[Private_collector]

To all my dear Friends and Comrades who have been such an important and enlightening part of my long-winded restoration/s.

Gentlemen,

A recent blood test gave cause for suspicion that I may have had a life limiting condition. On Monday, a specialised (and hugely expensive) MRI confirmed what was feared. I have Prostate Cancer. There are multiple cancer sites, and on the grading from 1 to 5, mine are a 4 for two of them, and another is only a 2. My dear Wife and I are suitably devestated. In my age group, prostate cancer is more aggressive. My Father had prostate cancer, so the risks of me getting it was double the normal male population.

I am seeing the specialist again on Thursday next week, and expect his recommendation will be for a Radical Prostatectomy. That is most common treatment for patients of my age, due to risk of rapid growth over a relatively short timeframe. Also, if entire prostate is not removed, the cancer can resurface in another location. So far as I know, the cancers are contained within the prostate itself, but this will need confirmation from the surgeon on Thursday.

I've always known a little about prostate cancer, but this past couple of weeks I must have read 50 individual articles, reports, studies, and research papers. In some ways, I wish I hadn't. The side effects and long-term health problems which commonly follow radical prostatectomy are horrifying to me. Incontinence is only one problem which can be permanent, and there are other issues which change ones spousal relationship forever. Those aside (as if they weren't frightening me!) radical prostatectomy is the best option for ensuring the cancer doesn't take my life within a couple of years, so I have reluctantly resigned myself to my fate!

With the above in mind, Mrs B and I are taking day trips every weekend and trying to cram as much happiness and memories into every minute we have. Until all the treatment has unfolded, and I am greatly recovered, I will not be progressing with any restoration work at all. It's just not a priority when something like this comes along.

I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to all my MLU friends, and I wish you all the very best in your own lives. You have taught, assisted with parts and info, and mentored me in so many ways. I can't overstate my gratitude. It's been a long voyage of discovery which may yet be completed. I won't post anything new about my health, now. I don't wish to drag this on, beyond this one posting. No point in being a continual wet blanket. That probably was poorly chosen wording, actually.

My hat's off to you all.

I'll be around, watching all the progress of you other folks!

Tony