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ASPI – A Place for Options for Prostate Cancer Education and Peaceful Vigilance
All of us have experienced the anxiety and uncertainty you may now feel. Should I have treatment or can I wait or avoid treatment all together? How do I know what “low risk” is, and how do I determine if I’m low risk? What is Active Surveillance?
ASPI’s Board’s goal is to offer you informed options – empowering you if you should choose to immerse yourself in what we offer. Our board has many years of Active Surveillance experience and has an international support network to equip men with the knowledge they will need to discuss their choice of care with their clinician. We’ve worked with the challenges and questions you now face. Also, the decision to transition from AS to treatment can be stressful. Two of our board members have made that journey, and we can offer support in that process as well.
We have found a kind of peaceful vigilance in our journey, and you can arrive there as well. Please read our mission statement, newsletters, patient stories, blogs, webinars, watch meeting videos, late-breaking news, ever-changing protocols – and much more.
Finally, get in touch with us at https://aspatients.org/contact-us/ and we’ll be sure to get back to you.
And one additional request: should you find our information worthwhile and you become involved with our organization in helping other men, your financial participation – in the form of any amount – will further support our mission and would be welcome.
Click here to support us: https://aspatients.org/donate/. Thank you.
WE ARE THRIVERS
Thrainn’s Story
In my opinion, my greatest personal accomplishment was to undertake extensive research on my own, followed by choosing AS. When I was diagnosed with PC at the age of 61, my doctors strongly recommended that I undergo traditional treatment. Surgery was at the top of the list.
Mark's Story
Eighteen years ago, I was diagnosed with Gleason 6 prostate cancer at the age of 55 – and, against the advice of five medical professionals (including my wife, a nurse practitioner) I chose not to have intervention.
Years on Active Surveillance
| Patients | Years | Months |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Lichty | 18 | 6 |
| Philip Segal | 16 | 9 |
| Bill Manning | 14 | 2 |
| Howard Wolinsky | 12 | 6 |
| Geoff McLennan | 11 | 8 |
| David King Keller | 9 | 6 |
| Martin Gewirtz | 6 | 2 |
The following ASPI directors have now entered treatment:
Thrainn Torvaldsson after 14 years of A.S.
We hope this list of men on AS and men who have transitioned to treatment may help to reassure about the choice you have made or might make. One choses AS not only to avoid side effects, but also to allow the evolution of treatment. As an example, Thraiin, our Icelandic board member diagnosed 18 yrs ago, likely received a higher level treatment due to his years on AS.
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LEARN ABOUT THE PREDICT PROSTATE TOOL
Predict Prostate is intended for men with non-metastatic prostate cancer who are deciding between active surveillance and treatment options.
Articles and Resources
Marine Veteran co-leads Prostate Cancer Education Group
By Mike Richman VA Research Communications Shortly after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017, Marine Veteran Joe Gallo became involved with AnCan, a peer support health care network. … Read More
Patient Empowerment: The price of health is eternal vigilance
Both democracy and health care have something in common…their price is eternal vigilance. One of the big shifts in my medical life has been the realization that I am my … Read More
Lessons Learned Along the Road Less Traveled
By Howard Wolinsky Nine years ago, I stood at a fork in the road. I chose the road less traveled, though my doctor at the time had other plans … Read More