Oak Brook and Highland Park pals share personal stories during National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Growing up in the same neighborhood on  Chicago’s southeast side, Stanley Eisenstein (now of Highland Park) and Les Chernick (now of Oakbrook) have shared so much over the years.  They have shared a love of baseball, devotion to the Chicago Bears and membership in a University of Illinois fraternity.   Now at age 63, they share something unexpected:  prostate cancer.           

 “We grew up in a neighborhood that was basically a paved-over landfill,” Chernek explains.  “When I think of my old block, there was not one family that wasn’t struck by cancer.  We all suspected there was something going on in the environment where we lived.”             

Five years ago, Chernick, a Chicago endodontist, was diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer.  A routine prostate cancer screening (PSA test) had indicated a level of 5.0, up from 2.9 (normal range is 0-3.5) in a relatively short period of time.  Concerned, his urologist recommended a diagnostic biopsy, which produced several positive samples.              

Several years later, Eisenstein, an attorney, had a similar experience with a rising PSA.  His urologist also performed a biopsy which confirmed cancer.  Remembering that Chernick was pleased with his prostate cancer treatment choice, Eisenstein immediately called his friend for advice.

Initially, Chernick chose prostate removal surgery (prostatectomy) as his course of treatment.  But, after speaking with fellow survivors and visiting with Dr. Brian Moran, radiation oncologist and director of Chicago Prostate Center, he opted for seed implant therapy (brachytherapy).   Dr. Moran explained that brachytherapy has equal cure rates to surgery yet without the dreaded side effects of prostate removal, including incontinence and sexual dysfunction.  Like most men in this situation, Chernick was concerned about maintaining his quality of life. 

“I am an active guy.  I bowl, play golf and softball.  I wasn’t ready to give these things up,” he explains.Eisenstein opted for seed implant therapy as well.  “For me, I didn’t need to spend hours researching,” he explains.  “There is no statistical difference between outcomes for prostate surgery and seed implant therapy.  Plus, seed implant offers the easiest recovery and fewer complications.  My friend Les was doing great.  It was a no brainer.”             

Today, both men are symptom-free, and continue their successful careers and active lifestyles.  You can hear more about their personal stories during one of these upcoming seminars: 

FREE SEMINARS ON PROSTATE CANCER DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Les Chernick and Stanley Eisenstein will share their stories following a presentation “Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Options” sponsored by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Chicago.  Dr. Micheal Stutz and Dr. Dean Conterato of Chicago Prostate Center will be available on the following dates and at these locations:

Thursday, Sept. 16                                               

Highland Park Library 

494 Laurel Ave., Highland Park             

6:30-8:00 pm     

Wednesday, Sept. 29

Chicago Prostate Center

815 Pasquinelli Dr., Westmont

6:00-7:00 pm

These seminars are open to the public and reservations can be made by calling 630-654-2515.   

ABOUT CHICAGO PROSTATE CENTER

Chicago Prostate Center was established in 1997 with the goal of providing patients with comprehensive care focused on the treatment of prostate cancer with brachytherapy. Chicago Prostate Center is the country’s only free-standing facility dedicated to the treatment of prostate cancer.  For more information, visit www.prostateimplant.com or call 630.654.2515.