Metastatic prostate cancer can be tamed

Touched as I was by staff writer Anna Merriman’s story of Paul Wildasin’s life as a father, theologian, environmentalist and Woodstock community member, I was pained to learn that he died of metastatic prostate cancer after it had invaded his bones (‘A Life: He was the familiar face you would see every day,’ August 23).

In the spring of 2017, when I was 78, I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer, and I will never forget the X-ray showing its black fingers thrust deep into my rib cage and spine.

To this day, the cancer still inhabits my skeleton, but it is effectively harmless.

Without radiation, surgery, or even chemotherapy it was tamed by a drug called abiraterone (brand name Zytiga), and right now I lead a thoroughly normal life, including daily walks and tennis several times a week.

The crucial point is this: while metastatic cancer cannot be extricated from the body, it can be tamed. And I’m living proof that once it’s tamed, your life can be normal.

One other point is equally important. Regardless of the advice given by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, I think men over 70 should continue getting the PSA test.

After stopping for five years, from age 73 to 78, I developed a metastatic prostate cancer that might have killed me, and I have since known other men over 70 who have had the same experience. Why take the chance?

James Heffernan

Hanover

Hypocrisy from Nikki Haley

I was bemused (and amused) by the op ed piece by Nikki Haley (“Biden should not recognize the Taliban,” Aug. 24).

She states that the current administration should not recognize the Taliban as a legitimate government, yet President Donald Trump’s administration (under which she served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations) did recognize the Taliban as equivalent to a legitimate government when negotiating the withdrawal process from Afghanistan.

Where was Haley’s outrage at Trump’s “bungle?”

Patricia J Dewey

East Thetford

Be careful about the word ‘pride’

As a word lover, I find the oft-used word “pride,” in all its many forms, to be particularly powerful. True pride should be reserved for accomplishments.

I take great pride in my children and grandchildren because they care about one another, about others, and about their world.

Unlike Vermont state Rep. Brian Smith, R-Derby, I am not proud to be white (‘Vermont state rep: “I’m proud to be white” ’ August 21).

I happened to have been born with white skin, which places me in the dominant class in this culture.

For centuries, we white people have subjugated people with dark skin to the lowest class in our society. The institution of slavery continues to have ugly ramifications today.

As a white woman, I will feel pride when everyone, including Rep. Smith, acknowledges our privilege and is willing to fight for racial justice.

Judy McCarthy

Lebanon

 

 

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