Pubdate: Sun, 15 Feb 2004
Source: Oshkosh Northwestern (WI)
Copyright: 2004 Gannett Co., Inc.
Contact: 224 State Street Oshkosh, WI 54901
Website: http://www.wisinfo.com/northwestern/index.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2640
Author: Gregg Underheim
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n248/a06.html

UNDERHEIM: I AM NOT IN NEED OF CHEMOTHERAPY

I have not made a practice of responding to letters that my opponent
in the last election, Mr. Genisio, has written to the Northwestern.
Others, without my urging have done so very effectively. However, his
last letter, which referenced my health, requires a personal response.

My health is excellent. When my prostate was removed in June of 2002
cancer was found in 1 percent of it. The cancer was completely
contained inside the prostate. As is typical in cancer surgeries lymph
nodes around my prostate were taken and examined for cancer. They were
cancer free. One cannot ask for a better prognosis than this. I am
fortunate and thankful.

The language in Genisio's letter seemed to imply, or at least dangle
the possibility, that I still am a candidate for chemotherapy. At no
point has my doctor stated, suggested, implied or in any way
communicated to me that I am in need of chemotherapy. I am not in need
of chemotherapy.

I would guess that there are thousands of people here in Oshkosh who
have successfully battled cancer and returned to work to be
productive, happy and healthy. Raising the spectre of continuing
health problems does not serve any useful purpose.

It is certainly possible that Genisio did not intend to raise
questions about my health. Nevertheless, I wanted to make my health
status very clear.

Finally, it is worthy of mention that the PSA test was the indicator
that I had a problem. Taking that test and discovering the cancer
early probably saved my life. Men, get your PSA taken.

Gregg Underheim

State Representative, Oshkosh
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin