Mark Jessen, Greeters, Sharon Chandler and David Clynes
President Josh Sprague welcomed members and opened our meeting this week with the sad news of the passing of Harry Spell, long-time Rotarian. Harry graduated from Minneapolis West High School, attended University of MN where he received a degree in electrical engineering, completed the NROTC program and was commissioned into the Navy as an officer. Harry was with XCEL Energy for 38 years, retiring as CFO at age 65. He was active in the Edina Rotary and over the years served on many philanthropic and corporate boards, both public and private. Harry was a member of and leader within the Greek Orthodox Church. Harry's greatest joy was his family and his Christian faith. Harry will be missed by many loving family members, friends and Rotarians. We were also sad to learn of the sudden passing of Rolf Henze, father of fellow Rotarian, Sonja Tengdin. Cheif Henze passed after a brief illness with pancreatic cancer. Rolf was very active in Rotary and was the inspiration for Sonja’s Rotary journey.
President Josh Sprague gave an update on the effort to end Polio, which thus far has raised $8000 by our Club. Keep up the good efforts.
Joe Christenson gave a lovely invocation and led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance and Rotary 4-Way Test.
Announcements
Joe Hayes introduced our guest and visiting Rotarians:
Guests
- Jacob Blumer guest of Dietrich Nissen
- Luke Polyak guest of Dennis Hykes
- Jim Davis guest of Jennifer Hendrickson
- Amy Seim guest of Rick Carlson
Visiting Rotarians:
- Jeff Stads, MN Vets Club
- Talley Flora, Edina Morningside
- Fred Semmer, Minneapolis Club #9
Michael Stanzek asked members to remember to sign up for ACH ("A"utomated "C"learing "H"ouse) for payment of dues.
Renee Harberts announced upcoming social events.
Susan Stiles with David Clynes help announced members contributing to the Rotary Foundation as Paul Harris Fellows:
- Ross Peterson – PHF +3
- Wooj Byun – PHF +6
- John MacLennan – PHF +5
- Renee Harberts – PHF +2
- Scott Blake – PHF +1 (not pictured)
Jim Ryman introduced our guest speaker, Dr. Daniel Wattson who spoke on the topic of radiology and the treatment of prostate cancer.
This week's speaker, Dr. Daniel Wattson, hails from Wayzata. He attended Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO, and completed his specialty programs in Boston MA at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Radiation and Oncology Program. He is currently a board-certified radiation oncologist at MRO Fairview Southdale, Edina and is married and has 2 sons. He enjoys skiing and cycling in his free time.
As a radiation oncologist, Dr. Wattson collaborates with surgeons and other oncologists to combine efforts in fighting cancer. His talk focused on current treatments and screening efforts in detecting, fighting and treating prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in males, affecting 1 in 9 men (women are diagnosed 1 in 10 for breast cancer). Nearly 3000 men in MN will be diagnosed this year. 3.1 million American men are living with Prostate cancer. More than 90% of prostate cancer is found in men over the age of 55. African American men and men with family history are at increased risk of developing the disease. It is the second biggest killer by cancer of men, second to lung cancer. However, if treated early, prostate cancer has a high survival rate, supporting that testing saves lives.
PSA tests, test the level of a certain protein that cancer cells create, detecting potential cancer in the prostate. A level 4 is the line that detects an issue. The purpose of testing is to identify aggressive, non-spreading cancer. Often, symptoms are not detectable until the cancer has spread to the bones or other areas of the body. Some symptoms include bone pain (indicating spread to the bones – the most common area of spread), urinary tract issues.
Treatment is leaning more toward monitoring the prostate cancer vs surgery or radiation treatments. There are numerous options for treatment. If treatment is recommended, options may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone treatments, immunotherapies or a combination of these. At MRO, they use radiation, or radiotherapy, to destroy cancer cells with high doses of x-ray radiation delivered in a precise manner. Radiation therapy is painless, precise and convenient, 95% effecting in treating prostate cancer. Treatments are offered five days a week, Monday through Friday and last anywhere from 5 – 35 minutes in duration. MRO has 11 locations throughout Twin Cities, Brainard Lakes area and Western WI. Another new treatment that is getting attention is HIFU – High intensity frequency Ultrasound, cryo treatment and Brachy therapy.
During Question and answer time, the question was asked – what do you say to a friend or family member that has been diagnosed with Prostate cancer, or any cancer for that matter? Dr. Wattson’s best advice was to simply say, “Please let me know how I can help and support you.” Giving advice that may not be a fit for this patient or sharing stories, can be overwhelming for the patient. Let your friend guide you on what they really need. Can prostate cancer be prevented? Is lifestyle a contributor to the occurrence of prostate cancer? No. Prostate cancer is just plain bad luck or family history, according to Dr. Wattson. There may be a slight link to smoking. There are studies being conducted to determine/confirm if there is a genetic link. The best thing one can do is get tested and work with your doctor and their team to develop the best treatment options – which may be as simple as to monitor!
Hannelore Brucker thanked Dr. Daniel Wattson for his informative talk.
Meeting was adjourned by President, Josh Sprague.
Meetings are always a great place to see friends and reconnect. Wayne Harmon and John MacLennan
Dietrich Nissen, his guest, Jake and Club Service Chair, Fred Sylvester