Page 12 - January 2020 FOP Magazine

Field Representative’s Report
A 2020 resolution
New Year’s resolutions. We all make them, we all break them. This year, I am asking all of you to make and keep at least one, but we’ll get to that later.
This past year might have been the most up and down year that I have experienced in my life- time. Professionally, 2019 was a great year, as I was able to help prepare and represent more than 100 officers at arbitration hearings. The work was hard, as many weeks I had to read 2,000-plus pag- es of CR files to ensure that both the officers and I
were prepared for their hearings. The results were more than worth the effort, as we were successful many more times than not. The suspension days saved, which equate to dol- lars saved for the officers, put many smiles on my face — es- pecially when I was able to relay the good news to the offi- cers who sometimes could not believe it. In most cases, even those who didn’t fare as well realized that we put on the best case that we could given the unique circumstances of their particular case.
Personally, 2019 was not a very good year. Early in the year, I went in for what I thought were some routine medi- cal tests. After all, I felt great — healthy as a horse, no symp- toms of anything. One of the blood tests performed was a prostate-specific antigen test (PSA). The test results showed that my PSA levels were elevated and suggested that I consult with a urologist.
Still, no big deal yet. Just more testing. The urologist ad- vised me that I had an enlarged prostate, but that it was not all that uncommon for a man of my age. It might not be any- thing, but he suggested that he perform a biopsy to be sure. Still, no big deal. Just another test. I was certain that every- thing would be alright. My friends and family were certain, too.
The biopsy was done, the tissue was analyzed and the phone rang in my office. I cannot tell you how devastated I was when the word “cancer” came through the earpiece of my office phone. A million thoughts went through my head. Was it confined, or had it spread? Was it in my pinky toe? My bones? My brain? Was this a death sentence? How much time would I have left? What about my family? What would hap- pen to them?
The next couple of weeks were complete hell, with highs and lows that were indescribable, until there was a plan in place. Surgery. Two separate surgeries were performed with the assumption that I would be cancer-free. Just recently, I was advised that this is not the case, as my PSA levels did not zero out. There is still a microscopic amount of cancer
RICH AGUILAR
12 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JANUARY 2020
in my body as I sit writing this article, but the still good. I will begin 38 radiation treatments in which will likely result in me being cancer-free.
Now, back to my opening paragraph. I said I
ask you to make a resolution and keep it. I am
you, whether you are male or female, young or
the resolution to get your preventative medical
this year. Don’t put it off until 2021. You are all
these tests cost little out of pocket, if anything at all. I am not saying that any test can necessarily prevent a disease, but early diagnosis can make all the difference in the world when it comes to treatment. So, get that blood test. Get that colonoscopy. Get the PAP smear. Get that mammogram. Get that funny-looking dark spot checked. Resolve to get it done — if not for yourself, do it for your loved ones. I’d bet they would like to have you around long after 2020 is just a faded memory.
Happy new year to all of you! May it be a great year for all of us!
prognosis is mid-January
was going to asking all of old, to make testing done insured, and