GAPS
can report four positive developments.
•
A New Venue
We
have moved from the Glasgow Art Club to the City Halls.
Although the Art Club treated us well and we are thankful
for the use of their premises, circumstances forced us to
take a fresh look at the venue of our main meetings. One
of our keen, stalwart members, Barry Linning, approached
the City Council, and secured our use of the City Halls
in Candelriggs. Although the hire of the rooms is more expensive
than that offered elsewhere, the central location, convenient
for buses, trains and the Subway, has made the move worthwhile.
•
Three Excellent Speakers
Our
session began with a talk by Mr Khaver Qureshi, a consultant
at the Western and Gartnavel Hospitals in Glasgow, on laparoscopy
(keyhole surgery) and the treatment of prostate cancer.
Although the topic may sound rather technical and gruesome,
Mr Qureshi proved a skilled communicator.
Suzy
Mercer of The Prostate Cancer Charity introduced us to her
work in developing the new project of “one to one”
support in Scotland. She soon convinced us of the worth
of her project.
Mr
John Graham, a consultant at the Beatson, braved the worst
weather of January to explain what research into the treatment
of prostate cancer is happening in the West of Scotland.
Although there is no magic cure for prostate cancer, treatments
are improving. We were encouraged by his talk.
We
are grateful for the practical support of members of the
medical profession who speak at our meetings.
•
The Prostate Cancer Charity
Members
of GAPS have been taking part in Suzy’s project. There
is much to learn, and with Suzy’s support our members
will receive training in counselling and in making presentations
to businesses and clubs. Suzy is an enthusiast.
•
New Interest
Both
at our main meetings and at the Wednesday morning meeting
at the Maggie’s Centre, new faces have appeared. The
Maggie’s Centre is a very good venue, and the staff,
led by Maureen Fee, are always willing to tell men of our
meeting. Suzy has also pointed men in our direction. We
have found that personal recommendation is a better way
of making contact with the public than expensive advertising.
To
the Future
Sometimes
we relax. Part of support is relaxing together and putting
aside thoughts and worries about our cancer and its treatment.
That is why we are looking forward to a talk by Barry Linning,
our prize winning gardener.
Recently,
men who are enduring serious consequences of their treatments
have been in touch with us. It is unrealistic to expect
them to travel far to meetings, and therefore we must face
the challenge of creating more local groups.
Soon
it will time to attend to the business side of GAPS and
appoint the committee for next year. Although it is hard
to find willing volunteers, somehow GAPS will be offering
support to prostate cancer sufferers next year.
Martyn Jones
Are
you receiving treatment for prostate cancer? Have you recently
been told you have prostate cancer? Being told was quite
a shock wasn't it? What effect did it have on your family?
No doubt you felt anger, confusion, depression and isolation.
You are not alone - fellow patients experience the same
natural reactions.
Would
you like to:
• Hear how other patients and their families are coping?
• Gain a better understanding of the effects of your
illness by
discussing experiences and concerns with fellow patients?
• Listen to guest speakers from the medical profession
and
related services?
• Learn about tests and treatments?
• increase society's awareness of the illness, its
related
effects and your needs?
If
so - you are cordially invited to join the Glasgow Area
Prostate Support Group which holds main meetings
approximately every 8 weeks and operates small self-
regulated local community contact groups between
the main meetings. This ensures that members
have access to support most of the time.
G.A.P.S., P.O. Box 5179 Dumbarton G82 5YL
Please do join us.
You will be welcome.
We all face the same problems!
We
are an active group of prostate cancer patients providing:
• Understanding
• Reassurance
• Mutual Support
• Information
to
fellow prostate cancer patients. their families and carers
who live in the Greater Glasgow Area.
Comments from Members of the Greater
Glasgow Group
Membership is free and meetings are held approximately every
eight weeks in a convenient location in Glasgow.
If
you have been diagnosed as having prostate cancer
DO COME AND JOIN
US
Don't
be embarrassed. Remember we all face the same problems.
Don't hesitate!
Send your name and address NOW to:
G.A.P.S., P.O. Box No 5179, Dumbarton G82 SYL
Click
here to view a printable version of our registration form
Scottish
Charity No. SC 029158
