Victor Bruha knows the power of proactive healthcare, as a seemingly standard blood test led to a prostate cancer diagnosis.
“I had a regular annual visit,” explains Victor. “I really didn’t feel like anything was off.”
A blood test recommended by family physician Dr. Todd Haderlie found that Victor’s prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were elevated. After a biopsy with urologist Dr. Blake Johnson, the results were clear: Prostate cancer.
Victor reflects on that day and how his innate optimism empowered him to fight: “I’ve always stayed kind of positive. I was ready to go forward and get it treated.”
There were other factors that also gave Victor confidence. “I had trust in Dr. Haderlie and Dr. Johnson. And I felt pretty good, knowing it was caught early.”
Still, Victor knew the challenges of the road ahead. “Being told you have cancer, thinking about your relationships, your job. How do you keep going?”
Victor sought the support of mental health therapist Kristle Westover. “I saw Kristle on a weekly basis for a couple of months, just to talk out these different issues. That worked really well.”
In November of 2024 Victor underwent a prostatectomy, performed by Dr. Johnson at our Afton hospital. “The staff was great,” says Victor. “I felt well-informed, I was comfortable, and my recovery went well.”
Victor is back to his life and work, and his follow-up appointments have been very encouraging. “I’m appreciative of every day,” says Victor. “And I’m grateful knowing that we have the resources here in the valley to help us in our quest for a long, healthy life.”
With that in mind, Victor urges men to be diligent with their prostate health. “Get yourself checked. These are the things that can make or break your health. You’re going to be a lot more thankful you did than if you wait.”
