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123: Don Helgeson survived three types of cancer | malignant melanoma | colorectal cancer | prostatectomy
Cancer just will not get the best of Don Helgeson. A retired member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, he survived malignant melanoma in 1996 and colorectal cancer in 2007. Just when he thought the disease was in his past, he was diagnosed with Stage 3B prostate cancer in 2020. He opted to have his prostate removed, but thanks to successful surgery, he achieved survivorship and enjoys excellent urinary and sexual function.
Don Helgeson of Nanaimo, British Columbia, was in 27 years old in 1996 when he noticed an unusual looking mole on his shoulder. Seeking medical attention, he had the mole removed; but a few weeks later, the same doctor asked to return, at which he told Don he had malignant melanoma. Not long after that, he underwent a small surgical procedure to have an area of tissue and skin removed. The cancer was caught early, Don still goes in for annual checkups with a dermatologist and has not had a recurrence.
Members of Don’s family had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Among them was his mother, who urged him to get checked out, and in 2007, such a checkup resulted in his being diagnosed. This brought on another surgical procedure, an entire re-section. He was quite grateful to learn he did not have to wear a colostomy bag. Each year, Don goes in for a colonoscopy and has remained free of colorectal cancer.
In 2020, Don Helgeson was experiencing some urinary issues. Around that time, his uncle passed away from prostate cancer at age 65. In their last conversation, he said Don should get blood work done. It revealed a PSA of 12.2, which was about four times more than the average for someone just beginning their fifties, as Don was. That led to biopsies, CT scans, MRIs and bone scans. Within a few months, he was diagnosed with Stage 3B prostate cancer.
Having just married his second wife, Don was concerned about the effect the diagnosis would have on their marriage, but his wife, Lisa, and other family members were an outstanding source of support. In January 2021, he elected to undergo a prostatectomy.
The surgeon was able to not cut the nerves that would prevent Don from achieving an erection. Meanwhile, after wearing a catheter for 16 days, he had it removed and was happy to learn he was capable of, in large part, regulating his ability to urinate.
By way of advice, Don says if one is diagnosed with any type of cancer, he or she should know that they are not alone and to speak to those who have been similarly diagnosed.
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By Jim Foster
5
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Cancer just will not get the best of Don Helgeson. A retired member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, he survived malignant melanoma in 1996 and colorectal cancer in 2007. Just when he thought the disease was in his past, he was diagnosed with Stage 3B prostate cancer in 2020. He opted to have his prostate removed, but thanks to successful surgery, he achieved survivorship and enjoys excellent urinary and sexual function.
Don Helgeson of Nanaimo, British Columbia, was in 27 years old in 1996 when he noticed an unusual looking mole on his shoulder. Seeking medical attention, he had the mole removed; but a few weeks later, the same doctor asked to return, at which he told Don he had malignant melanoma. Not long after that, he underwent a small surgical procedure to have an area of tissue and skin removed. The cancer was caught early, Don still goes in for annual checkups with a dermatologist and has not had a recurrence.
Members of Don’s family had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Among them was his mother, who urged him to get checked out, and in 2007, such a checkup resulted in his being diagnosed. This brought on another surgical procedure, an entire re-section. He was quite grateful to learn he did not have to wear a colostomy bag. Each year, Don goes in for a colonoscopy and has remained free of colorectal cancer.
In 2020, Don Helgeson was experiencing some urinary issues. Around that time, his uncle passed away from prostate cancer at age 65. In their last conversation, he said Don should get blood work done. It revealed a PSA of 12.2, which was about four times more than the average for someone just beginning their fifties, as Don was. That led to biopsies, CT scans, MRIs and bone scans. Within a few months, he was diagnosed with Stage 3B prostate cancer.
Having just married his second wife, Don was concerned about the effect the diagnosis would have on their marriage, but his wife, Lisa, and other family members were an outstanding source of support. In January 2021, he elected to undergo a prostatectomy.
The surgeon was able to not cut the nerves that would prevent Don from achieving an erection. Meanwhile, after wearing a catheter for 16 days, he had it removed and was happy to learn he was capable of, in large part, regulating his ability to urinate.
By way of advice, Don says if one is diagnosed with any type of cancer, he or she should know that they are not alone and to speak to those who have been similarly diagnosed.