Happy Birthday, Ruthie!

Prostate Cancer

In the last year an email began circulating among the brothers about the incidence of prostate cancer among us. It noted four of us (Larry, Bob, Jim and Tom) had been, or were being treated for this disease.  The other three either didn't report or noted a concern about at least one Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) result.  I had been monitoring mine for about 10 years during annual physicals and for the past 7 years with my urologist.  In February, a prostate biopsy confirmed cancer was present.

Although I had long been comforted knowing prostate cancer was very slow in growing and unlikely to dramatically shorten my life span, I never considered the possibility it might metastasize into a more aggressive form of cancer.  Fortunately, subsequent testing indicated the prostate cancer had not spread.  I have opted for a radiation solution and will begin treatment in July.

Because of the sibling history, I recently provided a blood sample for genetic testing.  The lab looked for anomalies known to indicate a tendency to develop a variety of cancers and fortunately the results found no such mutations.  Even so, I would urge everyone to let their families know of this history and suggest annual PSA testing for the boys beginning at age 40 as part of their physical exams.

P.S.  Love the new look of the "Herald" and the positive mission statement.

Durango to Silverton Locomotive Cab Ride

 Ann bought me a cab ride seat on the Durango/Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a birthday present. Man what a view!