O’FALLON, IL – State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) provided an update following the completion of his radiation treatment for prostate cancer:
“I finished my final treatment of my first round of radiation for prostate cancer and am feeling great! Since announcing my prostate cancer diagnosis earlier this year, I have been totally overwhelmed with the outpouring of support, prayers, well wishes, and love from people across the country. Every text, call, and message were a bit of encouragement I needed to get over this bump in the road.
I spent the last month or so getting treatment in the morning, playing “Farmer Charlie,” travelling to-and-from Springfield, and travelling the corners of my district in between. As I said in my initial letter announcing my diagnosis, I expected to be able to continue doing all these things while receiving treatment. It was exhausting at times, but my resolve did not slow down.
I want to thank my doctors at St. Elizabeth’s in O’Fallon for their care. I believe wholeheartedly that I received the best care from the best doctors in the world. Every morning, I walked into a team of smiling faces, excited to help me with my treatment. Each worker at the hospital that I encountered went above and beyond to make my treatment comfortable.
My treatment would have been much different had I not caught my cancer early thanks to a routine PSA test. If you are a male over the age of 50 – please consider routinely checking your PSA levels. Early detection is vital for all cancers, so stay on top of your doctor visits because it could save your life.
I’ve experienced minor side effects, but nothing that has kept me down for too long. I look forward to regaining my energy and getting back to doing the things that I love: running my family farm and representing the 109th district.
Thank you all, and God Bless.”
