The "New" Prostate Cancer InfoLink Social Network
A Service of Prostate Cancer International
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Joel Nowak
- Male
- Brooklyn, New York
- United States
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Joel Nowak's Groups
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Advocacy Action Group
11 members
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Younger Men
114 members
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Faith and Healing
53 members
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Books and Blogs
37 members
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Activists and Advocates
40 members
Joel Nowak's Discussions
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Profile Information
- Have you been diagnosed with prostate cancer?
- yes
- What brings you to the New Prostate Cancer InfoLink social network?
- curiosity
- Would you help us grow the network? Would you tell others about it?
- yes
- About Me:
- I live in Brooklyn, New York and own a small commercial real estate firm in Long Island, New York. At my last birthday (March 10, 2008), I turned 57 years old. I do have to say that in the past my birthday did not hold a lot of meaning for me, but this year I celebrated and thanked G-d that I had another birthday. I look forward to celebrating many, many more.
I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer and had a partial thyroid resection in 1998. Then in 2001, I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer (P.C.). I had a laparoscopic prostatectomy in 2001 at Mass General Hospital in Boston and then suffered a recurrence in my lymph nodes in Dec 2005.
Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, the MRI used to identify where the PC had reappeared also showed that I had a 10cm tumor in my left kidney! Now being diagnosed with primary, clear cell renal cancer, I had a radical nephrectomy in January 2006 (so far, so good on that front).
I am a three cancer survivor!
I have found that arming myself with information and getting all the support I can has been allowed me to get through all of bumps.
I am married to Wendy, a clinical psychologist who practices in a inner-city hospital, for over a third of a century. I am blessed with a solid, loving, marriage and two wonderful boys, 19 (in college) and 25 (teaching and working in theater). In addition, living with me is my 18-year-old nephew who is the oldest child of my sister-in law, who died last spring after a long tough fight with breast cancer.
My mom (lung ca), my father-in-law (colon ca),
my office manager (brain ca) and a very close friend of long standing (kidney ca) also died in the past year and a half, so I am, unfortunately, well versed in metastatic disease, mourning, and loss.
However, I remain generally optimistic.
I am blessed to have Wendy; a circle of supportive family and friends; and lucky to have found good doctors. I also get a lot of support from folks both in cyberspace and in various NYC support groups, especially at Malecare.
I look forward to sharing my journey with anyone who may be interested.
Comment Wall (15 comments)
- At 10:44pm on November 18, 2008,
Angela Jenkins said… - Joel - I received the format for the program. I'll "friend" you and send via IM.
- At 9:50pm on November 17, 2008,
Angela Jenkins said…
- Joel - I've asked the staff to give me more details about the format. I do know that it is the "Life Interrupted" program format and that PCa will be one of the topics discussed. Dr. Kaplan will be the guest doctor available to answer questions. When I have more info, I'll let you know.
- At 11:16pm on November 14, 2008,
Angela Jenkins said…
- Joel - I wanted to let you know about an event happening in NYC on Dec. 4th. ESPN and Stand Up to Cancer are sponsoring "Engaging Men in Prostate Cancer conversation". It will be held at ESPN Zone at Time Square from 6:00 -7:00 pm. They have asked us to invite our InfoLink members in the area. If you can make it, let me know and I'll give them your name (they'll have a guest list) and maybe we will have a chance to meet.
- At 8:17am on September 11, 2008,
Steve B said… - Northern NJ.
Steve B
- At 7:42pm on September 10, 2008,
Steve B said…
- Hi Joel;
I am from NJ. We are almost neighbors. Just wanted to say hi.
Stay well.
Steve B
- At 10:58pm on August 14, 2008,
Kathy Meade said… - I would appreciate it if you would join the discussion The "Minor Complication" That Dares Not Speak Its Name http://prostatecancerinfolink.ning.com/profiles/blog/show?id=2034917%3ABlogPost%3A22823
I would appreciate to hear your opinions.
- At 1:17pm on July 13, 2008,
Leah said… - Hi Joel,
I noticed you didn't post your stats here. Will look on the blog for an update. BTW, I noticed you were treated at Mass Gen'l. Are you a real Brooklynite or a transplant?
The picture you refer to was taken in St. Louis, where husb's family live, and they got us front-row tickets to a Cardinal's game. That was close to 3 years ago, right after T. was diagnosed. So just to answer your question, it wasn't the Yanks or the Mets. Are you a baseball fan?
Just noticed a New Yawker joined the club, and I had coffee the other day with a guy from L.I., so the world is really shrinking. Where in L.I. do you work, if I'm not being nosy?
Leah
- At 12:57pm on May 30, 2008,
Dan Newman / PCA Racing said… - You are so right. They are hoping to have a better turnout this year.
- At 12:25pm on May 30, 2008,
Dan Newman / PCA Racing said…
- For me it was about getting anyone in Washington to listen. They were all polite, but didn't really seem to care. I never heard back from any of my congressmen or senators.
I have very little patience when it comes to awareness. Every 18 minutes another man dies from prostate cancer and I think, what have I done to stop it.
- At 11:38am on May 30, 2008,
Dan Newman / PCA Racing said…
- That is great news Joel!! Congratulations.
I hesitated about going back to D.C. for the same reason, but you just never know when life will give you an opportunity to make a difference in someone's life, so I figured it is worth the trip.
I am working on some new posters and a commercial, so hopefully I will have a better presentation in September.
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Any person who appears to knowingly render medical advice or promote a professional or commercial service on this site may be removed by the administrators without notice.
Information provided on this site should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health problem or disease.
The "New" Prostate Cancer InfoLink is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, please consult your health care provider.
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