“Two words that are guaranteed to get the attention of any man are ‘Prostate Cancer.’  But those are the words Dr. Hardaway, my urologist, spoke to me just over a year ago.

“How it got into my body no one can say for certain. But there is enough evidence to conclude that the chemical Agent Orange, which I was exposed to in Vietnam, is a presumptive cause of prostate cancer.  The Veterans Administration agreed and honored my claim. “The cancer was discovered because of a PSA test that showed a protein level of 4.6 in my prostate, high enough for my doctor to recommend a biopsy. He next very carefully and compassionately explained the many treatment options that were available to me, and armed with that knowledge, I decided HDR temporary brachytherapy was the best choice, and I was placed in the capable hands of two more very caring professionals, Dr. DelCharco and his nurse Debbie.

“The therapy involved inserting very small plastic catheters into the prostate gland, and injecting a series of radiation treatments through them. The catheters were then easily pulled out, and no radioactive material was left in the gland.

“I had two treatments, one at the end of March last year, and one about a week after that.  Then in March of this year when my PSA registered 0.9, Dr. DelCharco told me there was no need to see him  anymore because the chances of getting cancer with a PSA under 1.0 are slim indeed.

“The treatment was great, and the way I was treated was great too.  My wife and I had a lot of confidence in Dr. Hardaway and Dr. DelCharco.  And whenever I went back to follow up,  Debbie would run up to me and give me a big hug.  It’s comforting to know that I was dealing not only with highly skilled professionals, but truly warmhearted people as well.”                                              
                                                                                                                                                 – Chad Covey