Prostate cancer survivor says early detection saved his life, encourages men to get tested

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Charlie Jacobs was hesitant to get tested for prostate cancer because of his family history and worried about a cancer diagnosis. When Charlie Jacobs went for a routine physical, he knew in the back of his mind they could diagnose him with prostate cancer.

“I was not willing to face a family history and the possibility that I might have prostate cancer head on. I'd like to tell you that I was taking care of myself and paying close attention to that, but I didn't because I was afraid. I was lucky my doctor encouraged me to get the care I needed,” he said.

Charlie was referred to the MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center and after a series of tests, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“When I was diagnosed with cancer, it was a hard time for me and my family because I found out I had heart failure at the same time. My dad was also diagnosed with prostate cancer so it there was a lot going on at the same time,” Charlie said. “My older brother also had prostate cancer and my younger brother was getting tested early.”

Charlie’s treatment at the MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center included weekly treatment sessions for forty rounds of treatment.

“Having cancer can be an overwhelming feeling. The people around you, the people who treat you, your family, they must understand where you are because it’s a big blow. Support is what's important because getting treatment changes you and it changes what your day looks like,” he said.

After his cancer diagnosis, Charlie became depressed but found support in his wife, Joy Jacobs and the care team at MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center.

“For me, the treatment was a quick process. What felt longer than the treatment was the emotional, psychological toll it had on me. I went through a depression and instead of taking care of myself, I became discouraged, and I was not doing what the doctors and nurses were asking me to do to care for myself at home. I was worn out and I just gave up.

“Dr. Marks, Dr. Moore and Dr. Roewe at Medical Associates all the team, gave me the assurance that by keeping to the care plan, I’m improving my odds a great deal, but I had to commit to it and when I became tired or unmotivated, they were always there to encourage me and put my mind at ease,” he said.

Charlie completed his treatment March 1, 2023.

Charlie credits the MercyOne team with supporting him through treatment. “The cancer care team at MercyOne was fantastic. I couldn't have asked for anything better. When I went in, I was scared to death, but in every visit, I felt supported. They walked me through my journey, they encouraged me to ask questions and they gave me the information I needed to go through my journey. I got through this treatment because they took great care of me,” he said.

Charlie celebrated his 73rd birthday in August. He is now cancer free.