New prostate cancer support group formed

Adult and Pediatric Urology (APU) is partnering with Cuyuna Regional Medical Center and Riverwood Healthcare Center to launch a prostate cancer support group that will meet alternately in Aitkin and Crosby.
 
The first meeting will be held on Thursday, January 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Conference Center at Heartwood Senior Living Community, 500 Heartwood Drive, Crosby.
 
The Aitkin-Crosby Us TOO Prostate Cancer Support Group is part of the international Us TOO organization that helps men and their families with free information, materials and peer-to-peer support so they can make informed choices on detection, treatment options and coping with ongoing survivorship. The group will be led by local men who have, or have had, prostate cancer to lend valuable support to others. Dr. Shawn McGee, APU urologist who cares for patients in Aitkin and Crosby, will speak and offer information.
 
“This is a wonderful opportunity for prostate cancer patients to connect for support and sharing of information and experiences,” Dr. McGee says. “This group can help men with prostate cancer gain valuable support from those who have been there and understand.”
 
Cindy Hauser, local APU nurse practitioner who cares for urology patients in Aitkin and Crosby, is facilitating the support group. The meetings will feature light refreshments and social time from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m., followed by a presentation and discussion from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
 
Each meeting will feature a different topic, from special guests to healthy living tips to national prostate cancer developments. There will also be time for voluntary individual introductions, sharing and a question-and-answer period. Spouses and partners of prostate cancer patients are welcome to attend.
 
Registration is not required to attend the January 19 Us TOO Prostate Cancer Support Group meeting. Contact Cuyuna Regional Medical Center’s Education Department at 218-546-2342 or CRMC Education for more information. The next support group meeting will be held at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin on March 8. Additional details will be released in the near future.