CCSN President Remington treated for prostate cancer

Jennifer Knight

Thursday, Sept. 26, 2002 | 8:25 a.m.

Community College of Southern Nevada President Ron Remington said Wednesday that he is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer -- the same disease Gov. Kenny Guinn had surgery for this week.

Remington, 61, was diagnosed two months ago with a non-aggressive form of prostate cancer that is in the early stages of development.

"(The cancer) was described to me as microscopic," Remington said. "I think the prognosis is good."

After going over the range of treatment options, which included surgery, radiation or waiting, Remington chose to undergo radiation treatment.

Last week Remington underwent treatment called seed implants, in which tiny radioactive pellets the size of rice granules are placed inside the prostate.

Remington was treated at the Seattle Prostate Institute, one of the pioneers in the radioactive seed procedure, also known as brachytherapy. In the 10 years the institute has been performing the procedure, the survival rate has been about 87 percent for low-risk patients such as Remington.

"This procedure is not for everyone," said Sheila Kaufman, a nurse at the institute who assisted with the procedure. "This is usually for patients whose cancer is confined to the prostate. If it has metastasized, this procedure would not be of any value to them."

The disease strikes 189,000 men a year, according to the American Cancer Society.

Guinn announced in July that he had prostate cancer but chose a different treatment option. Guinn is recovering from prostate removal surgery this week.

Remington said he will continue going to the doctor for follow-up treatment. The pellets do not get removed, however; the radioactivity just dissipates over time. His disease was first diagnosed during a blood screening this past summer.

Remington's diagnosis came as a surprise to friends who say he runs and hikes and is in peak physical condition.

"It scared the hell out of me because we're roughly the same age," said longtime friend Stan Aiazzi, who took over as interim president of Great Basin College in Elko after Remington came to CCSN. "It's shocking. Because of it, I have taken a (cancer screening) test myself."

Remington said that despite the uncomfortable side effects from the treatment, he is in good spirits and expects to recover fully.

"I am truly an optimist," Remington said. "I'm back at work and I will continue on. I truly think there are good things ahead for me and the college."