Prostate Cancer Stories for President Trump

Mr. President, I am a 55 year old who just a little over two years ago was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I have had my prostate removed and have had a clean bill of health since. However, since my diagnosis I have lost my dad to cancer and my brother is in the fight of his life battling this terrible disease. Please help promote cancer awareness.

Mr. President, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer 3 years ago. There is so much confusing information out there for prostate cancer patients. i was fortunate to find Malecare, a prostate cancer support group and have educated myself. I am currently on Active Surveillance. We need the White House support to help educate men about this disease.

Mr. President, My father died due to prostate cancer, I am survivor myself, and have had many people seek my counsel after they received a negative PSA result. And for the most part these men know NOTHING about prostate cancer, that is until it hits them smack in the face. What really troubles me is the number of men who simply have bad information about prostate cancer.

Mr. President, Prostate cancer can be detected early, it can be treated, and as a survivor and recent Iron Man Triathlon competitor, let me you tell you can lead a full and interesting life in spite of prostate cancer.
I had prostate cancer surgery last March. This was a life saver not just for me but my whole Family — wife and kids with grandchildren. I would like you to light the White House in Blue

Mr. President, This disease has been life-changing. I had a robotic radical prostatectomy in June 2009 at the age of 61 removing the cancer but also leaving me with stress incontinence and ED issues. Even though I use the ED drugs because of Medical necessity to maintain good blood flow, my insurance coverage does not cover the cost. I was staged T3a so I will have to remain diligent in getting continued PSA tests done every 6 months for at least 5-10 years.

Mr. President, Diagnosed in 2002 and have been fighting systemic disease ever since. Prostate cancer research is underfunded compared to other cancers, and since 1/6 males get it in their prime and all males get it if they live long enough, it is a drain on the health care system. BTW death by PC is not fun!!! Do a little research on incidence in the Afro-American community and you might be surprised.

Mr. President, I was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer in 2003 and “”successfully”” treated thanks to the caring healthcare professionals I worked with. My brother was recently diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2010 and has been treated (successfully so far) by his healthcare providers. But there is much more work to be done finding better diagnostic tools, treatments, and support systems! In the face of budget cuts in the government I hope that Congress and your Administration have the vision to continue funding cutting-edge research in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of Cancer including Prostate Cancer. We Believe in You to make a Change!”

Mr. President, Husband diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer 11 years ago – still here because of our advocacy and involvement. There is a genetic connection between breast cancer and prostate cancer. I’d like to see an awareness connection by LIGHTING THE WHITE HOUSE BLUE.

Mr. President, The cancer victims who receive the greatest notoriety are women with breast cancer. This is not meant to belittle them or their disease. But men have an equally important disease that affects them, but despite their cries for attention, theirs is weak by comparison. We are trying our best, but the fight is slow. This small gesture from you would be huge for our cause, it would also create an impetus for many who seem to feel that our efforts are being met with despair.

Mr. President, On October 25, 2010 I underwent a surgery for prostate Cancer … I made sure that I got tested each year for prostate cancer because of a very poor family history of the disease… As a result the cancer was detected early and I am cured  … I want the tell all men to get tested for this Cancer so they do not Die from it … Please help by coloring the White House Blue to raise Awareness for man

Mr. President, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year, with a small tumor in my gland.  I had seed implant done, my life as a man has changed a lot. Sometimes I can accept the changes and other times I can’t.

Mr. President, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 43. I am fortunate to have and to be able to afford good healthcare coverage. I encourage you to light the White House blue to highlight the need to fight this disease and to ensure that people less privileged than I can receive the care they need.

Mr. President, My grandfather and two of his brothers died from prostate cancer, my father had a radical prostatectomy at 58 and has endured years of complications and I was diagnosed at 44 years old with prostate cancer and had laproscopic robotic surgery. I am 48 now.   We can toss out statistics all day but the bottom line is more dollars need to be spent on prostate cancer research.

Mr. President, Light the house blue and let more Americans know about this disease!

Mr. President, I had my prostate removed because it was cancerous in August of 99. I’ve been incontinent ever since. I feel there is something that can be done to end my incontinence. I have tried exercising at night before bed time and have had some success. There are so many factors to consider, sometimes my actions work for the best and other times they make it worse. Why? I do not know. I will never stop trying to eliminate my incontinence.

Mr. President, Prostate cancer effects the lives of many men and their families each year. I believe it is important for the adminstration to acknowledge and stand with these men and their families as they battle this disease. The administration believes this is the right thing to do for breast cancer. The numbers indicate it is the right thing to do for prostate cancer as well.

Mr. President, Almost to the day that Lance Armstrong received his cancer diagnosis, I received my prostate cancer diagnosis in 2008. After several months of considering my options, I chose a skilled Denver surgeon to remove my diseased prostate via the da Vinci robot method in April 2009. Pathology reports showed the prostate was 3 times bigger than it was supposed to be and more advanced than what the biopsy revealed. Just today, 3/1/11, I received my latest PSA reading of less than 0.1 – still undetectable after almost two years! Please let others know that it’s important to establish a baseline (when you’re young and healthy) and then get checked on a regular basis, and then to become aware of your options should your PSA levels start to rise. Thank you for your support of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month! From a prostate cancer survivor at age 61! Best wishes,

Mr. President, Your health care law referred to breast cancer 40+ times, but never mentioned prostate cancer. Why? Please correct this oversight. Prostate cancer is not an embarrassing subject for its victims. The silence of the rest of the population is embarrassing us. We live with it. It’s our life. We would like to be happy campers, but we cannot be while we are ignored.

Mr. President, My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the young age of 58. It was advanced with lymph node involvement and soon after bone mets. My father celebrated is 62nd birthday and succumbed to the disease 1 month later, only 3 short years after diagnosis. My mom, my brothers, my sister and myself were devastated by the sudden loss of our father. I have volunteered for the Am Ca Society for many years and even devoloped my own event called “Run for Dad” to stress the importance of early detection as a life saver. I do not want other families to go through what mine did during his diagnosis, treatment and death. Prostate cancer can be detected and treated.

Mr. President, The surgery went well, which I was explained to from the Surgeon. Outcome was better then originally expected. The Surgeons were able to remove the prostate with cancer tumor, lymph nodes, seminal vesicles, and a portion of the bladder that contained cancer. The cancer was on the upper portion of the bladder and not too large, so the Surgeons were able to remove it, make the repair, which just made the bladder smaller. So, in turn, this was great news, I was able to keep my bladder and rectum. The Surgeon stated that he felt everything went very well for the surgery and the outcome was better than expected.

Mr. President, I was discharged from the U of W hospital on Saturday afternoon 12/20/08. The U of W hospital had to wean me from the pain meds and make sure that I ate some food before I could be discharged. With the big storm coming, this had some influence on getting me out of the hospital and home sooner. Since I have been home, the pain has been horrible, but the pain meds have helped to offset some of it. Nothing like the pain meds, epidural, and IV at the hospital offers. I’m still pretty weak, but seem to be getting better each day.

Mr. President, Eating food has been an ongoing battle. After surgery, nothing tasted good and all food was very difficult to chew and swallow. Each day, I have been able to eat a little more food, but still having problems with tasting part of it. I have never been through surgery before, so I am assuming that this is one of the liquid diet and surgery side effects. I am walking as much as possible, which helps the digestive system and to bring the strength back. Having this snowy weather and being stuck inside of the house really sucks.

Mr. President, Besides all of the pain and the various fluid bags attached to my body, I’m doing pretty well. Hopefully all of the bags will be removed between 10-21 days. I’m going back for a follow up appointment with the Surgeon in three weeks. The Surgeon stated after surgery, that I would be OOS for a minimum of six weeks, unless something changes.

Mr. President, I would like to take this time to THANK everyone for all of the prayers, thoughts, and sympathy. No one can imagine how much of a boost that was for me before surgery and also after surgery. It helped with my outcome. Some way or another, I will repay your thoughtfulness.

Mr. President, The emotions are still really messed up from the cancer and Hormone Therapy (ADT) but are getting better each day. I have my good days and my bad days but have come to the realization that things could be a whole worst. This PCa journey has made me think about life in a very different way. Each day when I wake up and see the sun rising and setting is a good day for me. Having the ability to be with my family and friends is what life is all about.

Mr. President, Without my wife I do not know where I would be, she has been a huge support for me during these challenging times in my life. Her strength and compassion as a loving person helps me get through this difficult part of my life. Once a person gets the cancer announcement it seems like the cancer becomes the controller of your life unless you try to prove it differently and are persistent about it. Family support helps get through the difficult times I have found.

Mr. President, The Professional and Advanced medical care that I have received from all of the Doctors, Nurses, and others at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and the University of Washington Hospital has helped me to cope with the physiological problems associate with cancer and have provided me with superior medical care. I am not sure where this journey would have taken me and what condition I might have been in without this type of care. I want to thank all of the Professionals at SCCA and U of W that have helped make my cancer journey more comfortable. You have had a huge influence with my continued healing progression.

Mr. President, It is time this cancer is brought to the attention of all people, as many men die of prostrate cancer as women of breast cancer every year. My father, uncle and brother have all had it. African American men are at higher risk for it. I teach Health in a prison in WI. I am always amazed at the ignorance of men of this condition that robs them of the quality of their lives and ends lives in terrible pain. Please help bring this to the American public.

Mr. President, I did vote for you and I am very proud of my choice to do just that, Thank You Sir for all that you have done for our fine country. I was told two years ago that I had an advanced form of Prostate cancer and that I only had 6 months or so to live because of the aggressive nature of my biopsy. Thankfully to our God in heavan I have survived this long. I am on more and more medicine every time I turn around. I am very grateful for all the assistance our government is supplying me, my wife, Amber, our 13 yr. old son, Charlie, our 6 yr. old daughter, Allie and our 4 yr. old daughter, Izzy. I beg you to please not cut government spending that would decline their way of life after I have lost my fight for life, which very possibly will be this year. I know that some very difficult decisions have to be made to balance our National Budget, however, like myself there are so many American Men that need our nations support at this time in our lives, Please, Please do not cut funding to these desperately needed programs. Thank You Sir.

Mr. President, Had I not gotten an PSA test ( at the age of 58 ) I would be dead. I really believe that a young man should begin getting an PSA test annually at the age of 40 NOT 70 as being proposed……

I am a 12 year prostate cancer survivor living in Utah, a state that has the second highest incidence rate in the US. I spend many hours advocating for more research money for prostate cancer which accounts for 15% of all cancers but receives only 5% of federal research funds. The worst example of that is CDC who spends 16 times as much on breast & cervical cancer as they do on prostate cancer even though there are more new cases of prostate cancer each year than of breast cancer.

Mr. President, Everyone knows October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month but September, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, gets little or no publicity. So a “Blue White House” for one night is a very small step in the right direction. Why not make it a week????

Mr. President: I have prostate cancer . Had it removed 2yrs ago and it is back. It been a long road with side affect that you have to deal with. It can sure change some very important things in your life. I am now back getting treatment and hoping it will not affect my health in the future. Being that I am in my 50’s. So you will share in the awareness and support to help treatment in this disease. Thank you

Mr. President, Prostate cancer runs in my family. My grandfather had it, my father has it, and medical tests have indicated that I am at strong risk for it. Yet even I feel that it is a difficult subject to discuss, even when it might benefit other men. Please help raise the awareness of Americans about prostate cancer and help stop one of the biggest killers in medical history.

Mr. President, I’m 63 years old and had a laparoscopic robot assisted radical prostatectomy, this past July 1. It was very early stage cancer so the chances of recurrence are slight. However I still have side effects from the surgery that may or may not disappear over time. If there had been a less radical treatment option, at my age, I would have taken it. I believe that much more research needs to be done and more men need to be educated about prostate disease and prostate cancer in particular. It has been a life changing experience and not in a good way.

Mr. President, I am a 38 year old prostate cancer survivor. I always ask for help to promote prostate cancer awareness. Please help!

Mr. President, I am a 5 year survivor of prostate cancer. I also, am an African-American male who has taken a keen interest in this disease for obvious reasons. But, I am dedicated in informing all AA men that I come in contact about this disease. It does not have to be a death sentence of the men of our community. Please see it in your heart to light the White House in blue during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The fight to eliminate this disease through research and education of the general public is in your hands. Please help us! Thanking you in advance for your concern. God Bless.

Mr. President, As a son and brother of 2 prostate cancer patients; I am keenly aware of the dangers and loss from prostate cancer. Please light the White House blue to honor all men who suffer from prostate cancer and their families. Thank you, Thomas Dudzik

Mr. President, In my struggle against Prostate Cancer in my own life, I have been shocked, saddened ans dismayed in finding that Prostate Cancer receives one sixth the research dollars as Breast Cancer. Yet the mortality numbers are nearly identical! The fact is, that Prostate Cancer strikes at the very heart of what it means to be a Man. Without a normal healthy Prostate Gland, a mans genitalia, is no different than any other body part. A penis becomes nothing more that a utility for urination. So too, a Woman’s Breasts, are of no greater interest to a man with no sex drive or ability, than her arm or ear lobes. Please consider this petition, and light the White House Blue. As well as doing something for this great inequality of medical research funding. Sexism has no place in finding a cure for both Men, and Women. Thank you Mr President, for you understanding, and your consideration.

Mr. President, We have been very successful in getting the word out about how to detect and treat breast cancer. The same can not be said about PROSTATE CANCER. As a woman who supports men and their families who are dealing with prostate, it is important that men become aware of the tests for prostate cancer and learn that, like breast cancer, the sooner it is discovered the better the outcome. Let’s do everything we can to get this word out and save the thousands of men who die needlessly because they are embarassed or fearful of the test. Let’s get the word out!

Mr. President, Your support for this request is needed to focus awareness on this curse of a disease that requires considerable more funds for research, clinical trials and breakthrough therapy to find a cure. I have had surgery and radiation treatments and the prostate cancer continues to reemerge.

 Mr. President, I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer last Octber of 2010. It had enveloped 75% of my Prostate gland and was remove January 3, 2011. It had spread to the Lymph nodes which were removed and surrounded the nerves in trhe area which were alsoremoved along with the Seminal Vesicles. I feel lucky in the fact that I was diagnosed in time. I am still waiting to find out if I will need Chemotherapy.

Mr. President, I realize that Breast Cancer has better press and it is politically incorrect to worry about men but as you know, more men die of Prostate cancer tha men and women combined from breast cancer. I request that you “Light the White House Blue” to support the cause. A symbol can be very powerful.

Mr. President, I am a 23 year survivor of Prostate Cancer and am (still) currently undergoing treatment. I am a very healthy 77 year old white male and have been active in promoting Prostate Cancer Awareness, both for the ACS and the Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition (I am a founding director). I have survived a prostatectomy, external beam radiation and (still) hormone therapy.

Mr. President, The main reason that I am still alive and healthy is early detection. I was detected in time for the prostatectomy to remove a seriously damaged (by cancer) in time to prevent a major spread; I was detected early enough to catch a metastatic microscopic spread and treat it by radiation and I was detected early enough to hold it in check for the past six years with hormone therapy. As time goes by I will be periodically checked to take whatever the next early detection treatment is.

Mr. President, He was diagnosed at the age of 46. Having lost his father to this disease at the age of 51 he was careful to be screened and followed closely. The thought of having to deal with this cancer at a relatively young age was scary but because we have 2 young sons we felt it was necessary to be on top of it and be screened and watched carefully. Hoping this would never be our reality of course. He had robotic removal of the prostate and so far now almost 4 years later is still cancer free. We fear for our sons but hope by then there will be more answers to the cure or prevention of this cancer.

Mr. President, My cancer was caught in time and I have enjoyed nearly eight years of being cancer free. Unfortunately, there are way too many men that don’t know how important it is to be tested regularly. We need to raise the level of awareness in the general public and help them to know that this isn’t something that affects the other guy. With a 1 of 6 chance in a lifetime this disease affects more lives than breast cancer which has a 1 of 8 chance. Yet, breast cancer received many times the attention and much more money for research. Please help us turn this around by making such a public statement as allowing the White House to serve as a reminder of the seriousness of this disease.

Mr. President, I’m a 12 year stage IV prostate cancer survivor and ,as such. I’m one of the lucky ones. Even so, my family and I live constantly with the knowledge at anytime the treatment will stop working according to medical science. I should mention that in all that time there haven’t been any advances in treating stage IV protate cancer. I can only assume that there isn’t enough focus ,as there is with breast cancer, on finding a cure for advance prostate cancer. This needs to change.

Mr. President, I was told I had prostate cancer in Sept., 2004 because of early detection I was able to get Seed Implants in Jan. 2005 at the VA hospital in Seatelle Wash. I’m cancer free today after 6 yrs. and feel very blessed. We need to make Prostate Cancer Aware to every man so they can get their check up’s every year, early detection also prevents cancer from coming back if treated early.

Mr. President, Please turn the White House Blue for us Men who need help getting the message out to all men.

Mr. President, I am a survivor of 6 years and would not be here today if it weren’t for on line support groups (and a great physician).

Mr. President, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in Aug 2007. After the diagnosis I tried to find ways for a cure, but there really are none available. I then underwent a radical protectomy and then radiation therapy. After a few more months it was found that my PSA numbers were still rising, meaning that the cancer was still in my body. Now I am on a regimen of Lupron to block my Testosterone production. It is currently holding the Prostate cancer at bay but for shorter time frames.

Mr. President, I would urge you to find a way to increase the funding to find a cure for this decease that affects so many Americans and people throughout the world. Lighting the White House blue during September 2011 would help with the country’s awareness.

Mr. President, I lost my dear husband Bill to prostate cancer in December 2010. He fought this awful disease for 5 years and died at 68. He was a strong & courageous man who should have lived so much longer!

Mr. President, I am a prostate cancer survivor. My prostate cancer was detected in 2002. I am blessed to live so close to NIH and Johns Hopkins with excellent care. However other men are not so fortunate. All of us suffering from prostate cancer need continued research especially in treating and stopping the prostate cancer before it reaches the advanced stage like me. I have participated in several clinical trials and currently receive chemotherapy. My disease continues to progress and I won’t be around to watch my 15yr old daughter graduate from high school. Please support the campaigns working on prostate cancer so other men with prostate cancer have a more hopeful future. Thank you.

Mr. President, I am a prostate cancer survivor. I was diagnosed when I was 68 years old and am now 76.

Mr. President, I received triple hormone blockade treatment in the beginning but 5 years later it appeared the cancer was spreading and my doctor recommended radiation treatment. Recent   blood work showed my PSA to be at 0.10 so at this point I feel sure I will die of something else beside prostate cancer.

Mr. President, I have two sons and have advised them to seek screenings as soon as they turn 50. I am healthy and for the most part am able to continue my life as a full time Pastor, husband, father and grandfather. I thank God for His blessing on my life.

Mr. President, I lost my brother last year to Prostate Cancer. He fought a long and very hard battle. He was loved and cherrished by so many. Alot didnt even know he was struggling. Just the kind of man he was. Always worrying about others and didn’t want them to worry about him. It seems that cancer always takes the good people, maybe because they can handle it. This is definately a cancer that more men need to be aware of. Please Light the White House BLUE!!

Mr. President, I am a retired Navy officer. My father (age 91) is a retired WWII vet. Both of us had/have prostate cancer. I have three sons.

Mr. President, We men have blue ribbons to fight prostate cancer. We need to speak louder and longer.

Mr. President, Too many of us are dying out of ignorance.

Mr. President, I’m alive and thankful for it. A five year survivor.

Mr. President, I am number 5 of 8 in my family that has had prostate cancer. Having lost two members of our family to this disease we are all keenly aware of how devistating is can be. We share our story of prostate cancer every chance we get and are asking you to lend your support of us by lighting your house blue. Thank you for your help

Mr. President, As a 66 year old man, who is looking forward to enjoying my retirement years, I have recently been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. I’d like attention to be paid to this common disease that will touch the lives of most men in their senior years, although they most likely will not die of it. Nevertheless. it will change our lives significantly.

Mr. President, Our dear friend lost her husband to prostate cancer….there needs to be more research for all terminal and debilitating diseases.

Mr. President, I incurred PC back in 1995, had radiation treatments and their life affecting side effects and have held my breath ever since waiting for the reoccurance . It usually comes back as Bone Mets which are not a very pleasant experience. Please do all that you can to bring this condition to the attention of the public despite its slightly embarrasing bodily location.

Mr. President, As a member of a prostate forum and a wife of a patient, I can tell you that aside from all the medical problems and suffering, the marriage takes a great strain when prostate cancer abruptly robs a couple of the intimacy and comfort that they bring each other in trying times and stress  Unfortunately some marriages flounder and others fail. When people say “you’re lucky it’s ONLY prostate cancer. That shows how little it is understood. Like it’s only the flu. You’ll get over it”

Mr. President, I loss my Dad to prostate cancer 3 years ago. It is a devastating disease and he suffered horribly. Please bring awareness to this well-deserved cause so that we can find a cure and so that no other daughter or family should watch a father or loved one lose their life to prostate cancer.

Mr. President, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 45 — well before the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute even recommend starting screening. I owe my well-being to a knowledgeable physician who believed in starting screening at age 40, and I have become very active in trying to convince younger men of the importance of starting screening early. Your support for prostate cancer awareness is important in getting this message out. Thank you!

Mr. President, First diagnosed with PC in 2005 and underwent IMRT external beam radiation treatments and hormone therapy for a year. Was just diagnosed in February 2011 with recurring prostate cancer and now have to again face some decisions on treatment(s) and uncertainties.

Mr. President, My best friend’s father was diagnosed with prostate cancer and he struggled through it for 2 years before it finally took him away from his wife, daughters, and grandsons. It was a very sad time. I know that he and his family would appreciate the recognition of prostate cancer awareness by the White House! Please support lighting the White House blue!

Mr. President, When I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2009 I was surprised to learn that the White House is lit pink for an evening in October to raise awareness for breast cancer, but never blue in September. Maybe we guys aren’t vocal enough, but more than 30,000 men will die of prostate cancer this year–and it’s a grim battle at the end. These brave men deserve to be remembered as much as our valiant ladies who die from breast cancer.

Mr. President, Cancer ruins so many lives and costs so much money. Raising awareness among men will go a long way to reducing suffering, even if just a few men are diagnosed earlier than they otherwise would have been. Lighting the White House blue for just one night is a simple, yet dramatic act that may save more than one man’s life.

Mr. President, I would love to see Prostate Cancer awareness reach the same levels as Breast Cancer awareness. Prostate cancer is a big killer of men and a very costly one to treat. Winning this battle saves agony and money…. Thank you

Mr. President, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 48. I was not having any symptoms so it was only by chance that it was discovered when it was. I had a prostate brachytherapy procedure four years ago and currently am doing well. But since I work in healthcare myself, I know only too well that not every man will do well and it is a life long issue to deal with. Prostate cancer is not just an “old man’s” disease. I know of other men who were in their early 40’s that were diagnosed with it. Show us you support our struggle Mr. President!

Mr. President, I am 55 and have advance prostate cancer. I have tried almost all treatments including chemo, hormones and zeto; and the cancer is winning. Please support the cause.

Mr. President, My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 54. He passed away on Sept.13,2008 at the age of 62.He was my childhood sweetheart from the age of 15 and we were married for forty three years. He also was my best friend. Someone I could always count on to be there for me.We were unable to have children, so my loss is deep.

Mr. President, I can’t begin to tell you how devaststing and painful this disease is.How many lives are shattered and how hard it is to watch the one you love in pain and unable to help. I was a hospice nurse and sat with many patients and families through their ordeal, but this was the hardest for me. Please light the white house blue in honor of these courageous men.

This problem is a major change to a person life. It is never mention of the mental part this operation play on the mind. It takes hard and just feeling to cope with the changes you feel of not be able to full fill the needs of your mate and self.

Mr. President, African American Men are diagnosed more with Prostate cancer than any other race. They also die more. We need to join hands in this country and make prostate cancer a priority.

Mr. President, Breast cancer has made so many strides over the last decade because we put it in the light. Please consider lighting the White House with Blue lights in the Month of September each year to help light up prostate cancer which will help save lives.   Thank you,

Mr. President, I am hopefully a prostate cancer survivor having gone through treatment 4 years ago. But everyday is a wait and see if it is gone or has it returned…   Research is needed to find a cause, and an effective treatment so no one should have to play the wait and see game….

Mr. President, I’ve lived with prostate cancer almost ten years now. Have had surgery, eight weeks of radiation, and several years of hormone treatments. I’ve exhausted all the traditional treatments and am now evaluating clinical trials and experimental treatments, both in the US and in foreign countries.

Mr. President, Ironically, on Thanksgiving Eve of 2008 we first heard the dreaded word, cancer. In February of 2009, my husband underwent a radical prostatectomy. Thankfully, at the moment, he is cancer-free. But this did not come without a high cost, mentally, physically, emotionally and financially. Like most prostate cancer survivors he has had to deal with incontinence and erectile disfunction. Although we had health insurance, there was nothing other than our savings to cover the additional expenses and loss of income (he is a commission only sales consultant). With only one income, it didn’t take long for our meager financial cushion to disappear. Now at age 65 and 67, we have way too much credit card debt and a mortgage and home equity loan that makes the possibility of retiring contingent on winning the lottery or at long last in some way profiting from our Intellectual properties, another form of winning the lottery.

Mr. President, But we are the fortunate ones, many other men and their families are facing rising PSAs and cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. My heart aches for my husband and all those who have to deal with this devastating issue. Please help us raise awareness so that men will get the help they need before it is too late.

Mr. President, I am a Prostate Cancer survivor. I was diagnosed three years ago and have been treated two years ago. I discovered I have cancer by chance, since I wasn’t screened regularly. Had I been screened, I could have been treated earlier and experienced less side effects. I would like to urge you to make Prostate Cancer care and screening part of your health care programs and assign a high priority to screening and working on discovering a cure to this terrible disease that is the second highest cause of cancer deaths among American men.

Mr. President, In 2007 I lost a beloved uncle to stage 4 prostate cancer. He was 47. He left behind a loving wife and 2 children, both still in high school. He fought this disease for 4 years, trying everything he could find to combat it with no success. When he was diagnosed, he was under the age to have routine checks, and the cancer didn’t run in the family. Now, his son and my brother have that that shroud hanging over their head if they are next. Please help draw awareness to this disease so that a cure can be found in our lifetime and no one else loses a loved one to this disease.

Mr. President, As a prostate cancer survivor, I have become intimately familiar with its devastating impact on the lives of its victims; even its survivors. The American Public remains woefully uninformed on the impact of this disease. Please help us tell our story

Mr. President, My uncle fought and beat prostate cancer, our family learned much more about the issue and understand how many males are affected by this type of cancer.

Mr. President, I have not been diagnosed with prostate cancer, but due to my elevated PSA readings am now on the list of the “watchful and waiting.” It is really scary, but luckily there is more information available now about this form of cancer, the taboo around it has been lifted (I remember when you didn’t mention “prostate” in polite company), and the treatment options are more. It is one of the biggest killers of men in the US; that fact is often lost. Many of my friends have had prostate cancer already, so I am aware of the devastation of it and the difficulties of dealing with it.

Mr. President, As you are probably aware, women have done an excellent job with respect to breast cancer awareness.   Men are now working toward this same goal. Unfortunately, funding levels at the National Instutue of Health continue to be inequitable. Breast cancer receives $4,238 per patient but prostate cancer only receives $219. In addition, there has been an Office of Women’s Health since 1991 but there is *still* no Office of Men’s Health — despite the fact that men die approximately six years ealier than women. (In the 1920s it was only one year earlier.)

Mr. President, Prostate cancer (PCa) has been described as the male version of breast cancer – a hormone driven cancer which afflicts a high percentage of its preferred gender. Unlike breast cancer however, PCa does not have a Komen-like marketing machine that produces huge revenue for breast cancer research. Public awareness is poor, and most believe that the disease is “easily treatable.” I can assure you it is not. Men are suffering in relative silence, in part because the side effects of the disease are hard for men to talk about publicly. And for those fortunate enough to survive and live with the side effects, there is a social and psychological cost: ended marriages and relationships, broken families. For those unfortunates for whom primary treatment is too late or ineffective, PCa metastasizes from the prostate to the bones, treatment options become horrific and death arrives wrapped in tremedous pain. This is a small step to raise awareness – make it happen.

My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer 7 years ago, when he was still only in his 40’s. Raising awareness may help people detect prostate cancer in early enough stages, and to help fight it off sooner.

Mr. President, My father has been suffering from prostate cancer for 14 years. It is so important that we try to find a cure. Men are dying from the disease every single day leaving children without the most important male role model in their life. Please help us find a cure.

Mr. President, My beloved husband of 36 years died from prostate cancer last year at the young age of 55 years old. He fought courageously for almost five years after being given a death sentence. He wanted to live for his family, as we have two adult children and six grandchildren. He was an amazing man, and so strong, working up to the same week that he passed.   I am hoping that more research can be done to help people that have this insidious disease. Society is under the misconception that prostate cancer is not dangerous. Hopefully with our collaborative efforts, that thought process can be changed and we will be able to help more men that receive this devastating diagnosis. Thank you for your consideration.

Mr. President, I am an over 18 year prostate cancer survivor but still a prostate cancer patient living with this continuing cancer. I am among the fortunate few having been able to manage my cancer. Yet, in these many years I have worked with hundreds of prostate cancer and their caregivers and recognize the toll this takes on usual family issues, particularly when diagnosed wiht advanced, aggressive cancer. We need your help to make men aware of the importance of recognizing that prostate cancer is a disease of only men, and one that can become deadly if not diagnosed early.

Mr. President, I support this petition as a PC survivor who is continuing to deal with associated issues three years after my surgery. I’ve watched several of my friends die from this dreadful disease and, at 63, I worry about my future every day. Please support the necessary legislation to eradicate PC. Thank you.

To turn prostate cancer into a manageable disorder we need all the support, as well as research, to make the public aware of this life altering problem. Please Mr. President, light the light for all of us.

Mr. President, My husband at the young age of 53 has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.   He is among the thousands diagnosed and will hopefully survive. However, we need to call as much attention to this disease which ravages the lives of thousands as we do to breast cancer awareness.

Mr. President, As a prostate cancer survivor, I know how important early detection is. Anything you can do to get the word out would help.

Mr. President, I have so many male friends that are dealing with this issue. One in particular was in his mid 40’s when first diagnosed and is now only 54 with stage 4 bone cancer. There seems to be a myth out there that men do not die from prostate cancer, this is just untrue! Being a woman, I do not know how it would feel to be a man that could not perform sexually, yet as a woman I can tell you that if my husband could not perform, but could stay alive, that would not make him less of a man in my eyes, nor in the eyes of any of the women I know. This issue must take center stage in our country, just like breast cancer. Please, please help to enlighten our citizens.

Mr. President, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer at 55. The doctor found a lump on my prostate even though my PSA was 1.4. The treatment options were confusing. While most promised to save my life, all would impair my quality of life.

Mr. President, I had surgery last year and the pathologist report indicated that the cancer had spread beyond the margins. My PSA tests indicate that I’m OK for now but risk of recurrence is significant.

Mr. President, Many other forms of cancer get publicity and funding. Prostate cancer is neglected both in awareness and funding.

Mr. President, Please do what you can for the millions of men that will be effected by this disease.

Mr. President, As a victim of prostate cancer myself, I know the importance of awareness, prevention if possible, and early detection. I was treated with seed implants more than 5 years ago and have been in remission since. Vigilance and early detection is responsible for saving my life.

Mr. President, My father has been suffering from stage 4 prostate cancer for five years. With the help of Sloan Kettering Hospital my father has been able to manage this disease and pain, but only because of the research trials available through the hospital.

Mr. President, Being a man he should understand well enough the need. No one should have to spell it out for him. It is of importance because of his maleness!