Prostate Forum of OC helps men with their prostate cancer journey
In 2009, Ira Kaget of Mutual 15 learned he had prostate cancer. When his doctor shared the news with him, like many diagnosed with a chronic disease, he experienced shock and associated negative feelings. From his physician, Kaget learned he had to choose from multiple treatment options, such as active surveillance, surgery and various forms of radiation.
Making this decision was extremely difficult and stressful because Kaget knew nothing about these treatments and their side effects, all the while still reeling from the cancer diagnosis only added to his anxiety and caused extreme stress.
Kaget didn’t know who to talk to about these life-altering decisions. He checked the internet and found the Prostrate Forum of Orange County (PFOC). Not knowing what to expect, he attended one of their meetings. One of the participant-survivors, Ron Else, led a group for men who were recently diagnosed. He listened to Kaget and others, and shared information with them based on his experiences and knowledge in a caring and supportive manner.
In addition to this group for men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer, the Prostate Forum also provided an ongoing sharing group for men with aggressive cancer. PFOC also offered sessions each month with an expert prostate-cancer clinician, together with an extensive library of information from prior presentations.
Kaget was grateful to receive the information and felt his life was changing for the better because of it. He also knew that he wanted to give back and help others as he was helped. Kaget became a regular attendee at PFOC meetings. Ira started to research and learn everything he could about prostate cancer.
In addition to providing education and support, the PFOC also does outreach. The Orange County Board of Supervisors formally commended the Prostate Forum. Local medical facilities refer patients for support. PFOC also does educational presentations for various organizations, including the Golden Age Foundation of Leisure World.
Over a decade ago, Else offered help and support to Kaget, who is paying it forward. He is a PFOC support group moderator along with Charles Metzger, M.D. (ret.). Over the years, PFOC grew, changed, listened, learned and provided information based on experiences and knowledge to educate men and their loved ones. Medical advice is left to one’s medical care team.
Kaget and Dr. Metzger want residents to know that as men age, they are more likely to have prostate cancer. Men need to speak with their doctor to find out if screening is appropriate for them. Screening can include a PSA blood test and a digital rectal exam. It can save a man’s life.
Today, PFOC remains volunteer- based, supported primarily by survivors giving back. All services are free. The PFOC is an IRS 501(c)(3) organization.
PFOC conducts support meetings the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 5 p.m. via Zoom. All men and their loved ones are welcome. Here are the links:
• Second Tuesday, 5-7 p. m., https:// us02web. zoom. us/j/86164783897
• Fourth Tuesday, 5-7 p. m., https:// us02web. zoom. us/j/85450819246
The Prostate Forum also hosts Zoom-based presentations from leading medical authorities. Times and dates for those presentations vary. To learn about upcoming presentations, visit https://www.prostateforum. org/speakers.
The website link for the prostate forum is www.Prostate-Forum.org. It can be contacted by emailing ProstateForumOC@gmail.com.
Ira Kaget, board member, Prostate Forum of Orange County.
Holding plaques are PFOC Board members Larry Barman and Dr. Charles Metzger with Orange County Board of Supervisors Doug Chaffee, Katrina Foley and Lisa Bartlett.
