MAKE YOUR HEALTH CHOICES COUNT IN 2008!
At the end of 2007, two well known music icons had been either diagnosed or died from prostate cancer. Stephen Stills has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and Dan Fogelberg died from this disease.
As reported on MSNBC from a Reuter’s news story:
Singer/songwriter Stephen Stills, best known for his work with folk-rock trio Crosby, Stills and Nash, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to band mate Graham Nash.
Nash told TV talk show host Larry King in a telephone interview late on Monday that Stills is set to undergo an operation on January 3, which happens to be his 63rd birthday.
The news came a day after Dan Fogelberg died at the age of 56, three years after the '70s folk singer was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. Upon learning that he had the disease, Fogelberg urged men over age 50 to get tested.
Nash said an early diagnosis of the disease had potentially saved Stills' life.
"Unlike Danny (Fogelberg), who left it too long to be seriously checked, Stephen found his at an early stage," he told CNN's "Larry King Live" show.
Crosby, Stills and Nash comprised one of rock's biggest acts and embodied Woodstock-era folk-rock sensibilities of peace, love and music. They were known for hits including "Teach Your Children," "Woodstock," and "Marrakesh Express."
Stills rose to fame in the mid-1960s alongside Neil Young in Buffalo Springfield, before teaming up with Crosby and Nash (and sometimes Young). The eclectic guitarist maintained a parallel solo career, which yielded such notable tunes as "Love the One You're With" and "We Are Not Helpless."
As a survivor of prostate cancer I agree fully that early detection is critical. However, while Fogelberg had said that men over 50 should be checked - I will respectfully disagree. Men over 40 should be checked!
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer by accident at age 47. I had no symptoms - none whatsoever. The PSA test was something that my doctor did when I had routine blood work done - something that I avoided as I have a fear of needles.
I received a call saying that all the blood work was fine - except that my PSA was a little high - 4.58. Now, frankly that meant nothing to me, but I followed orders and visited a urologist. After a routine DRE (digital rectal exam) I was told that there was probably nothing to worry about, but that a biopsy would be in order just to make sure.
The results from the biopsy proved that I had early stages of prostate cancer.
After considering several treatments: Traditional Surgery, Radiation, Proton Radiation, HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) - I elected to have robotic surgery using the DaVinci system.
Outcome: The cancer was contained in the prostate (a benefit of early detection); the prostate was removed; in four weeks I had transferred from NC to Texas for a new job; there have been no side effects.
While for some this might be too personal...I find that living is personal, and something that can be cured with early detection is worth personal comments.
For those with prostate cancer (know that I am not a doctor), I am willing to talk in person, via e-mail or use this ezine to help others. Feel free to share your comments as the more young men (and I consider 40's to be young) know about the benefits of early detection the more lives will be saved.
To my female readers...just like the males addressed here, you, too, need to be willing to have regular checkups as early detection of potentially serious illness can be life saving. However, I (could be wrong here) believe that men are less willing to have those pesky blood tests along with regular checkups...so help those you love by prodding them along...you might just save their life.
Remember: Every Choice Has A Consequence. Make your choices count for 2008 and together may we have a joyous and prosperous year.
Yours truly,
Chuck Gallagher