In honor of James Hardin
In February of 2008, James Hardin of Fayetteville had an infection, so his urologist prescribed a course of antibiotics. When the infection didn’t clear up, he measured Hardin’s prostate specific antigen (PSA) level and found that it was elevated. The next step was a biopsy. Hardin then learned he had prostate cancer, and his urologist referred him to Dr. Eric Wallen at UNC Lineberger.
His surgery was scheduled for July, but an increased heart rate delayed the procedure. After seeing a cardiologist, Hardin learned that the increased rate was caused by caffeine, so he cut back on his coffee, and his heart rate returned to normal. A new surgery date in September was set. A subsequent PSA revealed a more normal PSA, so the surgery was again delayed.
A second biopsy in December showed that the cancer was still present, but was not growing, so the surgery was rescheduled for March 2009. He underwent a laparoscopic prostatectomy, left the hospital a day later, and stayed home from work for 10 days.
Hardin, a Lumbee Indian, works as an administrator for a non-profit agency in Robeson county that assists Lumbee Indian families with a variety of services and programs.
He described his UNC experience as “positive. I was very pleased with the care I had at UNC from intake to post-surgery. Everyone has been terrific.”
Hardin said that “my urologist highly recommended Dr. Wallen, noting Wallen’s numerous laparoscopic prostatectomies and skill with the procedure.”
Hardin walks two miles each day and does other types of exercise to keep in shape. He is completing work on a master’s in public administration from UNC-Pembroke, after losing 9 coursework hours due to his illness. “You’re never too old to keep learning,” remarked the 58-year old.
He advises newly diagnosed patients to “learn as much as you can, talk with medical professionals and research treatment options.” He said that his cancer experience has caused him to “appreciate everything on a daily basis.” He cited the support of his family, his church and his friends as vital to his recovery.
Hardin’s son and daughter also live in Fayetteville. His daughter is a recent UNC-Wilmington graduate, and is employed with Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and his son is an assistant manager with Food Lion and a practicing preacher in their Pentecostal Holiness Church.