(Senator Tim) Johnson Announces Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

[mobuto]

Contact: Julianne Fisher, Noah Pinegar [phone]


Johnson Announces Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
‘I Feel Great and am Meeting this Head-on’
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD), 57, today released the following statement regarding his health:

"First off, I would like to report that I am feeling great. However, I have news to share that will impact my schedule over the coming weeks. I have recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Thanks to wonderful doctors who have been monitoring me over the years, they believe they have caught this early and that a complete recovery is in my future.

"I will undergo surgery on Wednesday, March 3rd to have my prostate removed at the Bethesda Naval Hospital. In consultation with my doctor, I am confident that aggressive treatment is the way to go. Following surgery, I will be in the hospital for a few days, but then should feel progressively better. I can expect a complete recovery six weeks after that.

"My own father was diagnosed nearly 30 years ago in his 60's and today, is cancer-free. Education and early-diagnosis are crucial to beating this disease.

"I feel both confident and upbeat about this. I am meeting this head-on. I am thankful for the support of my family and my friends, especially my wife, Barbara. Barb is a cancer survivor herself. She remains my greatest role model and strongest supporter.

"My offices will remain open. I plan a quick and full recovery, and I look forward to continuing to work diligently on behalf of South Dakotans in the United States Senate."

Dr. John Eisold, the U.S. Capitol Attending Physician, said, "We were able to catch this at an early stage and anticipate Senator Johnson will have a very successful recovery. Senator Johnson will be down for a few days following the surgery, but we expect him to be on track soon after that. Senator Johnson has proven that early detection is the best possible way to protect your health."

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2003 there would be 220,900 cases diagnosed. There is a five year relative survival rate of 97%. While 1 man in 6 will get prostate cancer during his lifetime, only 1 man in 32 will die of this disease. The death rate for prostate cancer is going down. And the disease is being found earlier, as well. For more information of prostate caner, you can go to the American Cancer Society's website at www.cancer.org

http://johnson.senate.gov/~johnson/releases/200402/2004225521.html

[BOSSHOG]

1. Gentlemen, if you are 50 years old or older

and haven't had a prostate check, get one NOW. And thank you Senator Johnson for bringing the subject to the publics attention. Did I say get a check NOW? Don't wait to get that appointment. If you are a nagging (thoughtful) Wife, get to nagging NOW and get him that appointment NOW.

Thank you Mobuto for this post.

[Skittles]

2. DITTO WHAT BOSSHOG SAID

GET YOURSELF TO THE DOCTOR PRONTO. WIVES, HARASS YOUR HUBBIES TO GET IT CHECKED. REMIND THEM IF THEY DEVELOP THE DISEASE THEY WILL BE CHECKED ANYWAY. BETTER NOW THAN LATER.

[Judi Lynn]

3. Best possible wishes to Senator Johnson for a complete recovery.

I hope he will be at least as fortunate as his father.

Thanks for the information.