3 months ago
Mike Robataille is known for speaking his mind about how the Sabres are doing on the ice. But a recent health scare has the former player delivering a very different message.
From his days on the ice in the seventies to his current role in the Sabres broadcast booth, Mike Robitaille is a big part of the community and he loves every minute of it.
This past offseason, Mike was looking forward to traveling with his wife Isabel promoting Roswell Park's new prostate club for men.
Since he was going to tell men the importance of prostate cancer screening Mike decided to make this trip to Roswell and check his P.S.A. levels, a well-known screening method for prostate cancer.
Mike says, "Thank God I did do it, because the number they got was not reflective of where it should be, it was up high enough that red flags started flying around, they were very concerned, and so was I."
The news left the 61 year old concerned and wondering about his future. "You think about people who have done nice things for you, your wife, your kids, grandkids, people you haven't treated properly, my head was just swimming for three months," Robitaille tells 2 On Your Side's Scott Levin.
Doctors were very concerned, several weeks of anti-biotics actually increased his P.S.A. levels. Mike was thinking the worst at a time when his life was just where he wanted it to be. Mike says, "my father died of prostate cancer his dad died of prostate cancer, his four brothers had prostate cancer, my brothers have had prostate cancer, this runs rampant in my family, and all of a sudden it might be happening to me?"
This wasn't the first time Mike had his P.S.A. checked, but it was the first time the numbers were dangerously high and he didn't want his family to know or feel bad for him so their knowledge became a secret between the two of them.
But the "secret" was a psychological nightmare for Mike's wife Isabel. What should have been a joyous offseason for Mike and his family was the exact opposite, until a nurse gave the good news a few weeks ago.
Mike's levels had dropped dramatically, and what looked like cancer, is now totally under control. "It was inflamation brought to a number they can control, not great, not bad, but at least I have my teeth into the situation."
Now Mike has a message he wants all men to hear, if you are over 40, or have a family history of prostate cancer, get a proper exam that includes a digital rectal exam and a simple P.S.A. blood test every year, he says you don't need to be a gritty veteran defenseman to get it done, its simple and painless!
