CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A Chicago alderman has turned a recent trip to the doctor into a reminder for residents of his ward to take care of their own health.
In an update to his constituents, Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th) revealed that he recently felt some pain and thought he might have a hernia after moving boxes at his campaign offices. So, he visited his doctor.
As it turns out, it wasn’t a hernia — it was a tumor. Vasquez said doctors surgically removed the tumor last week. Doctors later confirmed it was cancerous, he wrote: Stage 1 Seminoma, also known as testicular cancer.
Fortunately, scans taken after the alderman’s surgery looked normal and Vasquez wrote that it’s possible he might not need further treatment.
“I am grateful that I was able to catch this to get it addressed, and I want to make sure that others who have any pains or other discomforts get them checked out if you can,” he wrote.
Vasquez said he plans to work with his oncologist to set up a long-term plan and schedule of check-ins “to ensure that things remain healing.”
In a video included in his letter to constituents, Vasquez said he’s feeling blessed to be on this side of the experience.
“I want to thank all of you for your support,” he said. “Spend that extra time with your loved ones. Spend some time with yourself.”
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