Ron underwent a radical retro pubic prostatectomy & radiation

Around Christmas of 1998, Ron received the news he hoped he'd never hear — he had cancer. "It wasn't the best Christmas gift I had ever received," Ron says now.

Through a routine physical at the age of 60, Ron discovered he had prostate cancer. "It was not good news," Ron recalled, "I was in denial — still am."

Though he didn't have any prior family history of prostate cancer, he knew that it could be hereditary and feared for his son's health. "The hardest part was telling my son. I drove to Eau Claire (Wisconsin) to tell him in person. We sat in the truck and both cried. I told him the importance of getting his PSA tested early and regularly," Ron said.

After his diagnosis, Ron did some research. He talked with his doctors to find out about his treatment options. "I didn't want to have radiation because I had heard stories about it causing horrible fatigue, but my doctor finally convinced me."

"I was up and around in three or four days. And I was only in the hospital for two nights," Ron said about his recovery after his treatments. Thankfully, he never experienced any fatigue.

Looking at the quality of life after treatment, Ron says, "My life hasn't changed. I am still doing the things I have always done."

Ron's advice is to stay positive, "I tried to keep from being depressed and from moping around. Do anything you can think of to get out of that state of mind." Ron said that the depression was harder than the physical pain or recovery. "Find a support group and join it! I think it really helps," Ron also advised.

If you would like to contact Ron to find out more about his story or ask him question, please call HealthEast Cancer Care at 651-232-7970.