Brian Hillis, Prostate Cancer Survivor:
"You guys were so good to me when I needed help"
Wear Plaid for Dad
 June and Brian Hillis |
My wife, June was the first one to suspect something wasn't right. I was having trouble peeing, and she said, "You need to see the doctor." I was 55 and I'd never had a PSA test before.
My first results came back a little high, so my doc made an appointment with a urologist. After more tests and a biopsy, the urologist told me that I had prostate cancer, and it was serious enough that we needed to do something. I felt absolutely shell-shocked.
Prostate Cancer Canada was there for me in a big way. There are tons of good support materials on the website, and I read them all. By the time I was done, I think I knew more about it than my doctor.
I opted for a radical prostatectomy. The effects are far worse than the surgery, by my wife told me she wants me to be around for more than 10 years.
Two and a half years later, there's been no recurrence. I've had some bladder problems, but I don't let it slow me down. I work hard and I play hard. I have every expectation that I'm going to live to be 95.
I think that catching this thing early is crucial. I think there's still a lack of awareness in terms of the power of the PSA test and the right time to do it. And Prostate Cancer Canada is fighting that battle, and raising that awareness.
They're also funding some absolutely brilliant research. For example, we're getting closer to developing blood tests that will determine just how aggressive a cancer is. That will lead to being able to personalize the appropriate treatment at an early stage.
That's why I support Prostate Cancer Canada. I want to do whatever I can to help others.
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