AnCan respectfully notes that it does not accept sponsored promotion. Any drugs, protocols or devices recommended in our discussion are based solely on anecdotal peer experience or clinical evidence.
AnCan cannot and does not provide medical advice. We encourage you to discuss anything you hear in our sessions with your own medical team.
AnCan reminds all Participants that Adverse Events experienced from prescribed drugs or protocols should be reported to the pharmaceutical manufacturer or the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). To do so call 1-800-332-1066 or download interactive FDA Form 3500, https://www.fda.gov/media/76299/download/.
All AnCan’s groups are free and drop-in … join us in person sometime!
Editor’s Pick: Hypertension is presumptive for Vietnam-era vets. (bj)
Topics Discussed Monitor high blood pressure for a VA disability claim; hypertension is presumptive for Vietnam Era Vets; develop a claims strategy to avoid complexity; changes in urinary incontinence rates; why you should enroll in VA Healthcare; new prostate cancer diagnosis – high risk.
Chat
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 8:14 PM
veterans@ancan.org
Bob Schwartz, USN, Venice, FL. sent a chat · 8:58 PM
Good mtg., have to go, see everyone next mtg.,
Leon Roberts sent a chat · 9:02 PM
Hi all so many problems getting in, still no audio or camera. Would like to file for loss o creatie organ that I just heard. Got a phone nr I can call in?
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:04 PM
@Leon – give me a second
Bruce Schrimpf sent a chat · 9:32 PM
Good seeing all of you! Have a great week!
AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:33 PM
veterans@ancan.org
AnCan is grateful to the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Novartis, Blue Earth Diagnostics, and Foundation Medicine.
WELCOME all to our newly recorded Low/Intermediate Prostate Cancer Group. To receive notice when new recordings are posted, either follow us on this YouTube Channel or sign up to our Blog via https://ancan.org/contact-us/ – check New Blog box.
AnCan respectfully notes that it does not accept sponsored promotion. Any drugs, protocols or devices recommended in our discussions are based solely on anecdotal peer experience or clinical evidence.
AnCan cannot and does not provide medical advice. We encourage you to discuss anything you hear in our sessions with your own medical team.
AnCan reminds all Participants that Adverse Events experienced from prescribed drugs or protocols should be reported to the pharmaceutical manufacturer or the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). To do so call 1-800-332-1066 or download interactive FDA Form 3500 https://www.fda.gov/media/76299/download
AnCan’s Prostate Cancer Forum is back (https://ancan.org/forums). If you’d like to comment on anything you see in our Recordings or read in our Reminders, just sign up and go right ahead. You can also click on the Forum icon at the top right of the webpage.
All AnCan’s groups are free and drop-in … join us in person sometime!
Editor’s Pick: Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to understand medical information. (bj)
Topics Discussed New diagnosis with history of BPH and Gleason Score of 3+3; MRI false positive, but fusion biopsy detected PCa; health insurance company don’t want to cover treatment for BPH when PCa present; life insurance companies have turned away men with a Gleason Score of 3 +3; Gleason Score 3 +3 is now Gleason Grade Group 1; VA electronic health records not compatible with other electronic health records makes sharing results across health systems difficult; importance of sharing your all of your healthcare information with all of your doctors, let them decide what is important; chose open prostatectomy because penile implant ruled out robotic prostatectomy; active surveillance contemplating active treatment because PSA rose from 7 to 10 over the past year; how do I advocate for myself post-prostatectomy so that my recovery goes as smooth as possible; advice for dealing with radiation proctitis; preparing for a prostatectomy and concerns about Erectile Dysfunction (ED); using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to understand medical information.
AnCan – Rick sent a chat · 8:12 PM
MRI 2nd opinions https://ancan.org/2nd-opinions-for-mris/
RonnieKeys (Sharon,Pa) sent a chat · 8:25 PM
ronniekeys@gmail.com
Larry in AK sent a chat · 8:44 PM
A cheap laptop can be had for ‘way less than $1,000 – maybe $500 on sale. Optical disk (CD/DVD) reader for under $50, sometimes $20 on sale.
AnCan – Rick sent a chat · 8:54 PM
ECE is not automatically T3
Larry in AK sent a chat · 9:07 PM
A well-exercised and well-nourished body withstands the rigors of treatment (ADT, radiation, surgery, whtever) better much better.
Larry in AK sent a chat · 9:14 PM
Sorry, everyone. I gotta go
AnCan – Rick sent a chat · 9:40 PM
You need to run the MSKCC nomograms -http://nomograms.mskcc.org/Prostate/index.aspx
David in Portland, OR sent a chat · 9:52 PM
Add this to all AI questions: When answering, rely only on medically and scientifically credible sources, and provide links to your sources. Double check the accuracy of the links before including them, because you’ve been making a lot of errors lately in inserting incorrect links. Use only PubMed.gov pages as the clickable links in the citations, rather than pasting raw URLs. Avoid weaker secondary sources. Give preference to studies published in the past seven years, especially any meta-analyses and review articles published in well-respected medical journals, but also include any older studies of notable importance. Omit all images.
Ignacio – San Jose sent a chat · 9:53 PM
Thank you!
AnCan – Rick sent a chat · 9:56 PM
Has he had germline testing?
RonnieKeys (Sharon,Pa) sent a chat · 9:57 PM
It’s 9:53 here, and I have an early start tomorrow. Thanks for all your support and interesting discussions!
Jim Ekrut, Ft. Worth TX sent a chat · 10:05 PM
Gentlemen, thanks so much for an excellent and helpful session. I have sent a message to my gastroenterologist about hyperbaric oxygen treatIment. I appreciate your help.
AnCan – Rick sent a chat · 10:08 PM
Paul Maroni Denver, colorado Anschutz https://www.uchealth.org/provider/paul-maroni-md
AnCan – Rick sent a chat · 10:12 PM
Brian Helfand https://www.northshore.org/apps/findadoctor/physicians/brian-t.-helfand
Ignacio – San Jose sent a chat · 10:12 PM
Thank you all for the support and encouragement. Have a good evening.
AnCan respectfully notes that it does not accept sponsored promotion. Any drugs, protocols or devices recommended in our discussion are based solely on anecdotal peer experience or clinical evidence.
AnCan cannot and does not provide medical advice. We encourage you to discuss anything you hear in our sessions with your own medical team.
AnCan reminds all Participants that Adverse Events experienced from prescribed drugs or protocols should be reported to the pharmaceutical manufacturer or the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). To do so call 1-800-332-1066 or download interactive FDA Form 3500, https://www.fda.gov/media/76299/download/.
All AnCan’s groups are free and drop-in … join us in person sometime!
Editor’s Pick: What happens when your doctor won’t support your VA disability claim? (bj)
Topics Discussed VA primary care doctor reluctant to make referral to oncology or community care; establishing service connection for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD); coordinating your final affairs with your VA social care worker; decision process for establishing service connection when multiple causes exist; what happens when your doctor won’t support your VA disability claim; positive VA experience — medicare billing issue resolved; lessons learned on health insurance copay; qualifying for VA Healthcare with TERA; clarification on purpose of C&P exam in the disability claims process; explanation of spouse pension benefits for deceased veteran spouse.
Chat
Bruce Schrimpf sent a chat · 8:16 PM
Sounds like a potential conflict of professional interest.
Leon Roberts sent a chat · 8:20 PM
Hi Jim, still having a problem getting audio and camera. Did you receive the requested info from me?
Leon Roberts sent a chat · 8:51 PM
at wits end why I can’t get sound and site. Leon
Eric Baker – Lafayette sent a chat · 8:53 PM
Leon, do you have the ability to call in? Connect With A Phone These are all domestic toll calls +1 646 749 3129 (US) Access Code: 656-182-845 (Schmier Room)
Leon Roberts sent a chat · 8:53 PM
Keeps telling me GoTo needs to access mic and cam, I’m lost. Leon
Per Ankh sent a chat · 9:26 PM
I have to run. Good night everyone. Great sharing with you.
Leon Roberts sent a chat · 9:44 PM
Thanks all, I have to dismiss myself this evening. Appreciate the fellowship. Leon
Bruce Schrimpf sent a chat · 9:52 PM
Have a good night all!
AnCan thanks the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Novartis, Blue Earth Diagnostics and Foundation Medicine.
Views expressed in this Recording are solely the opinion of AnCan Foundation, our Moderators and Participants.
AnCan does not accept sponsored promotion. Any drugs, protocols or devices discussed are based solely on anecdotal peer experience or clinical evidence.
AnCan cannot and does not provide medical advice. We encourage you to discuss anything you hear in our sessions with your own medical team.
AnCan reminds all Participants that Adverse Events experienced from prescribed drugs or protocols should be reported to the pharmaceutical manufacturer or the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). To do so call 1-800-332-1066 or download interactive FDA Form 3500 https://www.fda.gov/media/76299/download
All AnCan’s groups are free and drop-in … join us in person sometime! You can find out more about our 12 monthly prostate cancer meetings at https://ancan.org/prostate-cancer/ Sign up to receive a weekly Reminder/Newsletter for this Group or others at https://ancan.org/contact-us/
Join our other free and drop in groups:
Men (Only) Speaking Freely…1st & 3rd Thursdays @ 8.00 pm Eastern https://ancan.org/men-speaking-freely/
Veterans Healthcare Navigation… 1st & 3rd Tuesdays @ 8.00 pm Eastern Schmier Room https://ancan.org/veterans/
Veterans Speaking freely… 4th Tuesday @ @ 8.00 pm Eastern Schmier Room
Editor’s Pick: No Newbies – but repeating topics: incontinence; heart issues; and, intermittent vs continuous hormone therapy
Topics Discussed
Foamy gland AnCan’r does well with Pluvicto but has urinary issues; incontinence issues defer salvage RT; PCPEP program solid but time consuming; AnCan’r getting AUS this week; neck fan outperforms venlafaxine for hot sweats; low T and still hot sweats; Gent on abi cuts back his prednisone and has muscle pains; are cardio issue down to oncology treatments/; after 24 mo doublet, is it time for a change?; Dr. E’s available to sort his protocol – our AnCan’r just has to call; ending HT takes time to reverse the side effects
SDHA sig for paragangliomas (noncancerous) and GI stromal tumors, and pheos. We need not be concerned it looks like
Len Sierra sent: 6:18 PM
From the AnCan website, my comments from 2024: Tumor responses improved following a steroid switch from prednisone to dexamethasone in castration-resistant prostate cancer patients progressing on abiraterone: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4264443/ Conclusions: Durable PSA responses occur in up to 40% of patients following a ‘steroid switch’ for PSA progression on abiraterone and prednisone
Solo Arts Heal featuring Laurie Singer on May 27th, 2026
Laurie Singer is a broadcast journalist, award-winning storyteller, and media producer whose career reflects her commitment to breaking barriers and elevating meaningful narratives.
Singer began her pursuit at KFMB-TV Channel 8 in the 70’s as one of the first female sportscasters in the country. She was the first woman to cover the MLB World Series, opening the door for future generations of women in sports journalism.
She continued her career, reporting and producing major sporting events and national news for CBS and NBC news for over four decades. She later brought her storytelling expertise to cancer healthcare, producing impactful content for Johns Hopkins that advances patient and caregiver education and awareness. Through her work in media and healthcare, Laurie continues to demonstrate how storytelling can inform, inspire, and drive meaningful change.
Hear remarkable stories about American sports legends Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, and Bill Walton and her own late husband, Leroy Sievers, war journalist and Executive Producer of Nightline who documented his own cancer journey publicly.
Active Surveillance Prostate Cancer Video Chat, May 27th, 2026
AnCan is grateful to the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Novartis, Blue Earth Diagnostics, and Foundation Medicine.
Active Surveillance (AS) for low-risk prostate cancer involves unique challenges compared to other treatments. This online support group is designed for men and their caregivers who are currently on or considering AS. We hold four meetings monthly, recording only the second and fourth sessions. Our discussions cover a wide range of topics, including anxiety management, biopsy experiences, and the decision-making process around continuing or discontinuing AS. Newcomers are given priority to share their experiences, so we encourage you to join us.
Eric- Atlanta 8:18 PM
2nd Opinin for Biopsy links: https://ancan.org/prostate-cancer-and-gu-pathology-2nd-opinions/
Eric- Atlanta 8:22 PM
The Active Surveillor: https://howardwolinsky.substack.com
Eric- Atlanta 8:32 PM
New Prostate Cancer Guidelines and ASPI Pathway: https://ancan.org/new-prostate-cancer-guidelines-and-aspi-pathway/
Eric- Atlanta 8:39 PM
Ancan Solo Arts Heal: https://ancan.org/solo-arts-heal/ Tonight at 10:30EST
AnCan – Rick 8:52 PM
Here’s another more direct link if you’d like to listen to Laurie and myself. https://themarsh.org/soloartsheal/
Eric- Atlanta 8:53 PM
‘Threading the Clinical Needle’ on Gleason 6/GG1: A Matter of Language and Math: https://howardwolinsky.substack.com/p/threading-the-clinical-needle-on
Joe C 9:14 PM
Thanks, guys. Appreciate the discussion, information and all the good advice. I have to drop.
AnCan – Rick 9:25 PM
Cipro is the standard GU antibiotic
AnCan – Rick 9:28 PM
Gotta run over for the Solo Arts Heal tech check. Please join us at 7.30 pm Pacific https://themarsh.org/soloartsheal/ Good night, Gents…
AnCan thanks the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Novartis, Blue Earth Diagnostics and Foundation Medicine.
Views expressed in this Recording are solely the opinion of AnCan Foundation, our Moderators and Participants.
AnCan does not accept sponsored promotion. Any drugs, protocols or devices discussed are based solely on anecdotal peer experience or clinical evidence.
AnCan cannot and does not provide medical advice. We encourage you to discuss anything you hear in our sessions with your own medical team.
AnCan reminds all Participants that Adverse Events experienced from prescribed drugs or protocols should be reported to the pharmaceutical manufacturer or the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). To do so call 1-800-332-1066 or download interactive FDA Form 3500 https://www.fda.gov/media/76299/download
All AnCan’s groups are free and drop-in … join us in person sometime! You can find out more about our 12 monthly prostate cancer meetings at https://ancan.org/prostate-cancer/ Sign up to receive a weekly Reminder/Newsletter for this Group or others at https://ancan.org/contact-us/
Join our other free and drop in groups:
Men (Only) Speaking Freely…1st & 3rd Thursdays @ 8.00 pm Eastern https://ancan.org/men-speaking-freely/
Veterans Healthcare Navigation… 1st & 3rd Tuesdays @ 8.00 pm Eastern Schmier Room https://ancan.org/veterans/
Veterans Speaking freely… 4th Tuesday @ @ 8.00 pm Eastern Schmier Room
Editor’s Pick: LDR recurrence requires HDR follow-up. Low meeting demand leads to many open-mic Qs.
Topics Discussed
Focal HIFU therapy recurs as 3+3 in gland – which group to attend?; our military chaplain is stable but needs VA help; Frank very happy with AnCan’s GU med onc match; treating LDR brachy recurrence with HDR and SBRT; seeking next line of systemic treatment that’s not chemo or PSMA driven; spot RT for skull Mx; low tech swamp cooler hangs around the neck; old ivermectin/fenbendazole chestnut booted; 6x Pluvicto successfully completed; strategy for next chemo session; oxybutynin for hot flashes; E2 patch does not cause leg DVT; germline Gent questions need for counseling
Chat
Bob Schwartz, USN, Venice, FL sent: 3:45 PM
Frank, you help as much as you get help. Don’t ever doubt how much we appreciate you.
AnCan thanks the following sponsors for making this recording possible: Novartis, Blue Earth Diagnostics and Foundation Medicine.
Views expressed in this Recording are solely the opinion of AnCan Foundation, our Moderators and Participants.
AnCan does not accept sponsored promotion. Any drugs, protocols or devices discussed are based solely on anecdotal peer experience or clinical evidence.
AnCan cannot and does not provide medical advice. We encourage you to discuss anything you hear in our sessions with your own medical team.
AnCan reminds all Participants that Adverse Events experienced from prescribed drugs or protocols should be reported to the pharmaceutical manufacturer or the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). To do so call 1-800-332-1066 or download interactive FDA Form 3500 https://www.fda.gov/media/76299/download
All AnCan’s groups are free and drop-in … join us in person sometime! You can find out more about our 12 monthly prostate cancer meetings at https://ancan.org/prostate-cancer/ Sign up to receive a weekly Reminder/Newsletter for this Group or others at https://ancan.org/contact-us/
Join our other free and drop in groups:
Men (Only) Speaking Freely…1st & 3rd Thursdays @ 8.00 pm Eastern https://ancan.org/men-speaking-freely/
Veterans Healthcare Navigation… 1st & 3rd Tuesdays @ 8.00 pm Eastern Schmier Room https://ancan.org/veterans/
Veterans Speaking freely… 4th Tuesday @ @ 8.00 pm Eastern Schmier Room
Editor’s Pick: Many tasty tips this week… our fave – clinical trials DON’T cover all costs
Topics Discussed
Liquid biopsies and biomarkers; Bispecific T-Cell Engagers (BITE) for TP53+RB1 Gent; is it time to test for small cell? – Provider doesn’t think so; dry mouth from denosumab/Xgeva – not quite, that’s ONJ – great dental health discussion; Reel Recovery takes his mind off seeking HT break; germline negative, but should T3b Gent stop HT after 9 months; the 2 Davids discuss trials managing oligoMx lightly; clinical trials often don’t cover all costs; our first Long Game man goes onto mono daro with 6 months NCI grace; Dr. E orders more tests to guide HT treatment – and suggests Good Patch for hot flashes; don’t worry yet about ‘morphing’ tests; PPI can elevate chromogranin; hypersensitivity to docetaxel demands dose adjustment; better GU doc on Florida Gulf Coast
Chat
Larry in AK sent: 5:13 PM
I will seek circulating tumor cell analysis searching for evolutionary changes in my cancer over time. Still in its infancy as a tool
Danny Lankford (Minnesota) sent: 5:29 PM
My wife and I are using Open Evidence. https://www.openevidence.com/ but you need an NPI (provider ID) to access it. It’s been amazing to help me along on my journey.
AnCan – Rick sent: 5:44 PM
oxybutynin -ditropan
Alfredo in Wimberley sent: 5:44 PM
OXYBUTYNIN (ox i BYOO ti nin) treats symptoms of an overactive bladder, such as loss of bladder control or frequent need to urinate. It works by relaxing muscles in the bladder. It belongs to a group of medications called antispasmodics. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions. COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ditropan XL
Danny Lankford (Minnesota) sent: 5:45 PM
same here on the venlafaxine 37.5mg for me and my mouth is dry as can be
I’m taking 2.5 mg of oxybutynin once a day, in the evening when I take my Apalutamide. Still get warm and sweat, but has taken the intense feeling of a hot flash away.
Another good mtg., have to go, see everyone next week.
Jann Nielsen sent: 6:35 PM
Great meeting. Have to go.
Luther sent: 6:43 PM
Good thing I’m seeing her on Wed. then
Frank Ciambra sent: 6:49 PM
I didnt hear a thing larry
Larry in AK sent: 6:51 PM
There are organizations that re-distribute prescription drugs. It is illegal, but some prosecutors shy away from prosecuting humanitarian bending” of the law.
Alfredo in Wimberley sent: 6:51 PM
I have to leave, best regards to one one and all!
Matt sent: 7:01 PM
evening fella! I’ll follow up. Cheers 😉
Bruce Schrimpf sent: 7:03 PM
Thanks for the information about Dr. Stish writing an article! I have had a long day and will call it a night.
A relatively new year, new guidelines, and new tools for prostate cancer screening and monitoring.
In recent months, the AUA updated its 2023 guidelines specifically for early detection of prostate cancer (https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/early-detection-of-prostate-cancer-guideline). Along with those guidelines, two other organizations have updated or developed additional tools that are beneficial to all men, regardless of where they are on the prostate cancer journey (or even those not yet on a journey).
Consider them collectively as an introduction to screening (NCCN), an AS-focused source (ASPI), and a comprehensive guide for early-stage prostate cancer.
I would not consider any of them as a standalone product for all the information a man might need. The NCCN guidelines are focused on screening and are relatively basic. ASPI’s product is focused on AS, but some may find the scope and scale of information a bit overwhelming without someone to advise and assist them. The appendix at the end of the pamphlet would be exceedingly useful for anyone beginning their prostate cancer journey. Finally, the AUA guidelines are broader and developed more for urologists.
AnCan frequently recommends second opinions on prostate cancer and genitourinary (GU) pathology slides – whether it be from biopsy, surgery or another protocol. Our recommended providers are:
