A teaching moment for prostate cancer

Your recent article on prostate cancer prompted me to give testimony (“NH prostate cancer group stresses need for screening tests”).

Some four years ago, my primary care doctor told me that my PSA was quite high (10) and he recommended I see a urologist. I took it lightly and never did follow through.

Six months later, again, my primary care doctor suggested a urologist because of the high PSA. Again, I ignored the suggestion.

One evening, the phone rang and it was the urologist I was referred to. He explained that I should take this seriously.

Well, I did, and to my surprise, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

My urologist explained my options. Needless to say, I was scared. Because of his genuine caring, I began radiation therapy.

The regional cancer center folks in Nashua are to be commended for their professionalism, caring and cheerful manner during my radiation treatment. Two caring doctors, Dr. Peter Hacker, my primary, and Dr. John Janeiro, my urologist, didn’t allow me to take this lightly.

Today, I’m cancer free and up to today all the above people are in my daily prayers. Instead of praying for a miracle, I’m giving thanks.

Ernest Wenckus

Hudson