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Sharing Music and More
After his own prostate cancer journey, music store owner Mike Kallis encourages men to talk openly and get screened.
For more than three decades, Mike Kallis has shared the gift of music at his store, Sound Source Music Center in Mattoon, educating community members about instruments and related items. Now he is educating them about prostate cancer, including talking about how the Sarah Bush Lincoln Urology staff supported him through his cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Mike stresses the asymptomatic nature of his case. In October 2024, SBL Family Medicine Physician Lucas Catt, MD, recommend Mike have a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) to screen for prostate cancer. “My result came back at nine, so I was referred to urology.” For older men, a healthy PSA blood level should be at or below 4.0 ng/mL.
SBL Urologist David DiDomenico, MD, DO, ordered an MRI due to Mike’s elevated PSA. Because a category five lesion was discovered, Dr. DiDomenico performed a biopsy last January and diagnosed Mike with prostate cancer.
“Throughout the entire process, Dr. DiDomenico was fantastic. His bedside manner is terrific, and he laid out everything for me so that I did not have any questions,” Mike said.
Dr. DiDomenico referred Mike to Indiana University Health Urologist Michael Koch, MD, for prostate removal surgery last June. Since then, all signs are positive.
“I told God that if he helps me get through my treatment, I would tell my story to help others,” Mike said. “When you think about cancer, there is not much to be positive about. I am blessed to be here, and I want to spread some positivity.”
Mike is making good on his promise to God by spreading awareness to everyone he can and encouraging people to get screened for prostate cancer. “I talk to people at the store about my prostate issues to try to help whoever I can,” he said. “A customer might say they are having a problem, and I take them to my office and chat with them.”
Mike is thankful for Dr. DiDomenico’s support. “I am forever grateful to Dr. DiDomenico for everything he did for me,” he said. “Because of SBL, my transition to Indiana University went smoothly.”
For more information about SBL Urology Clinic, call 217-258-4186.