State Representative Charlie Meier has announced he has cancer of the prostate.
Meier says he will start a 28-day radiation treatment immediately at St. Elizabeth’s in O’Fallon. He says the good news is that this type of cancer is very treatable.
Meier says he is sharing the news because he has always been, and will continue to be, transparent and forthright in providing information he believes his constituents deserve to know. He expects to be able to continue his work representing the residents of his district with the benefit of outstanding doctors, early detection and the support of so many friends and family. However, he will step aside from his leadership position in the House Republicans to focus all of his energy on the people of the 109th District and his health.
Meier says the cancer was discovered during an annual routine blood test. He was surprised when he received word from the doctor because he’s always gotten back a clean bill of health. He notes if he did not have his routine blood test to measure his PSA levels, he would never have known anything was wrong as he showed none of the common symptoms.
Meier says there is a stigma around prostate cancer among men, but says it doesn’t have to be that way. His message to this: put down your pride and stay up to date on your regular health tests. If you are over the age of 50, you have a higher risk of prostate cancer and should be routinely checked, even if you do not show any of the symptoms. Meier say early detection for all cancers is important.
Meier says to all the other families and individuals who are fighting cancer or any other health condition, his heart goes out to them and know that you have a friend in the fight. He concludes by saying I will keep you all in prayers and I hope you will keep me in yours as well.
