Give Dad the gift of a lifetime on Father's Day

Spectrum, by Rep. Garl Gatto

It's Father's Day and I'm remembering my dad, a wonderful man who was dedicated to giving my mom, my sister, and me the best possible opportunities ever.

If anything defines him, he was God's servant and giver. Every derelict on any street corner who extended his hand got a handout. Dad learned his ways from his father. Grandpa brought his family from Italy to New York City to place them in a great land with a great future. He was a smart man, indeed.

My dad, in turn, did whatever it took to offer his children an excellent education and encourage them to be productive citizens. I can't repay him anymore. He died in 1982.

Is your Dad still alive today? If so, what could you do today to thank your dad? You could pull the dandelions, mow the grass, wash the car, or let Dad sit in the car while you pump the gas--and even go pay the charge. Happy Father's Day, Dad.

But what if Dad died a few years ago? What if disease took him and you are celebrating Father's Day by visiting his memorial? Can you remember those Father's Day presents you gave him a long time ago? Or what if your dad is still alive and you wonder how many Father's Days you'll have left with him? Dads should be around long enough to enjoy playing with their grandchildren. It's such a fun time and worth the wait. But to get there, men have to do a few simple things to take care of themselves for the sake of those they love. We men are asked to lose weight, eat more vegetables and exercise until we're blue in the face. Please, let me tell you about a disease that could care less how healthy and fit you are. I know; I had it and I was doing all the correct things.

Prostate cancer is arguably the biggest problem that men may develop--that is, if they haven't already. When men hit the ripe old age of 50, chances are, they already have it. They won't know it, and tests won't reveal it at this stage.

The little pest grows slowly for five to 10 years before becoming large enough to find. By then, a simple blood test can provide the first warning, but only if a man takes the test.

And therein is the problem. Some men prefer not to know. Knowing might result in having to deal with disease. What if a man gets a positive reading? How awful is that? Is it a scary time? Of course!

My prostate cancer was found during a routine medical exam that set me back all of $10. Our local area urologist, Dr. Greg Lund, had a two-day special for men on a first-come, first-served basis for $10. He gets to screen a lot of men this way. Technically, since I'd just had an exit medical exam from the fire department only seven months earlier, I could have ignored his great $10 offer. But I didn't. Thank God I didn't.

Dr. Lund found a suspicious situation and performed a biopsy. He found prostate cancer and gave me my options. I took his advice but still got second and third opinions. All three doctors agreed on the best course, so I followed their recommendations and chose surgery and continuing preventive treatment.

I'm a survivor who is continuing to fight the good fight. As I said above, the little pest continues to grow, whether or not you know he is there. I'm not taking chances anymore. I want to be around long enough to enjoy playing with my grandchildren.

So, Happy Father's Day to all the men, and to the women and children who love them. Ladies, sons, daughters, for Father's Day consider making an appointment for the man you love and go with him to the exam. Skip the ties and socks; this is a much better gift. And if the result is that Dad is just fine, the two of you can enjoy the knowledge for 365 days. If he isn't, it's never too early to know. You'll still stand a fighting chance.

Currently I'm in my fourth year of prostate cancer treatment and am blessed to be in remission following the surgery and chemotherapy. I lost my hair and my energy for a while, but both have returned. I have to tell you, treatment is exhausting -- not to mention expensive and time-consuming. But be brave men; go get checked out. It's worth it. Those grandchildren will be worth it.

Rep. Carl Gatto, Alaska House District 13, Palmer

Editor's note: Rep. Gatto remains involved in prostate cancer education and supports several prostate cancer groups, including a new group recently formed in the Mat-Su Valley.