Survivor Spotlight
Prostate cancer survivors are literally living proof that there is long and healthy life after a diagnosis. Here, some of those survivors share their stories and their journeys.
Jimmy Carter
“I was scared to death.”
In 2016, Jimmy Carter was a seemingly healthy 56-year-old Peoria businessman. Until the day his doctor uttered four simple words: “You have prostate cancer.”
“I didn’t hear a word he said after that,” says Jimmy, now 63. “I went numb. Once you hear you have cancer, you think you’re going to die.”
How Jimmy even got to the doctor for a routine physical was almost by fluke. He calls it a miracle. He says had not been to a doctor in 25 years, because he rarely got sick and did not suffer from any medical conditions that require regular monitoring. But one day his wife, Connie, insisted he get a regular check-up. And as part of the blood work, they tested his PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) level. It was elevated to the point that a biopsy was ordered.
“I’m a guy who grew up in a generation where we don’t have time for doctors,” Jimmy recalls, “so why waste my time? I didn’t even know what a PSA was.”
The biopsy revealed Jimmy had a very aggressive form of prostate cancer. He underwent radiation treatments and eventually emerged cancer free.
“It was a battle,” he says. “But it saved my life.”
He gets tested every six months to be sure. Now, Jimmy makes it his mission to spread the word about early detection.
“I tell everyone I know – get your prostate checked,” he says. “I have four friends who discovered they have prostate cancer. They are all like me – they never would have known had they not gotten tested. But thankfully they listened to me. And I’m happy to report that all are doing fine.”
Today, so is Jimmy Carter. In fact, he is not just surviving; he’s thriving.
“I’m lucky to be alive. I’m blessed.”
Jimmy and Connie are happily retired and living in Florida.
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