Politics & Government

Town Clerk Recovers from Cancer, Thanks Deputy for Extra Help

Fred Overton's prostate cancer is in remission and he's back on the job.

Fred Overton has battled prostate cancer for nearly eight months, and on Thursday he took a moment to publicly thank one person who stepped up while he focused on fighting the disease: Deputy Town Clerk Carole Brennan.

"She also covered my butt," he told the town board at a meeting on Thursday, where he appeared to make .

Overton and Brennan have worked in the same office for 12 years, ever since Overton was elected, though Brennan has worked for the town for 23 years.

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Overton described Brennan as a "hands-on grandma," who took time away from her family to keep up with the extra work load during his absence. "Not only did she sacrifice for me, her family did, as well," he said.

On Tuesday, Overton said that he had to take some time off during his treatment, which included chemotherapy and surgery.

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Last July, an annual exam with physician assistant Ken Dodge led to the discovery of an abnormality. Despite his Prostate-Specific Antigen levels, being under the marker which is used to help detect prostate cancer, he was referred to urologist in Southampon who recommended a biopsy. The biopsy revealed he had an aggressive form of the cancer.

Overton said he had never had a symptom.

"What I tell anybody that will listen is: Don't depend on the PSA," he said.

Overton's doctor, Dr. Rahuldev Bhalla at Stony Brook University Medical Center, recommended a non-traditional course of treatment due to the aggressiveness of the cancer; chemotherapy first, then surgery. At the end of September, Overton began rounds of chemotherapy every three weeks over a 12-week period.

While he still managed to work, the chemotherapy left him feeling tired and weak and he lost his hair, though he said he knew the side-effects could have been far worse. Still, he had to be careful as his immune system was compromised. He stayed away from if he knew someone had a cold, and out of public meetings when there was a big audience, he said.

Instead, "Carole jumped in for me," he said.

The tumor had shrunk, but his prostate was still removed in early March. Then came the toughest part, Overton said; he was housebound for 21 days following the surgery. "I just can't sit still," he said.

There was good news, though; the cancer had not spread to his lymph nodes. Overton said his oncologist said he is in remission.

He will remain on a hormone therapy of pills and shots and will begin physical therapy soon. In the meantime, he is looking forward to an Alaska vacation he and his wife have planned in early June.

"I feel very lucky," he said of his prognosis. He also said he feels lucky to have had the support of Brennan and his co-workers in town government, as well as friends from the , Lion's Club, and the , where he is the post commander.

"It makes you realize how important being a member of the East Hampton community really is."


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