Like We Didn’t Know…. the value of care partner support groups

Like We Didn’t Know…. the value of care partner support groups

by | Oct 2, 2026 | Cancer Caregivers, Recent News, Uncategorized

Like We Didn’t Know…. the value of care partner support groups

Most of our Readers are well aware of the value of a Care Partners Support Group – especially a peer-led one that does not inhibit conversation or stand on ceremony.
The message was partially echoed in an article in the Fall 2026 issue of Cancer  Today, Finding Your Own Support . Written by regular columnist, K.J. Bannan. She wonders “if I, as a caregiver, mighthave benefited form similar level of group support” to her mother who died of lung cancer.
At anCan we’d say, definitely YES!  But sadly, K.J. is not aware of AnCan and our groups. Now if someone feels like reaching out…
Stay in shape with FIT Together in your own living room!

Stay in shape with FIT Together in your own living room!

by | Aug 11, 2026 | Active Surveillance PCa, Blood Cancers, Cancer Caregivers, Cancer Resources, cardio-oncology, Exercise, High Risk/Recurrent/Advanced Prostate Cancer, Low/Intermediate Prostate Cancer, mCRPC, Men 'Speaking Freely', Men's Breast Cancer, mHSPC, Multiple Sclerosis, Ovarian Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Thyroid Cancer, Uncategorized, Women's Breast Cancer

Stay in shape with FIT Together in your own living room!

Mark and Kathy Baldridge are avid birders, and as a result, frequent visitors to “Deep Southern Arizona” from their home in University Place, Washington. You may have seen them in an AnCan Group – we’ve been supporting the Baldridges since 2021.

Recently Mark mentioned an at home exercise program in a group, so we encouraged him to tell us more so all AnCan’rs living with cancer  could participate… with or without their care partner. 

This October 17th, AnCan will participate in the OHSU-Fred Hutch Prostate Cancer Summit. Dr. Kerri Winters is also speaking, and Dr. E  (Eleni Efstathiou), the new Chief of Genitourinary Cancer at OHSU, has already set up a time for us to meet. We’ll be writing about the Summit closer to the date.  (rick davis)

Back in high school, I did multiple pushups before I went to bed.  Fast-forward 50 years and I was unable to do a single pushup.  Over the years, I’d fooled myself into thinking I was in ‘decent shape’ because I took long walks several times a week.  The truth was that after being diagnosed with osteoporosis, 24 months of Hormone Therapy and a lack of upper body exercise, my overall strength had significantly declined.

Fortunately, I discovered an online exercise program FIT Together for cancer survivors and their partners.  FIT Together is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2014 under the leadership of Dr. Kerri Winters-Stone and Jessica Sitemba.  Dr. Winters-Stone has a PhD in Human Performance and has been conducting research in exercise oncology for 20 years. She has run over 15 clinical trials funded by NIH and cancer non-profits.  I have participated in two of Dr. Winters-Stone’s clinical trials run through Oregon Health Sciences University – OHSU.

I’ve attended FIT Together classes for a year and can attest that the instructors are excellent.  They demonstrate each exercise and then give tips to ensure each participant correctly performs the exercise.  The instructors individualize and tailor movements and exercises to accommodate each person’s needs—no matter what the person’s fitness level.  For instance, pushups can be performed in many different ways (e.g. against a wall/desk/chair or on hands and knees/feet).

The classes are held twice per week at various times virtually.  I love the convenience of performing these exercises at home and look forward to each class.  All you need for the classes are dumbbells, a resistance band, stretch strap and an exercise mat.  The cost for this equipment is quite reasonable—less than $75.

There are several classes to choose from: strength training, strength/cardio and an exercise class for couples.  Classes are very reasonably priced— around $5 per session for a 12 week/24 session class… even less if two of you join together.

I participate in the strength training class and physically feel much better about myself.  It’s been really encouraging to see that I’ve slowly gained upper body strength.  While I still can’t do a pushup on my hands and toes, I can perform 12 pushups on my hands and knees—I’m on my way to performing a full pushup.

I highly recommend these classes and hope to see some of you in a class—you won’t be disappointed!

Judy Williams “Moving Forward After Cancer Diagnosis”

by | Jul 13, 2026 | Blood Cancers, Cancer Caregivers

Judy Williams “Moving Forward After Cancer Diagnosis

AnCan’s Judy Williams was recently featured in a Travel + Leisure article, Moving Forward After Diagnosis: One Traveler’s Journey With Blood Cancer. Judy moderates two AnCan groups – Blood Cancer and Care Partners.

Judy is a retired educator, grandmother, and a passionate traveler, who is an 11-year survivor of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). The article explores Judy and her husband’s decades of exploring the world together, and both of their individual cancer stories. Judy was a care partner to her husband, Michael, with advanced prostate cancer, who passed from aggressive pancreatic cancer in September 2023.

After her diagnosis, Judy became heavily involved with the CLL Society, volunteering as a support group facilitator to help educate and build community among other patients. She now moderates two AnCan groups, Care Partners and Blood Cancer.

“Judy’s message to others with CLL, whether newly diagnosed or, like herself, living with the disease for a decade or longer: Stay hopeful and stay educated through groups like CLL Society. “Researchers are continually working to identify and develop new treatment options for CLL,” she says. “Staying informed about the latest research and treatment advances can help empower people who are managing their condition and help them sustain hope to continue pursuing what they love.”

Low/Intermediate PCA Video Chat, 05/25/2026

Low/Intermediate PCA Video Chat, 05/25/2026

by | Jun 4, 2026 | Cancer Caregivers, Cancer Resources, Low/Intermediate Prostate Cancer, Recorded Groups

Low/Intermediate PCa Video Chat, 05/25/2026

Low/Intermediate PCa Video Chat, 05/25/2026

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.

Join our other free and drop in groups:
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.

Chat

AnCan – Stuart sent a chat · 8:09 PM

Prostate Cancer and GU Pathology 2nd Opinions

AnCan – Stuart sent a chat · 8:11 PM

2nd Opinions for MRIs

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.

Low/Intermediate PCA Video Chat, 05/25/2026

Low/Intermediate PCa Video Chat, 5/11/2026

by | May 12, 2026 | Cancer Caregivers, Cancer Resources, Low/Intermediate Prostate Cancer, Recorded Groups

Low/Intermediate PCa Video Chat, 5/11/2026

Low/Intermediate PCa Video Chat, 5/11/2026

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.

Join our other free and drop in groups:
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: New prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis with potential Lynch Syndrome in the family. (bj)

Topics Discussed
New diagnosis with potential Lynch Syndrome in the family; exploring genetic testing as well as somatic vs germline testing; be careful about interpreting test results as a guarantee; two types of prostate cancer bioposies—transperineal carries less infection risk; primer on different radiation treatments for prostate cancer; focal treatment carries high recurrence risk with Gleason Score 4+3 or higher; cyber knife, nano knife, heat therapy are forms of focal treatment; things to expect three weeks after a radical prostatectomy; dealing with anxiety following a radical prostatectomy or PSA changes following treatment; Artera AI as a predictor of biochemical recurrence.

Chat

Stuart sent a chat · 7:50 PM
Dr. Ming Zhou Mount Sinai Health System Department of Pathology, Box 1194 Annenberg Bldg. 15th FL 1468 Madison Ave New York, NY 10029 Email: Ming.zhou@mountsinai.org Telephone: (212)241-8881

Stuart sent a chat · 7:51 PM
Dr. Jonathan Epstein – https://advanceduropathology.com/  Tel:516-760-2037    jepstein@imppllc.com

AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 8:12 PM
Last Low/Intermediate Video Chat on YouTube (same as above)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jMy0byKzdE

AnCan – rick sent a chat · 8:24 PM
Also Jesse McKenney at Cleveland Clinic   mckennj@ccf.org   Expert on cribriform

 AnCan Bill sent a chat · 8:53 PM
stuart@ancan.org & bfranklin@ancan.org

medium.com/@mperloe sent a chat · 8:54 PM
Is brachy indicated after sepsis from the biopsy? I’d sure be leery of that.

Steve in Malaysia sent a chat · 9:05 PM
The canadian health system is per province vs national.

Steve in Malaysia sent a chat · 9:05 PM
Sunnybrook in Toronto is the most advanced center and has all modalities including MR Linac

Steve in Malaysia sent a chat · 9:07 PM
i believe there is also MR Linac in Calgary.

AnCan – rick sent a chat · 9:08 PM
We’re aware, Steve. BC is not too bad. Also v. familiar with Sunnybrook/Klotz

Steve in Malaysia sent a chat · 9:08 PM
👍

Bob in Georgia sent a chat · 9:17 PM
I leave next tuesday, preop on Wed, spacor on Thurs

AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:21 PM
boykin@ancan.org

 AnCan Bill sent a chat · 9:22 PM
Ask for a referral to Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy.

Bob in Georgia sent a chat · 9:27 PM
Going to Sloan Kettering with Dr Nagar

Mark WV sent a chat · 9:28 PM
nite

AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:29 PM
Good nite Mark!

 AnCan Bill sent a chat · 9:33 PM
May 21st at 8 p.m. Eastern is the next MSF.

AnCan – rick sent a chat · 9:33 PM
Next MSF meeting … in this room same time on Thu May 21

Larry S – ADT by estradiol sent a chat · 9:49 PM
Re: When to stop PSA testing.  I have not read this yet (it just came into my inbox this morning), but the synopsis looks hopeful for more men getting screened later in life and having those tests INTERPRETED MORE INTELLIGENTLY so as to avoid alarm and unnecessary procedures.  https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260428/NCCN-publishes-new-patient-guide-for-prostate-cancer-screening.aspx?utm_source=news_medical_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=prostate_cancer_newsletter_10_may_2026

AnCan – rick sent a chat · 9:49 PM
from Joel…”Got it. Thank you Rick”

Bob in Georgia sent a chat · 9:53 PM
Nite

AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:53 PM
Good night Bob!

AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 9:59 PM
Artera AI https://artera.ai/

Fritz sent a chat · 10:05 PM
Thanks so much -I’ll report back next meeting. Safe journey everyone

Jim E., Ft. Worth TX sent a chat · 10:11 PM
Have to go for now. Thanks so much!

Low/Intermediate PCA Video Chat, 05/25/2026

Low/Intermediate PCa Video Chat, 4/27/2026

by | May 10, 2026 | Cancer Caregivers, Cancer Resources, Low/Intermediate Prostate Cancer, Recorded Groups

Low/Intermediate PCa Video Chat, 4/27/2026

Low/Intermediate PCa Video Chat, 4/27/2026

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.

Join our other free and drop in groups:
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: Treatment at Center of Excellence (COE) preferred over Community Care. (bj)

Topics Discussed
Using the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) Nomogram to predict the success rate of surgery versus recurrence risk; clinical significance of cribriform patterns in pathology reports; Androgen Deprivation Theory (ADT) & Cardiac Health means understanding the diffference between short- and long-term risks as well as the importance of cardio-oncology monitoring; getting second opinions from on pathology reports are important to confirm Gleason score and identify other potential concerns; treatment at a Center of Execellence (COE) preferred over Community Care because COE offer integrated, multi-disciplianary and access to advanced technologies.

Chat

AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 8:01 PM
Dr. Ming Zhou Mount Sinai Health System Department of Pathology, Box 1194 Annenberg Bldg. 15th FL 1468 Madison Ave New York, NY 10029 Email: Ming.zhou@mountsinai.org Telephone: (212)241-8881

AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 8:02 PM
Dr. Jonathan Epstein – https://advanceduropathology.com/  Tel:516-760-2037    jepstein@imppllc.com

Steve Ft Worth sent a chat · 8:15 PM
STeven Warwick

AnCan – Rick sent a chat · 8:19 PM
GoTo  877 582 7011    for tech assistance

AnCan Bill sent a chat · 8:31 PM
http://nomograms.mskcc.org/Prostate/index.aspx

AnCan – Boykin sent a chat · 8:38 PM
Have him run the MSKCC nomogram http://nomograms.mskcc.org/Prostate/index.aspx

David in Portland, OR sent a chat · 8:39 PM
Active Monitoring, Surgery, and Radiotherapy for Cribriform-Positive and Cribriform-Negative Prostate Cancer: A Secondary Analysis of the PROTECT Randomized Clinical Trial (Sushentsev, Nikita): https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/article-abstract/2840006?utm_campaign=articlePDF&utm_medium=articlePDFlink&utm_source=articlePDF&utm_content=jamaoncol.2025.4125

Jp sent a chat · 8:46 PM
Can I ask a question on here by chat ?

Jp sent a chat · 8:47 PM
Ok

AnCan Bill sent a chat · 8:49 PM
JP – you can put something in the chat. If you wait until the end, we’ll get to you in the virtual room.

Jp sent a chat · 8:50 PM
Thank you

My question is about the real side effects of chemo

My doctor wants me to start in September

Jp sent a chat · 8:52 PM
Got it thank you

Jp sent a chat · 8:52 PM
New

Jp sent a chat · 8:53 PM
🙏

AnCan – Rick sent a chat · 9:07 PM
Focal therapy article on our bloghttps://ancan.org/prostate-cancer-focal-therapy-as-primary-treatment/

AnCan – Rick sent a chat · 9:08 PM
https://ancan.org/prostate-cancer-focal-therapy-as-primary-treatment/

David in Portland, OR sent a chat · 9:55 PM
A Phase III Randomize Controlled Trial of Sterotactic Body Radiotherapy in Localized Prostate Cancer: Pace-B Trial (van As, Nicholas): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7616714/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

AnCan Bill sent a chat · 9:58 PM
https://ancan.org/events/month/