Having a 19-year prostate cancer survivor as my father, I know more about this disease than I ever would have imagined. I am by no means an expert, but I know what works and doesn't work in Dad's case and I have been and always will be his advocate.
Men don't want to talk about their health. They definitely don't want to talk about prostate cancer. In fact, for some reason they think there is some sort of taboo surrounding it which doesn't make any sense to me. By joining forces with ZERO, I want to promote awareness. I don't want men to be embarrassed or ashamed to talk about their prostate cancer diagnosis and I definitely want to encourage every man to be proactive and responsible for their health! Men, if you're over 40, demand a PSA test when you have your annual checkup/physical. Women, encourage your men!! We all know early detection is key with breast cancer and early detection is just as important with prostate cancer!!
I must admit I love men! (Of course, there are ones that I may not be too fond of, but in general, I love men.) Men can be stubborn but hopefully they have women, like me, who care about them, will stand up for them, convince/urge them to do what is right and encourage them to be responsible for their own lives and health! A simple blood test could save your life, gentleman! So what's the big deal? Are you scared? Are you nervous? Totally understandable but wouldn't you rather know that you have prostate cancer and be able to get rid of it than blow off a simple blood test and find out years later that it's too late? Yeah, that's what I thought. Early detection is HUGE!
Society has long believed and portrayed prostate cancer as an "old man's disease". That couldn't be farther from the truth. Prostate cancer is a slow-growing cancer which I believe is a reason why older men are the ones who are typically diagnosed. It's good that it's a slow-growing cancer, but isn't that even more reason to find out ahead of time so that you can work to stop it immediately?
I'll now get off my soapbox (but only for the rest of this post) and would like to introduce you to a few men. In addition to the most important man in my life, my dad, I also walked in honor/memory of the following men on Father's Day when I led my team, Denny's Shotgun Riders, in the 8th Annual ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk.
Willie L. Sitton, “Poppy”,
“Uncle Bill”
Poppy is the father of my dear friend, Gloria, and my South Carolina Daddy. The first time I met him, we instantly connected and I knew this was a genuine, loving and special man with which I was conversing - the epitome of a downhome, traditional, Southern gentleman.
In November 2014, at the age of 81, Poppy was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He was diagnosed during a routine checkup in which his PSA had risen significantly since his prior checkup. An MRI was then conducted and cancer was confirmed. The tumor was so small that Poppy's doctor recommended intense radiation for a month and a half instead of surgery, which at his age would have been more dangerous than the cancer itself.
In November 2014, at the age of 81, Poppy was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He was diagnosed during a routine checkup in which his PSA had risen significantly since his prior checkup. An MRI was then conducted and cancer was confirmed. The tumor was so small that Poppy's doctor recommended intense radiation for a month and a half instead of surgery, which at his age would have been more dangerous than the cancer itself.
Farrell Thomas
In 2013, Farrell, my friend Gloria's cousin by marriage and part of my South Carolina family, was diagnosed at the young age of 42 with a PSA of 5. (For a point of reference, my dad was diagnosed at the age of 47 with a PSA of 26.) His doctor told him he had not seen many men as young as he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Farrell had robotic surgery to remove the prostate and his PSA has been 0 ever since! He is a perfect example of how prostate cancer can affect any man - regardless of age - and how early detection is key! Farrell continues to have PSA tests every six months and is thankful to God for his recovery and for the support of his incredible wife, Gina.
Tony Wilson
I met Tony when he was 36 years old and I was 23. Tony was full of life, athletic and a devoted father of two young boys. Tony was part of my everyday life when my dad was initially diagnosed with prostate cancer. About a year after we met, Tony moved to Colorado and while we kept in a touch for a while, it wasn't long before life got in the way and we lost touch for many years. Two years ago, our paths crossed again and I was shocked and sad to hear that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in October of 2011 at the age of 51. At the time of diagnosis, Tony was only four years older than my dad at his time of diagnosis and my heart shuddered to think that he had gone through this battle at such a young age and alone.
When Tony was diagnosed, his PSA was 46! He endured hormone therapy and Cyberknife radiation treatments - five directly to the prostate and 23 to the surrounding lymph nodes. His treatment was completed in March 2012 and his current PSA is 0.28. He's physically doing well, is appreciative of every day that the Lord has given him and wholeheartedly believes in the power of prayer.
Tony also has three things he feels are very important that he wants to share with all men:1. Early Prevention - guys should start being tested at 40, especially if prostate cancer is in your family history.
2. If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, do something immediately. Do NOT wait!
3. Make sure your family supports you in your decision, including what type of treatment you choose. It's a very depressing disease for a man to go through, both physically and emotionally. Support is monumental.
Glenn Poe
Natalie, Glenn's daughter, was happy to share his story with me. Glenn was diagnosed in 1992 at the age of 54. His prostate cancer was diagnosed through a routine checkup and he had a PSA of 4.5.
He endured radiation and surgery in which his urologist said the cancer was well contained and he was able to "get it all". Twenty-three years later, Glenn is still cancer free and continues to have a PSA of 0.1! He has always had an unshakeable fear of the 10-12 year survival comment and while now feeling physically healthy, he remains heartbroken over the loss of his amazing wife to ovarian cancer in December 2012.
Natalie attributes her father's survival to early detection which yielded great results!
Lou Manne
Lou, my friend Adam's dad, was diagnosed at the age of 80 by way of a routine blood test during his annual physical. Lou endured radiation and chemotherapy with his last treatment being in December 2014. A native, New Yorker, Lou now enjoys life between living in Las Vegas and Bali, Indonesia. Once he got a clean bill of health in the U.S., he couldn't wait to go back to Bali and enjoy the good life again! I can't blame him! He will continue follow up appointments and routine PSAs when he returns to Vegas.
Gary Pugh
I've known Gary for the majority of my life. I grew up with
his daughter, Kari, and his son, Casey. Their mother, Sheila, was my mom's best friend and my "second mom" until we unfortunately lost her in November 2003.
In 2013, Gary's PSA slowly started to increase but was still only at a 2.5. His doctor suggested Gary see a urologist when it was at 4.5 at which time a biopsy was conducted. In September 2014, Gary was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 67. In February 2015, he opted to have surgery to remove the prostate to hopefully eliminate the risk of his cancer returning.
Ironically, his urologist is the protégé of my dad's urologist who diagnosed him back in 1997. Gary is in great hands because Dr. Desai is a mini me of Dr. Lou and extremely proactive! Another example how early detection and a proactive doctor is key!
Ironically, his urologist is the protégé of my dad's urologist who diagnosed him back in 1997. Gary is in great hands because Dr. Desai is a mini me of Dr. Lou and extremely proactive! Another example how early detection and a proactive doctor is key!
Bill
In 2003, at the age of 71, Bill's PSA was a 5 and had symptoms of problematic urination. His doctor recommended a biopsy which confirmed prostate cancer and that same year Bill had a radical prostatectomy. In 2004, Bill's PSA started to increase again. A small spot was found and he went through radiation. I'm happy to say he has been cancer free ever since with a PSA of 0.1.
Clarence R. Moore
Art Campbell
The following are additional men who have been affected by prostate cancer for whom I vowed to walk. Unfortunately, I have not been given photos or stories but will share what I know.
- Avery Williams - survivor
- the father of my cousin, Gail Moore
- the father of my friend, Nancy Kotney
- the father of my friend, Paula Calvin
- Robert Pearles, the grandfather of Kerri Beroza (Certified Specialist of Wine, Ingleside Vineyards)
- Ron Klebacher, father of my friend, Honora Klebacher - survivor of prostate (and colon) cancer
- the father of Laura Brletic (owner of Confections Cupcakery)
Through me, these men will never be forgotten and they will continue to have a voice.
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