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Personal Stories

Rev. Charles Williams

Rev. Charles Williams was president of Indiana Black Expo from 1983 until his death on July 12, 2004. He remained one of the most influential black leaders in Indianapolis, even after being diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2001. His public battle with the disease allowed him to share his story, raise awareness, and make a difference in the Indianapolis community. Through public service announcments, he helped to educate men on the importance of being screened. Because African American men are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer, Rev. Williams also wrote the acclaimed book, That Black Men Might Live.

Rev. Williams was Honorary Chair of the Race Against Prostate Cancer during its first two years. Sadly, two days after the second annual Race, Rev. Williams died of prostate cancer. His legacy will certainly live on in the Indianapolis community and the annual Race Against Prostate Cancer that he helped to start.

Michael W. Rodman

When my biopsy results came back positive, I was also dealing with my stepfather's cancer, which was spreading. Ten years earlier he had opted not to have prostate surgery. My dad passed on February 7, 2000 and I lost my mother to a heart attack three days later. I had my surgery on February 29th. It was a month that forced me to think about my own mortality.

Unfortunately, men do not easily discuss prostate problems with other men. I do not believe there is a "code of silence", but because it is such a personal matter involving sexual performance, it is almost taboo. Although I was unable to talk to my dad, as I did not want to worry him in his weakened state, I was able to talk with my brother, a medical doctor, and with a fellow banker who had recently undergone surgery. Even though I knew that thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of men in central Indiana had faced and survived what I was facing, I still felt alone.

After consulting with medical professionals and receiving the various treatment options, my wife and I decided on a core surgery. Removing the inner core of the prostate and preserving the nerves on its outer surface appeared to offer the best quality of life. It was an easy decision and it was a hard decision. Surgery increased my chances to live a long life. The other less evasive options did not give me the peace of mind I needed.

Looking back, one of the best questions I asked my urologist was, "If you were in my place, who would you have perform the operation?" I took his recommendation and contacted Dr. Michael Koch, who did a wonderful job.

Life after surgery? The few months of recovery were personally embarrassing, as I had to wear diaper-like padding until my body healed enough to control the leakage. But time allowed the internal muscles to strengthen. Sex gradually became more normal and thanks to Lillt's Cialis, I feel twenty years younger.

Michael W. Rodman

Bob Siefker

In September 2003 I turned 60. My wife Theresa and I retired in January 2004 and spent two-months on the West Coast. We returned to Greenwood in the spring just in time to participate in the SS Francis & Clare Wellness Fair in the Parish Hall. As we wandered around, I was invited to give blood for a free PSA screening. I am very grateful for the free screening, since the results came back with a level that was above the normal range. Follow-up visits with my family doctor and a urologist resulted in a biopsy "just to be sure."

There is no way to prepare yourself to hear "the biopsy was positive." We've had several weeks to absorb the news and get used to the idea of having cancer. Dr. John Scott, Urology of Indiana, removed the prostate September 27, 2004. All indications point to a high likelihood of a complete cure, mainly due to the early detection of the tumor by the PSA screening. Do I think PSA screening is important? You bet your life I do!