Hwy 308 reopened to traffic
June 28, 2011John Alford Ashley
June 30, 2011State Rep. Jerry “Truck” Gisclair (D-Larose) skipped the final day of the 2011 legislative session Thursday and is at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston this week where doctors are trying to determine the best form of treatment to address his diagnosis of prostate cancer.
“They are going to do further testing,” Gisclair said. “[Doctors] believe the cancer is isolated to the prostate and has not spread.”
Gisclair, 63, revealed his condition one week earlier and said early detection could be the key to help him overcome the disease. Prostate cancer is predominant among men over 50 and can be detected with regular screenings.
Thibodaux Regional Medical Center radiation oncologist Dr. William Dunn said there have been conflicting studies and reports on the benefits of testing and early detection of prostate cancer to save lives.
“When I talk to patients, I don’t just worry about whether they are going to pass away from their disease,” Dunn said. “I look at the pain and agony they go through living with prostate cancer. It is a tragedy [when] something as simple as a blood test is skipped over because of a faulty recommendation.”
“We are trying to assess the different treatments that are available,” Gisclair said. Those treatments could include radiation, microsurgery or even nuclear implants. I’m relieved that we caught it early, but it is still cancer.”
“I think it is important for men 50 and above to get at least a yearly test, especially if they have a strong family history or other risk factors for prostate cancer,” Dunn said.
Gisclair, who does have a family history of cancer, was first elected to office 2007. He is owner of the Coastal Broadcasting Network and of Bayou Portuguese Citrus Farm. He said he does intend to seek re-election.
