Wayne Hamlin
Wayne Hamlin’s cancer story is a recent one. In September 2008, during a routine check-up, doctors discovered Wayne had prostate cancer. His Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels had been consistently high for about a year, and biopsies further confirmed his diagnosis. Wayne’s next step was to determine how best to treat his cancer. Prostate cancer has many treatment options – radiation, seed implants, hormone treatments, and surgery – but this plethora of choices makes the path of treatment a very personal decision for each individual. After conducting considerable research and consulting with oncologists and urologists both in Georgia and New York City, Wayne chose to undergo a radical prostatectomy in late March 2009.
Wayne’s surgery was a success, and was much easier on him than originally expected. When asked about his cancer journey, Wayne replied, “You always think, this isn’t something that’s going to happen to me. I’ve just dealt with it on a factual basis, so it hasn’t really hit me on an emotional level yet.” He feels blessed that doctors detected it early and could take care of it before it had the opportunity to spread any further. Early tests indicate that the cancer has been eradicated.
Wayne’s family has been by his side the entire time. He credits his wife Jan and his three children, Greg, Vicki, and Chris, as his inspiration and support network. Coworkers and friends who have had family members who battled prostate cancer provided insight and support as well. His mother also gives him hope for his future, as she’s overcome both colon and breast cancer.
Wayne’s garden is filled with yellow and multi-colored lantana and deep red coleus. With it, he honors his family, especially his father, whom he lost to lung cancer. He hopes other men facing prostate cancer will do exactly as he did. “Learn all you can, and don’t rush into a decision or you’ll start second-guessing yourself. Talk to other men who have lived through it, as they can tell you what to expect down the road.” Wayne feels that if his story can open someone’s eyes and help men be more proactive with their own health, something good has already come out of his experience.
