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dustymojave
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 18, 2022 7:18 pm    Post subject: PSA Reply with quote

Because if I don't post for a few days, Usually someone post up asking if I've been seen lately or have kicked off or some such... I'm posting this up now.

PSA = Public Service Announcement

or

PSA = Prostate Specific Antigen

When you old farts in your 50s see an item in your lab test results from your Physical exam that says "PSA", its the 2nd one above. Prostate Specific Antigen. The doctor is checking to see if you have prostate cancer. PAY ATTENTION!

I got the cancer back in 2016 and had surgery to remove the Prostate and a bunch of lymph nodes that it had spread to. Then they gave me medicine to keep the cancer in control. Last summer (2021) my PSA started going up again. Doctor said it wasn't very high so he wasn't worried.

In October my right arm was aching at the elbow and shoulder. Talked to my GP and he thought it was tendonitis and should get better in a few weeks. In March, my arm was getting worse. I was trying to weld on a friend's buggy frame and couldn't hold the torch straight or steady. Then the next day UPS brought a new brake caliper for my son's F350 4x4. I picked it up and brought it into the house. Just inside the door, my arm felt like it was being torn out by the roots. Called my doctor again and he set me up with Orthopedics to check out my arm. 1st look at an X-ray and I asked what was that spongy looking area of the bone above my elbow. Turns out it's a tumor about 4" long and 1.250" wide in the bone. They referred me right away to the cancer department, who had no doctor available to see to it, so they referred me out to City of Hope (a very well respected cancer specialty medical group here in California). Their doctor right away prescribed a course of action to get after fixing the cancer. But it's taken until this coming Monday to meet with a radiation specialist about treatment. In between was a hell of a lot of wrangling to get Kaiser (my medical group that insures my wife and I for life as a result of my wife being a nurse for them her entire career until she retired 6 years ago) to approve any actual work to be done. Meanwhile I've done a couple of trips to the hospital for full body scans under sedation to find if the cancer is anywhere else. Turns out it's also in my sternum, pelvis, more lymph nodes and my spine.

I've had a number of other medical issues, mainly caused by medicines or something supposed to help my health through the cancer. Although the scrunched up neck and lower back with spasms may or may not be related to the cancer. But the severe gout flareup was definitely caused by the protein shakes to compensate for the protein lost to the cancer and to the medicines.

I now have a temporary handicap plaque. But can't climb into the mid-travel Ranger pre-runner or the F350 4x4. My Durango is on jacks waiting for a rebuilt trans and my Baja has a bent valve. So I have to borrow a neighbor's car for a friend to drive me to the doctor's on Monday. The friend's Bug just cracked a case and his Chevy truck has been waiting 2 months+ for a trans rebuild.

So I haven't been to a VW event so far this year. No offroad races or fun runs. With the gout, I can't push a clutch pedal anyway. Haven't been out in the Chenowth buggy for a few months either. Last time was with my son driving. Right now, I not only can't operate the clutch, I can't shift gears with my right arm nor steer it and climbing in and out would be pretty ugly.

With my arm jacked up, I can't type or control the mouse. So today, doing relatively well, I'm using my left hand for the mouse and to hunt & peck type for anything I'm posting. I actually went outdoors for the 1st time in a month yesterday evening, then again a couple times today. Probably be the last day in the 70s until October. Last week it was in the low 100s.

The "Public Service Announcement" side of this is to tell you guys that if your doctor says your PSA is up, PAY ATTENTION! Make sure the doctor DOES something about it and don't let him or her say "It's up, but not that high."

I expect there are those on here here who will be rejoicing at such news about me. As they say in Canada..."Hose Off, Eh" ... to others, thanks for your concern.
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Richard
Offroading VW based cars since 1965
Tech Inspection 1963 - 2012 SCCA/SCORE/HDRA/MORE/MDR +
Retired from building Bajas, Fiberglass Buggies and Rails in the Mojave Desert. Also Sprints & Midgets, Dry Lakes, Road Race cars. All types New and Vintage
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Kicked Cancer's A$$...1st and 2nd round...Fight ain't over yet.


Last edited by dustymojave on Mon Jun 27, 2022 8:52 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Brian
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 18, 2022 7:36 pm    Post subject: Re: PSA Reply with quote

Dang Richard, well I hope everything turns for the better for you!
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c54fun
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 18, 2022 8:03 pm    Post subject: Re: PSA Reply with quote

100% agree with keeping track of your psa. Its a cheap blood test. You want your psa under 4. Mine went from 3.8 to 24. I got lucky and it was a prostate infection (prostatitis) making my psa go up. I keep track of it now.

Its very scary to have this happen to you.
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oprn
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PostPosted: Sun Jun 19, 2022 2:57 am    Post subject: Re: PSA Reply with quote

Oh crap! So sorry to hear this! It sounds all too familiar.

Back when Dad was a couple years younger than I am now he went to the doctors with hip and leg pain knowing something was not right. Well they suggested this and that but no real help or relief. After 3 years of struggling he was admitted to emergency with acute kidney failure caused by access protein loss from bone cancer.

It seems our health is a delicate balance of things not fully understood by the medical community. We take our bodies for granted and don't look after them properly for the most part.

Our thoughts are with you and your family! Take care and focus on what's most important! We are rooting for you man!
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joemama
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PostPosted: Sun Jun 19, 2022 8:43 am    Post subject: Re: PSA Reply with quote

Yearly checkups are a must for us that are a little older. Very sorry to hear you are dealing with this, and praying for your health. Got to have you dishing out informed advice on this forum.
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74 Thing
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PostPosted: Sun Jun 19, 2022 12:33 pm    Post subject: Re: PSA Reply with quote

Sorry to hear that but I am glad you are having a good day on Fathers Day.

The PSA number is one to keep an eye on especially if you have a history or prostate cancer in the family.

Sorry you have to deal with Kaiser and their history of trying to cut costs by not conducting necessary tests or treatment rather then helping their members get well.
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jsturtlebuggy
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PostPosted: Sun Jun 19, 2022 1:12 pm    Post subject: Re: PSA Reply with quote

Richard, I feel for you with your health issues. It sure make doing anything more challenging.
I really hope you will still be able for many years to contribute the this site with your vast knowledge of not only off road racing, just off roading, and all kinds of automotive history.
The information you have given has help many, many people with their projects
Cancer sucks! You are in my thoughts.
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YDBD
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PostPosted: Sun Jun 19, 2022 8:25 pm    Post subject: Re: PSA Reply with quote

Thank you for your PSA and all your wisdom you post on VWs. Keep up the fight!
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Dark Earth
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PostPosted: Tue Jun 21, 2022 5:00 pm    Post subject: Re: PSA Reply with quote

Even though you are fighting every day, you still make time to help others with their problems. I appreciate all the help you've given me over the years and I learn a lot from the help you give others. Keep up the good fight Dusty. We're all pulling for you to kick that thing once and for all !!
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71StandardReduction
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PostPosted: Tue Jun 21, 2022 10:51 pm    Post subject: Re: PSA Reply with quote

Sorry to hear of your current situation.
I always like seeing your replies here because we all know that you know exactly what you're talking about with all your experience.
I'll never understand why things like this happen to seemingly good people.
Whether you know it or not, you've helped me alot with offroad vw knowledge however long I've been doing this.

I'm sure as with the rest of us, I'll be patiently awaiting to hear of your progress and/or current conditions only in hopes of seeing good news in your words.
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jinx758
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PostPosted: Sun Jun 26, 2022 1:31 pm    Post subject: Re: PSA Reply with quote

I hope your family & friends (us, too) get to enjoy your presence for a long time to come !

My recent VA appt discovered a PSA of 14 in my lab-worked urine sample. The vampires drew another vial of blood for specific tests.
TMI - my u-sample was cloudy the day of the lab draw but clearer the following week at the appt & review.
My dad (87yrs young) has recurring UTIs for decades but has always been just an infection. I am showing no signs/symptoms : pain, weak flow, incomplete emptying, etc. Should get answers in about 3-4days.
I have had 4 small uretheral polyps removed over the last 10-12yrs, and about 7 lipomas cut out only cuz they were in areas where I kept bumping them on or into objects.

Please don't put off trips to check ups & listen to your body.
It may be telling you something you NEED to hear.

stay safe ... & healthy

jinx
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Busstom
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PostPosted: Tue Jun 28, 2022 11:02 pm    Post subject: Re: PSA Reply with quote

I always enjoy reading your posts, replies, and other explanations and authoritative perspectives rooted in practical experience and sensibility. While I haven't been in the HBB for quite a while, I was disappointed to read this particular post. I too have been through grueling chemo and radiation, so I know what you probably have in store. I'll be thinking about you with best wishes and looking forward to seeing your continued presence in this forum!
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dustymojave
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PostPosted: Thu Jun 30, 2022 2:54 pm    Post subject: Re: PSA Reply with quote

I thank all of you for your kind wishes.

1st step in radiation treatment is next Tuesday. That will be about aiming the ray gun. We'll see how it goes from there.

Damn it's weird typing left handed...Lots more mistakes too... Rolling Eyes
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Richard
Offroading VW based cars since 1965
Tech Inspection 1963 - 2012 SCCA/SCORE/HDRA/MORE/MDR +
Retired from building Bajas, Fiberglass Buggies and Rails in the Mojave Desert. Also Sprints & Midgets, Dry Lakes, Road Race cars. All types New and Vintage
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Kicked Cancer's A$$...1st and 2nd round...Fight ain't over yet.
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dustymojave
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 20, 2022 8:47 am    Post subject: Re: PSA Reply with quote

Started radiation therapy yesterday. At this point, they're just going after the biggest tumor, which is in the bone of the right arm above the elbow. After that, it's wait and see if radiation combined with the newer medicine will bring it under control, or if chemo will be needed.

Haven't driven a car or pickup truck since early April because of the elbow. Can't even shift gears in an automatic. Unless it was a 1960s Mopar push-button auto. They had the push buttons on the left side of the dash. Can't get in my Baja or Chenowth buggy or other offroader even with my son driving due to the risk of bumping the elbow. Just a bump is VERY painful. and with the tumor in the bone, breakage risk is VERY high and odds of healing right are very slim right now. Have to get a ride with the bus company's "Dial-A-Ride" to get to doctor's appointments. Hell of a note, a lifetime car guy who can't drive. They have to come 25 miles to pick me up, then take me 25 miles back, then pick me up again and take me 25 miles back home, then return the 25 miles. 100 mile round trip for them. Downright depressing!
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Richard
Offroading VW based cars since 1965
Tech Inspection 1963 - 2012 SCCA/SCORE/HDRA/MORE/MDR +
Retired from building Bajas, Fiberglass Buggies and Rails in the Mojave Desert. Also Sprints & Midgets, Dry Lakes, Road Race cars. All types New and Vintage
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Kicked Cancer's A$$...1st and 2nd round...Fight ain't over yet.
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joemama
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 20, 2022 10:12 am    Post subject: Re: PSA Reply with quote

Hang in there Richard. Praying for you.
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dustymojave
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 20, 2022 2:07 pm    Post subject: Re: PSA Reply with quote

Thanks. Cool
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Richard
Offroading VW based cars since 1965
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Retired from building Bajas, Fiberglass Buggies and Rails in the Mojave Desert. Also Sprints & Midgets, Dry Lakes, Road Race cars. All types New and Vintage
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Kicked Cancer's A$$...1st and 2nd round...Fight ain't over yet.
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no1clyde
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PostPosted: Thu Jul 21, 2022 5:55 pm    Post subject: Re: PSA Reply with quote

Sorry to see this thread. Sending best wishes to you Richard and hoping for a full recovery.

Ed
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dustymojave
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 23, 2022 5:54 pm    Post subject: Re: PSA Reply with quote

no1clyde wrote:
Sorry to see this thread. Sending best wishes to you Richard and hoping for a full recovery.

Ed


Me too. Thanks Ed.

How's things in Elko?
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Richard
Offroading VW based cars since 1965
Tech Inspection 1963 - 2012 SCCA/SCORE/HDRA/MORE/MDR +
Retired from building Bajas, Fiberglass Buggies and Rails in the Mojave Desert. Also Sprints & Midgets, Dry Lakes, Road Race cars. All types New and Vintage
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Kicked Cancer's A$$...1st and 2nd round...Fight ain't over yet.
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no1clyde
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 23, 2022 7:26 pm    Post subject: Re: PSA Reply with quote

Things are good. We are doing a Central Nevada trip this year in September so I am starting to think about that and starting to get my car ready. It has gotten hot though so not much is getting done right now though LOL. I hope you are feeling good and can enjoy yourself some.

Ed
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mr_bill
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 25, 2022 4:57 pm    Post subject: Re: PSA Reply with quote

RICHARD, sorry for your affliction. I too have prostate cancer, that metastasized into my bones. I had the prostate removed & now take female hormones to drive down the testosterone which the cancer feeds on. Been on this treatment for several years now, ( PSA is .04 ) only side effect is ........HOT FLASHES !!

Hang in there!! Prayers
for you !!

( mine was caused by AGENT ORANGE exposure in Viet Nam )
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