Attendees:
Kamal, Shirley, Mark, Patti , John , Judy, Valorie, Donald, Zee, Esther, and
Walter
The
meeting was called to order at 9:08am with the first order of
business to discuss the recent NY Times article on the use of
the Gamma Knife for Radiosurgery. There was mixed opinion on
whether this article should be seen as a positive or negative
for Radiosurgery. Mark noted that the technology referenced in
this article is very dated and for that reason could not be totally
credible. The question was raised as to who from Accuray would
respond or rebut the article.
Note:
Dr. John Adler responsed to the NY Times article. Please see
his reply on the CPSG message board dated May 5, 2003.
Accuray
Update
An Accuray update was provided by Patti. The recent AANS (American Association
of Neurological Surgeons) was just completed with a degree of success. Our
location was not optimum but the contacts were.
Election
of Officers
The election of officers is the most important piece of business to be discussed
at this meeting as they will provide the leadership for this organization.
The following officers were nominated elected with full agreement of the attendees.
President: Donald
Vice President: Valorie
Secretary/Treasurer: Mark
Board
of Directors: (To meet either prior or directly after CPSG meetings)
Mark
Esther
Patti
New
Items for Discussion
Website
Mark discussed contacts to create links on other sites. There are many areas
that could be added such as FSR, Patient Support, Radiosurgery, Gamma Knife,
the meditags could be updated quarterly, etc.
The web site is terrific and Valorie continues to refine. She is looking for
compressed videos that will not require long periods to download. Security
needs to be added in order to prevent insurance companies from tracking down
patients. No last names should ever be used on the web site. A firewall between
Accuray and CPSG will need to be established and perhaps this is something
Accuray can facilitate.
Fundraising
This is an area that will need considerable attention. Your suggestions would
be most welcome. Some suggestions include:
Tribute dinner as recognition of the CyberKnife growth
Yard Sale
Legal
Update
John has been in contact with friends at Cooley Godward and it looks like they
will be in a position to provide legal representation for CPSG on a pro bono
basis. We are waiting their acceptance which could be just a few months. This
status will warrant access to our designated attorney, as needed. John’s letter
is attached.
Individual
Updates
Kamel: Feeling good after two years.
Walter: His treatment was three years ago, March.
Judy: Her last MRI at Kaiser was mid-April and they are reluctant to share
the results with Stanford.
According to Kaiser, there is no change over the last two years but Stanford
found a 20% reduction last year. However, there are no new symptoms.
CPSG
Inquiries
Donald shared inquiries about the CyberKnife treatment as an option.
Ken from Texas – treated
Lois
Pauline
Janet
Jeanne had taken an educational leave but is back and will be returning to
the group.
General
Comments
Everyone continues to be an inspiration to others within this group and the
level of commitment to the group and to each other is tremendous. All efforts
are appreciated. We welcome you to visit and participate in future meetings.
Action
Items:
Copies of Discovery video on CD to Valorie for web site-Patti
Discovery video on website along with other videos-Valorie
Refreshments for next meeting (737-9298)-Shirley
Cooley Godward status-John
Patient Release Form-Cooley Godward
$500 Q2 2003 check to CPSG-Patti
Next Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 10:00am – 12:00noon at ACCURAY
Hope to see you there!
Minutes
created by Patti
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