|
 Don
Provencio
Sergeant II
Prostate Cancer
Prior to being diagnosed with prostate cancer, I
was a Sergeant II, Jail Division Watch Commander
with over 31 years of service. My career
intentions were to complete a few more years in
the DROP program and then call it quits. After a
routine annual physical which included PSA blood
testing, I was told that I had prostate cancer.
This news literally changed my life, career
plans and my future with my wife and family.
After much contemplation, I elected to have my
prostate removed by my urologist/surgeon. Six
months later, my cancer returned and I elected
to start treatment at the City of Hope. There, I
underwent six weeks of radiation therapy,
followed by two years of hormonal treatment (lupron).
Currently my cancer is in remission and I have a
blood test every 4 months.
 Upon
retiring in November 2005, I was contacted by
the Los Angeles Police Department Wellness
coordinator and asked to be a founding member of
a cancer support group. This evolved into the
formation of the Los Angeles Police Cancer
Support Group (LAPCSG). Our goal is to educate
the Police community about cancer awareness, the
importance of getting annual physicals and also
to be there for other cancer survivors. There is
a tremendous amount of love, courage and hope
within the LAPCSG. I’ve learned a lot about
cancer and how to live with it. If I had to do
it all over again, I would have gotten a second
opinion and started my treatment at the City of
Hope.
My request to all those who read this
testimonial is to be aware of any physical
changes you may be experiencing as you grow
older. Get your annual physical and ask your
doctor to test your blood for cancer related
indicators.
What has helped me on my journey is the love,
care and concern of my family and friends. Also
my deep spiritual belief and practices and being
a member of the Los Angeles Police Cancer
Support Group. Anyone can contact me through our
web site, www.lapcsg.org which will includes my
email address and phone number.
Recommended reading: Beating Cancer with
Nutrition by Patrick Quillin and
the Bible. |
