Versailles News: Prostate cancer screening

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October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and has been since 1985. This health campaign has become so well-known I cannot imagine anyone remaining unaware nor clueless on what a pink ribbon symbolizes. But did you know last month (September) was National Prostate Health Month or sometimes referred to as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and they are symbolized by the light blue ribbon?

Prostate cancer is the number one cancer in men in the United States. There are more than 3 million cases in the US each year and prostate cancer is the number one cancer among men. Many of us have heard that prostate cancer is a slow growing cancer, however, statistically prostate cancer is the second cancer killer among men (behind lung cancer). So men and their families need to be more concerned with early detection and treatment of this disease.

Prostate cancer develops when the prostate cells undergo genetic mutations. Early stage prostate cancer may not produce signs or symptoms, but in the advanced stage symptoms include changes in urination such as trouble urinating or frequent urination, a decreased force of urination or difficulty starting and stopping. Other symptoms include bone pain, blood in semen, and pain or discomfort in the pelvic area.

There are two initial tests commonly used to look for prostate cancer, a digital rectal exam and the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, however, the diagnosis can only be confirmed by a biopsy. It should be noted that the PSA test is not clear-cut and has been known to produce a “false-negative” in more than 15 percent of all prostate cancer cases. This was exactly what happened to my husband, Steve. He had several of the symptoms and two PSA tests that came back normal. Because his doctor did not do the digital rectal exam (finger sweep) the cancer was overlooked until he had a colonoscopy.

Steve’s prostate cancer was advanced (breached the prostate, with high end Gleason scores) even though it was non-existent at his prior colonoscopy (two years earlier). This occurred nearly seven years ago and Steve chose to eradicate the cancer through surgery. Now after all these years Steve has allowed me to tell more of his story in the hopes of encouraging men to take control of their health by demanding tests which either clear or diagnose the cause of symptoms you may be experiencing.

Prostate cancer has many different treatment choices which include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or medications to suppress hormone activity. These treatments can be used alone or in combination. It’s never an easy decision but it’s an extremely intimate and important one. My husband had the support of many other men who also dealt with prostate cancer, especially Denny Subler, to whom I will always be grateful.

Regardless of what month we are in and whether we are men or women we must be our own health advocates by scheduling our regular screening examinations. Wishing you good health!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Tonight, Friday at 7:30 p.m. the football team plays their last game of the season against and at Fort Recovery.

Also tonight and Saturday night is the Massacre Mill Haunted Trail from 8 p.m.-midnight. Massacre Mill is located at the corner of U.S. 127 and Reed Road, Ansonia.

Sunday, Oct. 28 will be the Versailles Eagles Auxiliary “All You Can Eat” breakfast buffet from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for $8 for adults and all kids under 10 who come dressed in their Halloween costume eats free (with a paid adult breakfast) otherwise their meal would be $4 for children 4-10 and children 3 and under always eat free. Also Sunday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. St. Paul Lutheran Church of Willowdell will be holding a Soup Lunch Benefit. Then at 1 p.m. Sunday the Versailles K of C (State Route 47) invites the public to their Annual Children’s Halloween Party, complete with prizes for the best costumes in various categories and age groups. And of course we cannot forget the Trick or Treat which will be held within the Village of Versailles from 2-4 p.m. this Sunday.

Consider enjoying a carry out barbecue chicken dinner next Sunday, Nov. 4 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., by purchasing advanced tickets from Lindsey Ausborn (937-423-4979). This is a Towne & Country Players fundraiser event which sadly clashes with the American Legion Auxiliary Chicken Fry held Sunday, Nov. 4 starting at 4 p.m. until sold out.

The YMCA begins their new session of classes this Monday, Oct. 29. Now is a great time to sign up for any number of classes from water, dance, yoga, cycling, circuit training. The “Y” is not a question it’s your community fitness center, don’t be afraid to use it.

Happy birthday to Erin Horst, Joan Gehret, Diana Subler, Sarah Lester, Jennifer Shields, Suzy Grilliot, Debbie Richard , Bob Nixon, Catherine Grow, Amy Harman, Martha Oliver, Judy Marshal, Madison Henry, Shelby Marie Smith, Jerry Paulus, Noreen Wendell, Kathy Schulze, Renee Dirksen, Marilyn Schmitmeyer, T.J. Suter, Jana Francis, Mercedes Fellers, Bonnie Paulus, Rose Whittaker, Doug Schmitmeyer, Mark Barga, Kevin Crawford, and Danielle Myers as their special day approaches as well as, anniversary wishes to Haley and Brian Francis (8), Amy and Brian Wagner (23), Janet and Don Pothast (26), Vicki and Steve Buschur (27), Mary Ann and Randy Grilliot (28), Cindy and Tom Schulze, Karen and Dale Luthman (39), Sharon and Jim Siders (41), Karen and Jim Raterman (43), Mary and Joe Larger (43), Karen and Frank Fullenkamp (46), Donna and Tim Wagner (48) and Jean and Jack Turpen (53).

Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Marge Paulus, Bernie Frantz, Mike McClurg, Paul Shimp, Beverly Burt, Fr. Ron Haft, Jackson Winner, Jerilyn Monnin, Fr. John White, Kellie Gehret, Shirley Tapp, Becca Pohl Liette, Jane Meier, Dean Kreitzer, Jim Kelch, Scarlet Unrast, Jenni Meyer, John Brandt, Donna Apple, Alice Luthman, Michelle Sherman, Miriam Harman, Patricia Borchers, Bob Miller, Iona Gariety, Loretta Bey, Steve Bey, Aiden Myers, Angie Keiser, Paul Dapore, Rose Mary and Jerry Paulus, Cyril Frantz, Carol Laub, Peggy and Jack Borgerding, Earl Gigandet, Ruth Wirrig, Marge Prakel, Mary Batty, Dave Magoto, Norma Magoto, Betty Kremer, Virginia Smith, Mary Huelskamp, Anabelle Subler, Lois Youngker, Barb Goubeaux, Eileen Rahm, Samantha Smith and those not mentioned by name who are recuperating, hospitalized, homebound and/or in need of our prayers.

Heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family and friends of John Michael Yerick (82). Also remembering the lives of Mary Goings, Romaine Berger, Harry Moody, Agnes Pohlman, Joe Eilerman, Dennis Cruse, Tom Magoto, Sr., Norb Schlater, Bill Thompson, Bonnie Gilmore, Ralph Winner, Barney Barnhardt, Vicki Kindred, Marge Giere and all our friends and family not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their recently passing nears.

“Cancer does not have a face until it’s yours or someone you love.” ~Anthony Del Monte

“Not all cancer is pink, yet it is unacceptable in every color.” ~Unknown

“You can-cer-vive and early detection is your best defense.” ~S. Amelia

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By Kathy Magoto

Versailles News

Kathy Magoto is a volunteer citizen columnist, who serves The Daily Advocate readers weekly with her Friday Versailles community column. She can be reached at [email protected] or at 526-3798. Feel free to contact her with Versailles news and tidbits. Viewpoints expressed in the article are the work of the author. The Daily Advocate does not endorse these viewpoints or the independent activities of the author.

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