Canal Winchester Cancer Survivor Lunch

 Petey Welcomed everyone to Relay For Life at the Canal WInchester High School.

Petey having lunch!

Ray
5 years with Prostate Cancer

WOW!

I sent a tweet to Michael Skupin from my favorite TV show Survivor.  He favorited it!

Petey's Brownie Bite

Petey had to go out with Ray and I for our 1st Date Anniversary.  He finished all his dinner and so he got desert.

Cancer Survivor Dinner

The Cancer Survivor Dinner in Lancaster. Petey had to go and support our Prostate Cancer families. Mom win the Relay for Life Travel bottle.

Response to my email

Linda,

 No need to apologize for informing me and sharing your passion!! I appreciate you sharing your experience and sharing such a personal story.

Michael

Michael Stinziano

State Representative

Help Petey!

Petey needs your help! Please go to and sign the petition and share it. Encourage other to slso sign we can get the White House BLUE in September for Prostate Cancer Awareness!

WhiteHouseBlue.org

My response to Representative Stinziano

Good Morning Representative Stinziano,

 Thank you for considering the petition for Prostate Cancer.

My personal connection with Prostate Cancer started June 19, 2009 this is a day that will forever be a day that I would love to forget. My husband had a PSA test and biopsy on June 15, 2009 as his PSA was elevated a few months earlier. On the day of the biopsy we drove to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base as my husband is retired Military and we go there for Healthcare. After the biopsy we drove back to Canal Winchester not thinking that there was anything wrong. But on June 18th my husband got a phone call from the Urology Department that the doctor need to discuss the results of the biopsy and I needed to be there. No RED flags going off in my mind that there was anything wrong.

We return back to Wright-Patterson AFB on June 19th and check in at the Urologist office. The urologist had cleared his schedule for that morning to speak with you. Again No Red flags when off! We are met by the urologist and go into his office sit down and he had an look that there was something wrong. He proceeds to discuss the results of the biopsy. The results from the biopsy shows that you have an aggressive form of prostate cancer at the age of 56. My husband is just as shocked, stunned and devastated. As for me I was the same but when very quiet as and just wanted to wake up from this horrible nightmare. Except this was not a nightmare it was real! The Urologist gave is time to absorb the news and when we were ready he would and answer questions that we had and discuss treatment options. But my husband's only option that he wanted done at that very moment was to Take it out now (That very minute)! But that was not possible so soon after the biopsy he had to wait at least 6 weeks and also weigh the treatment options. We asked the questions How? Why? But my major question were Did I cause it? And then it hit me what about our 4 sons in their 20's now their chances of prostate cancer had increased. Now I feel even worse! I brought 4 lives into this world that they could die from prostate cancer! There is a chance that it will not affect them but the unknown is hard. After the tears, fears he proceeds to give us the information that we needed. But with all the information I felt like I was in information Overload. The Urologist said to become students of prostate cancer and learn all that we can on the treatment options. The trip home that day was the longest ride of our lives. Very quiet and more tears! The next morning I did as the Urologist suggested and to become a student and with the internet I started searching for more information about the treatment options, and also for a support group for both of us as I know that I needed a support group. As now I have moved from the roll of a Wife to a Caregiver!

Once I found information about the options I shared them with my husband. But he did not want to hear any option but surgery. Take it out now! He along with I started to become depressed so the support group would be a much needed system. During the calling of the support groups that I called the response Sorry No Women allowed. But wait prostate cancer is not only a man's but it is a couple's disease. Many time I told my husband to attend one of the groups but he always said No we are in this together! It took from June 19 to August 10 to find a support group for both of us. That day I called an Us TOO International Support Group in Lancaster and asked if both Men and Women are Welcome. Of Course! So on August 10 we found a new extended family of Prostate Cancer Survivors!

Now we are getting to the option that my husband had chosen surgery. We have a surgery date of October 12, 2009. We are now having the surgery in Columbus as Wright-Patterson AFB did not have the DiVincci Robot yet. The day of the surgery my husband was wheeled into the operating room and for me I had to stay strong seeing him enter the operating room. I was praying so hard that after the surgery there will be no more cancer! After he was out of my sight I broke down and cried and prayed it felt like it was days that he was in there but it was only about 8 hours. I get the call that he is out of surgery and in the recovery room and the doctor will be out shortly to talk with you. The Surgeon came out and said he did fine in the operating room. The prostate is out but the cancer has spread to his lymph-nodes. He said that at the post-op appointment we will discuss the options for treatment. Again more tears,  fears! The options that was chosen was hormone therapy and started on that soon after surgery. Has been doing hormone shots for the pasts 5 years and did radiation for 7 weeks from October to January to treat the prostate bed and also the lymph-nodes hoping to eradicate the prostate cancer in the lymph-nodes. Sadly it did not eradicate it.

Every 3 months he has his PSA test to make sure the prostate cancer is still in remission. Having the PSA test on takes a few seconds to draw the blood. It feels like years for the results to come back but it is only days. Yes it is stressful waiting on the results but for right now. The USPSTF has recommended that men do not get the PSA test I disagree 100% without the PSA test we would have never known that my husband has cancer. Last year I had sent letters to Representatives in support of Senate Concurrent Resolution 10 and both my husband and I testified in support of it. I still follow it on the Legislative website as it is waiting on Governor Kasich's signature. I will do whatever it takes to keep the PSA test as it is currently on only test available.

Since my husband diagnosis I have become a very active advocate for Prostate Cancer Awareness. In 2010 I won an award for my part in trying to raise awareness. In 2012 my husband and I went to Washington DC to attend the ZERO The End of Prostate Cancer Summit. On the last day of the Summit ZERO sets up meeting with our Representatives from Ohio our 1st meeting was at 8:30 am with Senator Brown September 13th. My first time on Capitol Hill was another day I will never forget! I TOOK a SPILL on Capitol Hill and broke my leg. The time was about 8:15 am when it happened but that did not stop me from attending the meeting and sharing my story on how prostate cancer has affected my life as a caregiver. So many of the Survivors from the Summit seen me and said that I was a very dedicated person to continue my day with a broken leg. Yes there was pain and I continued to the other two meetings but it was to important for me to go to the hospital at that time. I will go after the meetings were done. When we get to the Emergency Room they asked how did I do it. Same response I Took a SPILL on Capitol Hill! They chuckled but were also impressed with me continuing my day. Dedication!

I apologize for this email being so long now you have a small glance into the life of a Prostate Cancer Caregiver's life. My next challenges for Ohio is to have a Prostate Cancer Day Proclamation and also one for September for Prostate Cancer Awareness month. I am proud to say that now Ohio had one for Movember as I was persistent and one was written last year for the first time.

Thank you for your time and consideration in what is very important to me as a Wife/Caregiver and Mother of 4 young sons. The pictures are of my creative way to raise awareness for prostate cancer. He is Petey The Prostate Crusader and is my creative idea.

Linda Hoetger

Representative Michael Stinziano

aterday 

For the past few day I have been sending out this picture along with the blurb. Help support Prostate Cancer in September. I have sent it to anyone that I can think of  Adults of course both Men and Women. In hopes of one day getting the White House to support our families in our battle with prostate cancer. 

This is an email response that I got yesterday (Father's Day) from Representative Stinziano. This morning I sent an response of my personal connection to prostate cancer. It ended up being a large email but I shared my personal connection to Prostate Cancer as he asked. 

Linda,

 Thank you for sharing with me your support of the White House petition .

I will certainly review the petition and appreciate you sharing with me your personal connection to prostate cancer.  I share your support for raising awareness!

Please do not hesitate to contact me further regarding the petition or other issues I may be of service in addressing.

Michael

Michael Stinziano

State Representative

Circle of Hope picnic

Yesterday at the Circle of Hope Cancer Support picnic.  Our Prostate Cancer Support group was invited to attend. I took the Proclamations from the Governor and Mayor of Columbus to share with them. The Center one is for Movember. Ohio did not have one but with persistence of emailing the Governor's office and getting the proper wording...Ohio now has one for Movember!

City of Columbus Proclamation

I did not know that Columbus had a proclamation for Men's Health Week until this year.

Blue Cure

Petey needs YOU!

Sign the petition and help get the White House BLUE

in September for Prostate Cancer Awareness! 

Have you signed it yet? I have signature #106

Please sign by June 28, 2014 to make this a reality Support Prostate Cancer Awareness and Light The White House BLUE in September: Prostate Cancer Awareness

My husband was diagnosed with an Aggressive form of Prostate Cancer at the Age of 56 on June 19, 2009. It is so important to raise awareness as this is not an Old Man’s disease.

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/support-prostate-cancer-awareness-light-white-house-blue-september/0JHTqTk9

#signforPETEY

Petey wants to see the White House turned BLUE in September!  He is returning to Washington DC again to talk with Ohio's elected officials on Capitol Hill!

Yay!

Time to have some FUN on the hills!

City of Columbus Men's Health Week

Men's Health Week from Governor's Office

It's National Cancer Survivor Day!

 I know many Prostate Cancer SURVIVOR'S! But still very little is said and AWARENESS is raised for this horrible disease. The other sad part the Caregivers are not getting the support we need and it is also a Couple's disease. 

For all my Facebook Prostate Cancer Families enjoy you Day and for the those who have lost their battle WISH you could CELEBRATE with us! (((Hugs)))

What Cancer can not DO!

Representative Bishoff

We seen Representative Heather Harris Bishoff at the Lockbourne Memorial Day Celebration. Petey has a new home with her! She is an amazing person! Thank you for the support that you have given to Ray, Petey and I with Prostate Cancer Awareness!

Ray, Representative Bishoff and I

Heather Harris Bishoff You guys are awesome, I am so happy to have more patriotic Peteys to join me at the statehouse!!! It was good to see you both today!!!

Honor

What you need to know about Prostate Cancer

Testing

Education about prostate cancer risk and testing is part of a routine annual exam with a man’s physician. A general practitioner or an urologist can perform a full prostate cancer exam. This includes a PSA blood test and digital rectal exam, also called a DRE.

PSA Test

The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test is a simple blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. The PSA is a protein produced by cells in the prostate. Its primary function is to help keep the semen in a liquid form enabling the sperm to swim. The levels of PSA can rise due to a number reasons including the presence of cancer.

When your prostate is inflamed for any reason, infection, BPH, ejaculation, or even riding a bicycle, can cause a rise in your PSA. It also can rise as cancer develops in the prostate and spreads through the bloodstream to other parts of the body.

The PSA test is also used to track the effects of prostate cancer treatments such as surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. A low, dropping or zero PSA is a good sign that these treatments are working for a man with prostate cancer.

In May of 2012, the United States Preventive Services Task Force announced it does not recommend PSA testing for men because it believes there is not a life-saving benefit to the PSA. However, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and ZERO - The End of Prostate Cancer strongly recommend a man should be fully educated about prostate cancer and the option of early detection. A PSA test score is an important part of making a decision of how best to determine a prostate cancer diagnosis and/or treatment pathway.

It is best to discuss the results of a PSA test with your doctor, urologist, and if necessary an oncologist because every test result must also take age, race, family history, and recent activity into account.

The general guidelines of PSA levels consider:

• 0 to 2.5 ng/mL is considered safe
• 2.6 to 4 ng/mL is safe in most men but talk with your doctor about other risk factors
• 4.0 to 10.0 ng/mL is suspicious and suggest the possibility of prostate cancer
• 10.0 ng/mL and above is dangerous and should be discussed with your doctor immediately 

Age-specific PSA reference ranges refer to using different PSA cutoffs for recommending a biopsy. The age ranges are as follows:

• 40-49: 2.5
• 50-59: 3.5
• 60-69: 4.5
• 70 and up: 6.5

Research has shown men generally have a 25 percent chance of having prostate cancer with a PSA over 4.0 and a 50 percent chance of a PSA over 10.0. However, many men have an elevated PSA for many other reasons other than cancer.

Other reasons for an elevated PSA besides cancer:

• Advanced age
• Biopsy
• Catheter
• Injury to pelvic region or prostate
• Prostatitis
• Riding a bicycle
• Sex (within 24 hours)
• Supplements that effect testosterone
• Urinary tract infection

PSA Velocity

Annual changes in PSA test results is a method doctors use to determine the risk of prostate cancer as PSA can rapidly rise in men who have prostate cancer. It can be especially useful to find prostate cancer in early stages before the cancer has left the capsule of the prostate.

Research shows that an increase of .75 ng/mL over a year is an early indicator of prostate cancer if a man has a total PSA result between 4.0 and 10.0 ng/mL. Further, an increase of 2.0 ng/mL over a year period predicts a higher likelihood of death due to aggressive prostate cancer.

Research is also showing PSA velocity may be able to predict survivability from prostate cancer as men with a PSA increase of .35 ng/ML or less over a year have a 92 percent survival rate compared to PSA increases of more than .35 ng/mL over a year have a 54 percent survival rate.

A High PSA

There are several avenues to consider if a PSA is high and research continues develop more options every day. One should always have a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE), along with the PSA and/or an annual exam as it can detect prostate cancer or prostate problems that a PSA may miss.

A Low PSA

In general, a low PSA is a good result. However, there are several reasons a PSA test level may be artificially low including taking statins to lower cholesterol, anti-inflammatory drugs and obesity (body fat decreases the amount of PSA circulating in the blood stream). Be sure to discuss these with your doctor.

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

A DRE is a routine procedure as part of an annual physical exam with a doctor. The physician briefly feels the surface of the prostate for any abnormalities by inserting a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum for a several seconds.

The DRE is used to help diagnose prostate cancer – even when a PSA test is not high – and for other prostate problems such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis.

Advanced Detection

Science has advanced two genetic tests that can be used after a PSA test to predict aggressive or slow-growing tumors, giving patients and doctors more information to shape treatment regimens or active surveillance plans. Not all prostate cancers are the same and genomic testing of your prostate cancer will give you more options to consider.  

Oncotype DX, developed by Genomic Health, evaluates 21 genes in tissue taken during a prostate biopsy to establish a grade and state of the cancer. The test predicts the future recurrence of prostate cancer for patients with localized disease. In order to determine risk level with this test, a man must have a PSA less than 20, a Gleason score of less than 6, and a tumor stage in T1 or T2.

Prolaris, developed by Myriad, measures 46 genes to predict the aggressiveness of the disease. The test can be used to gauge how lethal a tumor may become or can be used after surgery to determine the likelihood of recurrence or metastatic disease.

These tests may prove very useful in avoiding overtreatment or when to act quickly to eradicate aggressive disease. Talk to your doctor if you are a candidate for these tests and find out if your insurance covers them.

Memorial Day 2014

Thank you to all the Men and Women of the Armed Forces!

Happy Memorial Day

2014

Access to Care

“I made a decision that I was not going to sit back and say Oh Poor Me! It’s time to take an active role in advocating for prostate cancer as a wife and mother of four young sons!” Linda Hoetger, Advocate

http://cqrcengage.com/zerocancer/access-to-care

Pro Bowler Petey

Today Petey turned Pro in bowling! What a nice Mother's Day.