Porcupine Community Cancer Support Network

It is with heavy hearts, the board of this organization announce the passing of one of the founders of the Porcupine Community Cancer Support Network.
Ken was a very private person and wanted no recognition for his role in helping others fighting this horrible disease. He was kind and always thought of others before himself.
We will continue his mission and carry on with his vision.
Rest well our friend. You will be forever in our hearts.

https://www.stinsonfuneralhome.net/obituary/Ken-Lehtimaki?fbclid=IwAR00E846QtLT3RXCBIPTCYWA-i9wGQbbBOPp71cbdABRoybYJ7oMARCleVs

Obituary for Ken Lehtimaki | Stinson Funeral Home Share memories & support the family

Happy Snowday Porcupine Camp community, we’re moving forward with our new initiatives and are confident that they will be something that, as a networked community, you can enthusiastically support. A new twist as we lay a groundwork for the organization is something we initially didn’t want to use as fundraising tool. That is the direct ask. We’ve tried to operate on a more value added concept as businesses and citizens alike are weary of being solicited. However we’ve been notified that an ally is putting us forward for Newmonts Xmas donation consideration. As it is influenced by employee input we’re putting it out to the community to nudge or make aware our existence to anyone employed by Newmont. We’ve been pretty low profile to this point but the absolute need has been brought front and centre lately so a shift of gears has become necessary. So Camp community if you can, exercise your social media muscle and share and like our presence to as many as you can. Thank you for your interest and participation, be safe.

Good feelings, Porcupine Camp community. As we brace and prepare to embrace another winter we’d like to share some updates and thoughts if you don’t mind. Firstly We’re proud to disclose that we’ve been able to discreetly be a helping hand to some local cancer patients who have needed allies. That’s a positive we feel and we’ll see it as “proof of concept”. However as our fundraising efforts have been sidetracked by COVID restrictions and our retooling has been taking more time than expected, we seem to be pivoting within pivots. So as it stands currently we’re going to once again rely on the individual and group efforts of our community. Please if you can endeavour to be your kindest self and help out a fellow Porcupine Camp member in some capacity. It doesn’t have to be large as every thing helps. As we’re sure you have noticed society as a whole is experiencing a rash of intolerance and anger these days. We’ll suggest that a small act of kindness will go a ways to being a balm against those feelings. We apologize for possibly being “ preachy” but our network can’t afford a longer break in momentum. Things are in the works so stay tuned. Stay safe and healthy. Till next time embrace the strength of the Porcupine.

Good end of August camp community. We just want to acknowledge the accomplishment achieved by our former co-director. Len Ellery. Now to be known as His Honour Justice of the Peace Len Ellery. We were honoured to witness his swearing in ceremony yesterday afternoon. The halls of justice are gaining a thoughtful presence and someone who is respectful to all. Their gain is our loss however as due to conflict of interest rules he has to step away from our organization. His past efforts as well as those of his firm were essential in the registering of our nonprofit. Thank you Len, your support and encouragement were instrumental in getting us to this stage. Good luck, Len, we’ll share our kimchi next lunch.

Good late August camp community. We apologize for being silent for most of the summer. We assure you that our work has been continuing laying down a foundation for a stable and reliable network that the community can count on for years to come. Some members of our core, as well as our allies and supporters, have had developments in their lives that have affected how they’ve been able to contribute. Things will work out in time in a satisfactory outcome. Best to do it right the first time than learn from mistakes. The end goal is too important to be labeled as unreliable right from the beginning. In the meantime please be kind to each other and guard your health. If you suspect something isn’t right for you or a loved one, get checked. Timely treatment is key to a better future. Peace and safety and a happy Fall.

Happy Spring campers, we’re just reaching out to you with an update on what’s up since the anniversary of the cancellation of our first event approaches. We’re happy to announce that we’ve finally become incorporated as a non profit and are beyond thrilled to unveil our logo. You’ll notice that officially our name has changed (red tape). However to maintain continuity we’ll maintain the Camp identity as a nickname. It’s important to respecting our history. We are progressing on initiatives to provide opportunities for you all to participate in our fundraising efforts. Stay tuned, in the meantime, please take it on yourself to look out for each other. A little kindness goes a long way. We can all be leaders by example. Stay safe.

Hello Campers!
We are so happy to share some great news. The Porcupine Camp Care Network is now incorporated! Our heartfelt thanks to Len Ellery and the firm of Ellery Ellery and Prabucki for their generous support in making this happen.

Skin Cancer Early Detection


Examining your skin on a regular basis can lead to early detection, treatment, and in most cases, positive outcomes. The Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation recommends monthly self-examinations using the ABCDEs of early detection. Remember to check your whole body, including places that are not always exposed to the sun, like armpits and soles of the feet. Ask someone to help check hard-to-see areas like the back and scalp.

Tips to Detect Skin Cancer Early
Learn what to look for
Check your skin once a month
If you find anything suspicious, consult your doctor or see a dermatologist for a full body scan.

Hi there Porcupine campers, now that we’re well into 2021 we’re feeling it’s time to fill you in on our thoughts. First off we’re encouraged by the news that the events and festivals committee are moving forward with their programs. We hope that the community gives them the support they need. Our own events are still currently in neutral as the current uncertainty is too daunting at this point. However though our sails are tattered by the wind being kicked out of them, the tide is providing forward momentum. We are currently working on opportunities for the community to participate in supporting our goals but the process is taking more time than expected. Stay tuned and stay engaged, find circumstances that you can lend a hand too and spread the word. When we all push forward the load is lighter. Stay safe, stay healthy, stay groovy. Cheers.

Hi there Camp Community, just sharing some thoughts on the concepts of fair shares and leadership. It was roughly a year ago when some friends went for lunch and hatched a plan to harness the power of community to not only help individuals who needed some support but to provide people with the opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves and have some fun at the same time. Well, a year later we've seen our plans sidelined by a pandemic but our resolve has only strengthened. While undergoing a pivot in initiatives we've witnessed anger and a sense of hopelessness. There are those who are angry about what is perceived to be an imbalance of resources and the distribution of benefits. As we've been isolated a lot of us are hearing of situations that don't seem equitable. In those cases we ask that you question your sense of entitlement and consider what is truly a fair share. People are receiving not only benefit but misfortune as well in both more than and less than their "fair share". All we are asking is that if you have questions about how these problems are being handled seek answers from our leaders. And if you have your own answers or solutions, respectfully share them.As a community we have the strength to do more than individuals. Our ancestors cut a community out of wilderness by working together. People came from all over the world to build the Porcupine, and they continue to come and add to our city. From all nations one strength. In previous posts we've asked that as individuals if you see someone who is struggling with circumstances, please lend a hand. To that we want to add that if you feel you can't personally contribute, reach out to our leaders and urge them, respectfully, to do what they can to ease the struggle. It isn't always about money. 2020 has been a challenge no doubt but we are days away from its end and we've survived. Let's then pause and be grateful for a moment and then prepare for and engage with 2021. Our ancestors battled nature, illness and fire to achieve what we now enjoy as a community. Let;s honour them by building on that in 2021, ignore the fear and harness the anger and work as one to make things better. Please be safe and healthy and make the best of this holiday season. In the spirit and strength of the Porcupine Camp, cheers.

ABOUT BLADDER CANCER
What Is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer starts when cells that make up the urinary bladder start to grow out of control. As more cancer cells develop, they can form a tumor and, with time, spread to other parts of the body. (To learn more about how cancers start and spread, see What Is Cancer?)

The bladder is a hollow organ in the lower pelvis. It has flexible, muscular walls that can stretch to hold urine and squeeze to send it out of the body. The bladder's main job is to store urine. Urine is liquid waste made by the 2 kidneys and then carried to the bladder through 2 tubes called ureters. When you urinate, the muscles in the bladder contract, and urine is forced out of the bladder through a tube called the urethra.

Illustration showing the location of the bladder in relation to the kidneys, uterus (in women), prostate (in men), ureter and urethra. There is also a close up showing the layers of the bladder wall with papillary and flat tumors.
Types of bladder cancer

Urothelial carcinoma (transitional cell carcinoma)

Urothelial carcinoma, also known as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), is by far the most common type of bladder cancer. In fact, if you have bladder cancer it's almost certain to be a urothelial carcinoma. These cancers start in the urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder.

Urothelial cells also line other parts of the urinary tract, such as the part of the kidney that connects to the ureter (called the renal pelvis), the ureters, and the urethra. People with bladder cancer sometimes have tumors in these places, too, so all of the urinary tract needs to be checked for tumors.

Other types of bladder cancer

Other types of cancer can start in the bladder, but these are all much less common than urothelial (transitional cell) cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma

In the US, only about 1% to 2% of bladder cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Seen with a microscope, the cells look much like the flat cells that are found on the surface of the skin. Nearly all squamous cell carcinomas of the bladder are invasive.

Adenocarcinoma

Only about 1% of bladder cancers are adenocarcinomas. These cancer cells have a lot in common with gland-forming cells of colon cancers . Nearly all adenocarcinomas of the bladder are invasive.

Small cell carcinoma

Less than 1% of bladder cancers are small-cell carcinomas. They start in nerve-like cells called neuroendocrine cells. These cancers often grow quickly and usually need to be treated with chemotherapy like that used for small cell carcinoma of the lung.

Sarcoma

Sarcomas start in the muscle cells of the bladder, but they are very rare. More information can be found in Soft Tissue Sarcoma and Rhabdomyosarcoma.

These less common types of bladder cancer (other than sarcoma) are treated a lot like TCCs, especially early-stage tumors, but if chemotherapy is needed, different drugs might be used.

Start and spread of bladder cancer

The wall of the bladder has many several layers. Each layer is made up of different kinds of cells (see Bladder Cancer Stages for details on the different layers).

Most bladder cancers start in the innermost lining of the bladder, which is called the urothelium or transitional epithelium. As the cancer grows into or through the other layers in the bladder wall, it has a higher stage, becomes more advanced, and can be harder to treat.

Over time, the cancer might grow outside the bladder and into nearby structures. It might spread to nearby lymph nodes, or to other parts of the body. (When bladder cancer spreads, it tends to go to distant lymph nodes, the bones, the lungs, or the liver.)

Invasive vs. non-invasive bladder cancer

Bladder cancers are often described based on how far they have spread into the wall of the bladder:

Non-invasive cancers are only in the inner layer of cells (the transitional epithelium). They have not grown into the deeper layers.
Invasive cancers have grown into deeper layers of the bladder wall. These cancers are more likely to spread and are harder to treat.
A bladder cancer can also be described as superficial or non-muscle invasive. These terms include both non-invasive tumors as well as any invasive tumors that have not grown into the main muscle layer of the bladder.

Papillary vs. flat cancer

Bladder cancers are also divided into 2 subtypes, papillary and flat, based on how they grow (see the image above).

Papillary carcinomas grow in slender, finger-like projections from the inner surface of the bladder toward the hollow center. Papillary tumors often grow toward the center of the bladder without growing into the deeper bladder layers. These tumors are called non-invasive papillary cancers. Very low-grade (slow growing), non-invasive papillary cancer is sometimes called papillary urothelial neoplasm of low-malignant potential (PUNLMP) and tends to have a very good outcome.
Flat carcinomas do not grow toward the hollow part of the bladder at all. If a flat tumor is only in the inner layer of bladder cells, it's known as a non-invasive flat carcinoma or a flat carcinoma in situ (CIS).
If either a papillary or flat tumor grows into deeper layers of the bladder, it's called an invasive urothelial (or transitional cell) carcinoma.

Good morning fellow Camp community members, this post is an alert as such to draw attention to an event occurring today at Ross Beattie. A bottle drive is being held to support a community family that has been doubly hit by the cancer challenge. Please check out Maija Hoggets piece on Timmins Today. It contains information for participating. As it stands right now they are accepting donations of cans bottles and cash at the school between 10:00 am till 2:00pm. Please consider getting involved. As this is the sort of circumstance that our organization was created for we are going to be contributing a portion of the proceeds from our recent bottle drive, that hasn't already been earmarked for another commitment within the community. Again, please join us and help this family in getting through this life challenge. Also, stay tuned for our next I initiative. Thank you, and stay safe.

Good Fall morning campers, just some thoughts that you can embrace. We're sure that by now those who have been following our efforts are aware that we've had to pivot from our core plan of holding events that would provide funds for our community members that are in need. The need is still there but due to the virus and the necessity of protecting our citizens being safe and responsible is the new priority. However another core goal of our group was to build community through participation. In that vein we propose that our fellow campers, in the spirit of those that came before us, take a look around and if you see someone engaged in the struggle of treatment or recovery, reach out in a supportive way. Respect and discretion are important values to be honoured as well but a dignified offer of aid can go a long way. Not to nag or preach or dictate how one could go about participating but a small gift card for groceries clothing or pharmacy items presented respectfully would be uplifting to both the giver as well as the recipient. Our thanks go out to everyone who has supported us so far and be assured we are regrouping not folding. So stay tuned and stay Porcupine

The Porcupine Camp Care Network would like to thank DSI Services, Moose FM, and Ellery, Ellery & Prabucki and Compass Brewery for their assistance during our recent bottle drive. We would also like to thank all those who supported our efforts by dropping off their bottles. Your generosity was truly appreciated and we were able to raise just short of $900.
Please monitor our Facebook site for updates regarding our future events and cancer awareness posts.
Thank you all again for your support.

Well Campers, it's official our first fundraiser is in the books. We have managed to collect a large amount of returnables with an actual value pending later. Math is hard. We want to thank everyone who participated in the success of our bottle drive, DSI services who not only provided a trailer but Mr. Moe Duguay has also been generous with his support and encouragement of our cause. Also Shane Button and his team at Moose FM have been enthusiastic participants in our vision for a community of support. Compass Breweries were more than patient with having us take up valuable space in front of their storefront, thanks Mael and team. Ellery Ellery and Prabucki similarly gave up space and time, thanks Len and Anna. To all who dropped off cans and bottles, thank you. It was an uplifting experience to say the least to not only accept your donations but in many cases your thanks for what we are trying to accomplish. It was validation at a crucial time in the formation of our group. It seems we might be right in our belief that as a community we can accomplish our goal of providing financial support for those that are affected by all forms of cancer. We also want to shine a light of awareness of the symptoms of different cancers so if anyone recognizes a symptom you get help in time. So once again thank you to everyone and stay tuned to the Facebook for more information.

A bottle drive to support the Porcupine Community Cancer Support Network will be held on September 12, 2020. On that date, starting at 10:30 a.m., please drop off your refundable bottles either at our office parking lot located at 135 Algonquin Blvd. East or at Compass Brewing located at 1300 Riverside Drive, Unit 20. All funds raised will remain in the community and will be used to support local cancer patients Until then, please mark the date in your calendars and save your bottles. Thank you as well to Compass Brewing and DSI Services who will also be assisting with this event.

Hi Porcupine Campers, just an update and some thoughts if you are interested. First off a reminder of Saturday September 12th's Bottle Drive, if you have cans and bottles to dispose of we'll have two locations for you to take advantage of. The parking lot of Ellery Ellery and Prabucki's law office and Compass Brewing's storefront. Between 11:30 and 5:00. Please consider either site thank you. Secondly as mentioned in previous posts we were working on a redo of our postponed eighties event. Well we have laid the groundwork for a Halloween weekend pair of events and we are at a crossroads. Since we are moving it outdoors to the Kamiskotia Snow Resort it is going to require some additional logistics. To make it more cost effective we added a Friday horror movie event to better utilize the equipment and spread the costs over two events.The question before we go on is can we sell out both events at an attendance of 100 per night under current guidelines? Well Campers can we? Weather can be a factor so are we tough enough to heat up the hill? To recap Saturday's event would be an eighties dance under the stars with a beer tent and food stations in the chalet. Purple Rain will be screened as a sing a long on a screen placed at the bottom of the run. Friday would be more movie less music with a suggested line up of vampire flicks. Same beer tent and chalet setup. Feel free to comment, offer feedback, constructive criticism, or support. We are moving forward but would be more confident with some feedback. The need for assistance for our local cancer patients hasn't diminished. Our options are different but our goal remains the same, best quality of life help for those we can help. We look forward to our communities participation. Stay strong and healthy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXJhDltzYVQ

Good hot August afternoon Porcupine Campers, just a few reflection and reminders about our group and its mission and future. As initially envisioned back in December 2019 we'd hoped to establish a local non profit loosely based on the United Way model of one organization raising funds for others. We've all seen the many excellent ways our community has banded together to raise resources on the occasion someone needed assistance because of some form of cancer turning their or a family members life inside out. It was our thought that by forming a non profit dedicated to raising funds and awareness, we could create a pool of funds in a more efficient and less stressful manner. We also wanted to get away from the standard of asking for donations and stress Participation instead. The term donor fatigue is something that has become a reality we hoped to avoid. Our aim was to always prioritize a benefit to participation. Either by enjoying an event or getting a deal on a silent auction item, or gaining exposure for your business. As many of you know we were greatly dissapointed to postpone our "Dearly Beloved..." Eighties tribute event. We are currently retooling to bring it to an outside venue for Halloween if it can be done safely and successfully. Attendance limits will factor into the final decision. Thankfully we still have the support of DSI Services, Ellery, Ellery, and Prabucki, Compass Brewery and the Moose FM. Drop off times for our September 12 bottle drive will be confirmed next week. Let them stack, thank you. Its a departure from our original vision but the need isn't going away because of a virus.Forming an organization like this required some evolution, on that note, during the incorporation process we've had to change the name a few times but we'll keep our social media presence the same till we have a final legal name. Sorry for the length of this post but there is a lot going on. Thank you and stay true to the Spirit of The Porcupine.

Happy Summer Porcupine Campers, we're just posting an
Update regarding some necessary reinvention of our organization. As originally envisioned we hoped to generate the funds necessary to improve quality of life for local Cancer patients by running entertaining events that would generate fun and funding without soliciting direct donation. In effect providing participants with bang for their buck. Unfortunately covid is forcing a pivot. Its become important to drive forward in a new direction by making an ask to our many followers and supporters. Sometimes the old ways are the best, so in that vein we are announcing a bottle drive for the weekend following Labor Day. If you could set aside some of your empties till then,it would be a tremendous boost. Ellery, Ellery and Prabucki have offered their parking lot as a primary depot. Additional locations are pending and pickup will be possible. There is some ir ony that the issue of disease affecting finances has been brought more into the light by a global health pandemic impacting the economy. But it hasn't diminished the requirements of those who are living the reality. So please as we work to get an event back on track please consider this as a way to participate. Thank you and remain safe and healthy. Also stay tuned for event progress.

Hi Campers, these times have certainly given fuel and time for some reflection. this chapter has a focus on diversity, the history of diversity and the significance of food. Barber's Bay, Connaught, Fredrickhouse, Hoyle, Pamour, Golden City(Porcupine), Pottsville, South Porcupine, Connaught Hill, Dome, Dome Ex, Buffalo Ankerite, Gold Centre, Schumacher, Timmins, Moneta, Mountjoy, Mattagami, Riverside. At one time these were all communities within the greater community of the Porcupine Camp. People living there were largely grouped by not only ethnicity but also their workplace. There was an article a little while back, and I apologize that I can't remember the source. The theory advanced in the article was that the diversity we are so proud of in Canada, got started in the mining camps of Northern Ontario. People from all over the world came here to make there fortunes. Some stayed but others took their stake's and moved all over the country. It is this history that our organization wished to pay respect to by making the evening's meal an opportunity to share the dishes that each group that built and prospered in our community took comfort in. Sharing food together is a simple act that can produce profound connections. When this pandemic has been wrestled into some form of submission, it is our hope that we can gather, share music, dance, sing and share a culturally significant meal. Please keep watching this page as we are hoping to have our gathering once we can safely and respectfully do so. Stay strong, stay healthy, stay kind, stay groovy.

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms in its early stages. Signs and symptoms often appear as the tumour grows and causes changes in the body. Other health conditions can cause the same symptoms as pancreatic cancer.

See your doctor if you have these signs or symptoms:

yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (called jaundice)
pain in the upper abdomen or upper back
fatty stools (called steatorrhea) that are light coloured, bulky and float in the toilet
unexplained weight loss
loss of appetite
fatigue
nausea and vomiting
indigestion
feeling full after a small meal
bloating
gas
diarrhea or constipation
itching
dark urine
fever and shivering
swelling of the legs

Lyrics to When Doves Cry
Verse 1]
Dig, if you will, the picture
Of you and I engaged in a kiss
The sweat of your body covers me
Can you, my darling?
Can you picture this?

[Verse 2]
Dream, if you can, a courtyard
An ocean of violets in bloom
Animals strike curious poses
They feel the heat
The heat between me and you

[Chorus]
How can you just leave me standing
Alone in a world that's so cold?
Maybe I'm just too demanding
Maybe I'm just like my father: too bold
Maybe you're just like my mother
She's never satisfied
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like
When doves cry

[Verse 3]
Touch, if you will, my stomach
Feel how it trembles inside
You've got the butterflies all tied up
Don't make me chase you
Even doves have pride


[Chorus]
How can you just leave me standing
Alone in a world so cold?
Maybe I'm just too demanding
Maybe I'm just like my father: too bold
Maybe you're just like my mother
She's never satisfied
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like
When doves cry

How can you just leave me standing
Alone in a world that's so cold?
Maybe I'm just too demanding
Maybe I'm just like my father: too bold
Maybe you're just like my mother
She's never satisfied
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like
When doves cry

When doves cry (when doves cry)
When doves cry (when doves cry)
When doves cry
When doves cry
When doves cry


[Outro]
When doves cry, don't cry
Darling, don't cry
Don't cry, don't cry, don't, don't cry

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms in its early stages. Signs and symptoms often appear as the tumour grows and causes changes in the body. Other health conditions can cause the same symptoms as ovarian cancer.

The signs or symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

bleeding from the va**na that isn’t normal (such as heavy or irregular bleeding, bleeding between periods), especially after menopause
frequent discharge from the va**na that is clear, white or coloured with blood
a lump that can be felt in the pelvis or abdomen
bladder problems such as the need to urinate often and the urgent need to urinate
constipation
changes to digestion such as feeling full after a small meal, loss of appetite, heartburn, gas, indigestion or nausea
frequent feeling of pressure in the pelvis or abdomen
fatigue
pain in the legs, lower back, pelvis or abdomen
pain when having s*x
swelling of the abdomen
weight loss
buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites), around the lungs (pleural effusion) or in the legs (lymphedema)
difficulty breathing

Hi camp community. Recent events have given us time to reflect, and front of mind has been our community's history. At one time it was just rock, forest and swamp then the first settlers came. Prospectors miners lumberjacks farmers and merchants and service providers. The rock revealed valuable precious and base metals. The forest provided lumber, paper then farmland. The swamp contained blackflies and mosquitoes. Just kidding, some swamp was drained and provided rich soil to provide food and living space for those who came to seek their fortune or at least a living. It was tough, but as a community a great city was built. We've faced tough times before, and though sometimes battered and bruised we've come through. We'll do it again. Out of nothing our city was built, maybe not perfectly but still something to be proud of. With the strength and resources of our current citizens this current challenge will be met and ultimately dealt with. When it is I have no doubt that we will appreciate a chance to celebrate a victory over Covid 19 and honor the front line workers that made it all possible. Please stay engaged on the Facebook as the Porcupine Camp Care Network is still moving ahead with our purpose. We'll continue to post information and some lighter stuff to continue to build our relationship with you all. Stay safe, stay healthy, and continue to demonstrate the best of the Porcupine Camp.