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Today I am a Prostate Cancer Survivor
Published: Wednesday, July 1, 2009
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Ken Wilson and his wife Frieda are a loving couple that have been married for more than 50 years. Ken is currently battling advanced prostate cancer. His journey is uncertain, but today he is a survivor and speaks to men and women about early detection and prevention being the key to winning the war against cancer. Recently, Ken and Frieda talked to us about Ken’s prostate cancer journey.
Q. Where are you now in your prostate cancer treatment?
Ken: Today, I am a prostate cancer survivor, but I do have terminal cancer. I had a lot of check ups, evidently somewhere along the line, something was missed. The last biopsy I had, they said it was too far advanced to get operated on. I then came to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for my treatment. I have been taking chemotherapy, and I have started to take my second round. I have had radiation on my hip bone to alleviate the pain because the cancer is in my bone.
Q: When you heard the word cancer for the first time, what was your first reaction?
Ken: Mad, because I had 3 prostate biopsies in less than 4 years, and the first 2 came back completely negative and the third came back too advanced to operate. After about a week, I started to really think about all that I have to through, but my goal now is to not let another man have to go through what I have gone through or what I am going to go through, and that is why I talk to men all of the time.
Q: How do you cope with prostate cancer?
Ken: It is just something we live with everyday, knowing that I have this problem. I talk to men all of the time about cancer and why they should get screened and the importance of it. I tell them my story … I am living with terminal cancer. I have a great wife, Frieda that looks after me and takes care of me. She fusses at the way I eat and what I eat - she tells me to eat my vegetables and fruit. And we like to spend time enjoying the outdoors.
Q: How do you remain so strong?
Ken: The unconditional love from the Lord and the unconditional love from wife of 50 years.
Q: What do you do to advocate for prostate cancer awareness?
Ken: I volunteer at UT Medical Center’s Cancer Institute giving talks to groups. I enjoy talking. I don’t know why that is, but my wife Frieda says it gives me a purpose.
Q: What is your message to other men?
Ken: Get screened and get involved.
One in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. To kick off Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September, the Cancer Institute will be holding the second annual THE MAN RUN for Prostate Cancer Awareness on August 29th. Ken is the chair of this year’s race and encourages everyone to come out for the race. Sign up for THE MAN RUN today!
All proceeds raised from the race support free prostate cancer screenings and education in East Tennessee. Last year alone, the University of Tennessee Cancer Institute was able to provide more than 400 free prostate cancer screenings. This year the Cancer Institute will once again offer free prostate cancer screenings in September. The dates and times are listed below.
September Screenings
Sept. 2 - Sevierville 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Sept. 9 - LaFollette 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Sept. 12 - Hardin Valley 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Sept. 16 - UT Medical Center, Knoxville 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sept. 17 - Morristown 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Sept. 17 - Oneida 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Call 865.305.6055 or 1.866.337.8824 for more information on THE MAN RUN, prostate cancer education or to register for a screening.
Read about Prostate Cancer Screening to learn more.
Read about Cancer Screening Guidelines for Men.
Talk to your doctor about treatment options, including CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery.