I can. And still to this date I am still learning.

My husband had surgery on October 12, 2009 and we were praying for the news of …Mrs. Hoetger we got all the prostate cancer, but that was not the case. The cancer was an aggressive form and has escaped the prostate and into the lymph-nodes. The Gleason score was raised from an 8 to a 9. We did not want to hear that news, but my husband is alive! Now the recovery begins and the treatment for the remaining cancer in the lymph-nodes. At the first follow up appointment the plan for treatment is prostate-specific antigen-based screening and Luporon Hormone shots every three months.  When it comes time for the prostate-specific antigen-based screening it is so stressful waiting for the results to return and praying for less than 0.01, Undetectable,  no matter how you say it as long as it is still in REMISSION! I wish we never had to deal with prostate cancer we have met many friends whose family has/had been dealing with this horrible disease also. Some of them are not as lucky as they have lost their loved ones, some of them in just months after their diagnosis and so young. We just met a wife and twins in September at the ZERO Summit to End Prostate Cancer in Washington, DC.  The worst part about this is that her husband was 43 when he passed away from prostate cancer on August 27, 2011. The twins never met their dad!

No matter how you look at this I still see no UROLOGIST listed on the USPSTF Board???????

Virginia A. Moyer, M.D., M.P.H. (Chair)
Vice President, Maintenance of Certification and Quality 
American Board of Pediatrics, Chapel Hill, NC

Michael L. LeFevre, M.D., M.S.P.H. (Co-Vice Chair)
Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine
University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO


Albert L. Siu, M.D., M.S.P.H. (Co-Vice Chair)
Director, Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center
James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY 
Professor, Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY

Linda Ciofu Baumann, Ph.D., R.N.
Professor Emerita, School of Nursing
Affiliate Faculty, School of Medicine and Public Health
University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI

Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, Ph.D., M.D.
Associate Professor, Medicine, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics 
University of California, San Francisco, CA 
Co-director, UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations 
San Francisco General Hospital

Adelita Gonzales Cantu, Ph.D, R.N.
Assistant Professor, Family and Community Health Systems
University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX

Susan J. Curry, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Public Health
Distinguished Professor, Health Management and Policy
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

Mark Ebell, M.D., M.S.
Associate Professor, Epidemiology and Biostatistics 
The University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Glenn Flores, M.D.
Professor, Pediatrics and Public Health
University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX
Director, Division of General Pediatrics
UT Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Medical Center of Dallas

Francisco A.R. García, M.D., M.P.H.
Director and Chief Medical Officer 
Pima County Department of Health, Tucson, AZ

David C. Grossman, M.D., M.P.H.
Medical Director, Preventive Care and Senior Investigator, Center for Health Studies, Group Health Cooperative
Professor of Health Services and Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics
University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Jessica Herzstein, M.D., M.P.H.
Global Medical Director
Air Products, Allentown, PA

Wanda K. Nicholson, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A.
Associate Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Director, Diabetes and Obesity Core Center for Women's Health Research
University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC

Douglas K. Owens, M.D., M.S.
Associate Director, Center for Health Care Evaluation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Director, Center for Health Policy, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies
Stanford University, Stanford, CA

William R. Phillips, M.D., M.P.H.
Professor, Family Medicine and Health Services
University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Michael P. Pignone, M.D., M.P.H.
Professor, Department of Medicine
Chief, Division of General Internal Medicine
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
Current as of April 2013


Sunday, November 3, 2013

The Mo Run

Ray and Cameron Fontana from WTTE 28 / WSYX 6 
at the Mo Run at Bicentennial Park, Columbus, Ohio

The Mo Run Movember 2, 2013

It Movember and also Men's Health Month! Yesterday at Bicentennial Park in Columbus, Ohio they had a Mo Run. Ray and I see it on WTTE 28 earlier in the morning so we went downtown. Little did we know that Ray would be on TV!

Here is the Video

http://www.myfox28columbus.com/shared/news/features/good-day/stories/wtte_saturday-cameron-fontana-at-mo-run-5987.shtml?wap=0

Friday, November 1, 2013