PCRI Conference worthwhile?

Hi -- I just found out that there even is such as thing as a prostate cancer conference for patients/lay people (in LA this year, in a few weeks).  On the one hand, it sounds like the worst vacation theme ever, but on the other hand -- the line-up of doctors speaking, well I would have been thrilled to have input from multiple experts of that caliber when we were making initial decisions.  

We are seasoned PCa pros of all of three months, so god knows we still have a lot to learn.  Have any of you been, and if so, would you recommend it?  Or nah, just spend some time with a book or online and it's just as good, without the airfare? 

thanks

Katie   

I would love to attend, but it is just too far for me. I wish they would do it on the east coast periodically.

I saw some videos from the previous conferences, and the speeches were very positive and uplifting, probably good for networking with other patients, as well. Some people probably would think relaxing on a beach would be better spent time, it really depends what kind of people you are. I would go, if I could. It is also the opportunity to learn about new medication and procedures which could be valuable in the future.

WW:

If you go, we should say hello while there!

Mel

I go every year because it's very close to my home.

The Good--Lots of information from doctors and hospitals about their latest breakthroughs in treating prostate cancer.

The Bad--Several companies hawking their latest (and sometimes unproven) treatments. (Pom pomegranate juice always had a booth there, but with the lawsuit against them, I wonder if they'll show up this year.) I'd imagine its necessary to include companies such as Pom in order get the conference financed and running at a relatively low price for the attendees.

The Best (IMHO)--Ask the Experts and the Round Table panel discussion on the last day when several doctors (with different views of treating prostate cancer) entertain questions from the audience and discuss scenarios of prostate cancer patients.
(Each year at the Roundtable discussion there seems to be more and more of a shift towards recommending active surveillance when warranted instead of the more "traditional" treatments.)

Wished I had seen this sooner...

Yes, if you would like to obtain a great format and great information this is a great conference. I have decided to not go this year (I have been three times) because that following week I head to DC to do some head banging with the Senators and Representatives about cancer funding. That would be too much to do both and the latter is a higher duty. Not to mention that I will see a couple of the PCRI folks there in DC...

Great program and great information...

Tony