“Having that early screening means
everything in the world.”
Chabot, whose last surgical procedure
was a tonsillectomy when he was in the
second grade, was a bit apprehensive
about what to expect. Dr. Battino quickly
eased his uncertainties, supplying him
with reading materials and a DVD
demonstrating how the operation is
performed.
“They fully and totally informed me
on everything, including the pros and
cons on every type of treatment you
could conceivably think,” he said. “They
wanted me to go in there fully informed
before I made the decision.”
Ultimately, Chabot decided to have an
operation, which Dr. Battino coordinated
seamlessly with the medical staff at
Aspirus Wausau Hospital. The procedure
was a less invasive, robotic-assisted
surgery that resulted in faster recovery,
less pain and a shorter hospital stay.
A system of caring
Nurses assisted Chabot and his wife
with overnight accommodations and
Find cancer early
By Zuhair Ghanem, MD
Generally speaking, the earlier
cancer can be detected, the higher
the chances it can be cured.
This story about Mr. Chabot’s
journey is an excellent example
of how being proactive with early
detection screening can help you get
in front of a potentially dangerous
health situation. The entire team at
Aspirus is always here to help you—
every step of the way!
GET ANSWERS.
Regular screening doesn’t just find
cancer early—it can put your mind at
ease. Ask your doctor what screenings
are right for you.
Zuhair
Ghanem, MD
Board-Certified
Oncologist and
Hematologist,
Aspirus Upper
Peninsula Hospitals
Circle
of
CARE
SIXTY-NINE-YEAR-OLD
Bill Chabot knew he was at risk for
developing prostate cancer—two of his
brothers are prostate cancer survivors.
To stay ahead of the game and boost
his chances for a positive outcome,
Chabot made sure he scheduled a routine
prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
with his health care provider at Aspirus
Ontonagon Hospital.
A PSA test measures the level of
PSA—a protein produced by the prostate
gland—in the blood. The higher the
PSA level, the more likely the patient
has prostate cancer. In Chabot’s case, his
instincts were right.
“When my PSA test came out a little
high, [FNP] Jennifer Weaver suggested
I see a urologist,” he said. “I told her
that I preferred someone within the
Aspirus system, so she referred me to
Dr. Battino.”
The next step
Chabot was pleased to learn that
Benjamin Battino, MD, an Aspirus
Network urologist based in Wausau,
Wis., met patients at his satellite clinic in
Rhinelander, Wis. It was a significantly
shorter distance for Chabot and his wife,
Bobbi, to travel.
During the initial consultation with
the urologist, Chabot underwent a
second PSA test, followed by a biopsy
procedure two weeks later. Despite the
fact that a small amount of cancer was
detected, Chabot remained optimistic.
“Dr. Battino said it was totally
encapsulated, and he was confident
he could remove it all,” he said.
From early screenings to excellent
outcomes, Aspirus is with you
every step of the way
4
aspire
Spring/Summer 2014
Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital
