A Different Sort of Journey... UPDATE:

[DDT (12)]

I've been on another journey lately... but this one has been a bit different. Normally, ALI and I would be wandering all around hither and yon drinking in the scenery, thinking all sorts of cool cerebral stuff, re-visiting old hurts, triumphs, and experiences, all in an effort to make sense of my life and the many curious things that have come into my view during that period. It has been rewarding!

Lately, however, I've been detoured down a different path. One I've been fortunate never to have traveled before... until now. Like everyone, I've been close to others who have gone this route, so I'm by no means oblivious to the implications. Being an observer, however, is vastly different than being an actual participant, to say the least!

I've been used to visiting my family doctor for routine check-ups and normal stuff, receiving good reviews, a pat on the head plus a couple of lifestyle change pointers, then sent on my way. One day I had a voicemail from my GP's office following a regular visit... and I was instructed to go see a urologist! Further investigation revealed that my PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) level was slightly elevated.

By sheer coincidence, I had seen a local urologist before, so I simply called and made an appointment. Yep, the level was a bit higher than 'normal' for my age, but no other indication of a problem, and the 'finger-wave' was fine.. We kept an eye on it. Over time, that number gradually rose a little in small increments, and we decided we needed to explore that in more depth.

An MRI and biopsy were performed, and those revealed nothing to cause undo alarm... the finger-wave continued to be fine. Fast forward several months, and another PSA test indicated the PSA level was continuing to rise... slowly and in relatively small numbers... but... finger-wave still OK. Another, more complex 'procedure' was scheduled, followed by a bone scan. Crap! I now have some cancer cells in my prostate!!!

I have an appointment in a couple of days to review the results of the latest round of test results. We'll know better then what that might mean, and then we can determine a course of action. In the meantime, I've had to place all usual activities 'on-hold' and sit around in that danged ol' recliner. Given my druthers, I'd much rather be out wandering around on ALI, of course, but... you take life as it comes, even when it's not necessarily as you want it to be...

DDT

[f6john]

Not great news but wonderful that you have stayed on top of the situation. I would assume that catching it this quickly the prognosis is excellent. Praying for the best for you.

[Bigwolf]

I am glad that you chose to not share photos of this particular journey.   

It is good to see a new post from you.  I would rather read about some great stretch of road you and Ali had just traversed and view the photos of the scenery you encountered along the way.  However, your posts are often written as much about the realities of life as they are about the ride and the scenery.  That is one of the reasons I enjoy your posts so much.  Nothing is more real in life than the ruts and medical potholes many of us face on our journey of life.  And the reality can certainly loom large when the pothole has your name on it!  Made worse, I think, when it is something we don't like to have to think about let alone talk about.

Still, I believe this particular medical pothole is something we should talk about.  If we share knowledge of our successes and failures, then the next man to hit that pothole is better prepared to deal with it.  He might even be a little less shaken and apprehensive.  I know that, when it happened to me, my first thought was to keep silent about it.  I was not going to discuss it with anyone but my doctors.  We're talking about manhood here! Need to know only!  Then I realized the need to share information.

Bruce, good for you posting this!  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jerry

[GiG]

Been thinking of ya, Buddy. Hang in there, and get this beat soon 

[Chrisj CMA]

Bruce, its a hard thing to hear that "C" word, but its not always as horrible as we know horrible can be.  I pray you have a more kind diagnosis and treatment plan.  Some prostate cancers are so slowly progressing that actually NO TREATMENT is the preferred treatment.  Hopefully you will be back on the road soon! 

[John Schmidt]

Bruce, I'm kinda going down that same path at the moment. PSA going up and the "let's watch it phase" has passed according to the doctor, so he ordered an MRI which I had last week. I'm supposed to have a followup this next week but their office scheduling appears messed up. They close at 2:00pm on Fridays so I guess it's now an early call Monday to find out what's what!

Here's hoping your situation has an acceptacle outcome, my dr. told me at my age they won't operate unless it's an emergency. He did tell me usually all they will do is radiation, done with the implanted seeds, however as mentioned....he added most men die with it rather than from it. If it were just enlargement causing flow problems, a fairly new procedure called Rezume takes care of it. Kinda makes me cringe thinking about it though.  

Just think....if I get the seeds implanted maybe I won't have to turn on the light to use the BR at night. "Glow little glow worm......" 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Bruce, I can't say it any better than Jerry has. Brenda and I have you in our hearts. Im looking forward to the stories of you out of the recliner and exploring new and old friendships. Take care my friend.
Rob

[Bighead]

Well Rob is back.
Bruce hang tough buddy. Prostate cancer is something every male will hear if they live long enough. Usually a very slow progression, and very cureable. 

[..]

You were missed at the FCR.

[RDAbull]

That sucks Bruce, but glad you have been keeping close track of the situation.  You need to be in top shape when I take my southern trek on the way to Taos  next spring.  Need to get a few miles in with you. 

And: Welcome back Rob.  Support from friends is always important.

[Valkorado]

Prayers and good vibes going out to you Bruce.  Take good care of yourself and do what the medical pros tell ya to do.  I know you'll whoop this.

[MarkT]

Get this whooped, Bruce.  Keep in mind I'm happy with my version of smoked brisket now, so come next riding season I've got brisket with your name on it!  We'll wash it down with a Markarita!

[Detn8er]

Mr.DDT......Dr. Detn8er is not a real doctor nor has he ever played one on TV. However a long long time ago I did play doctor with several little girls.    Having said that as you know I  have been through the Bladder cancer and Prostate cancer deal so I do know a little about your situation. One of the first things I learned from my urologist is that MOST MEN die with prostate cancer NOT FROM it. Let that sink in a bit. At the age of 51 when mine was found and it being some what aggressive the best course of action for me to see my Grand kids grow up was to have surgery to remove it. And as you may remember I have since been cancer free for nearly 10 years now.... Also along with that I have had many issues that I have to deal with daily. It's not perfect but I am alive and can do everything I could before the surgery. Make sure you have all the conversations with your doctor (evengetasecondopinion) about how fast or slow the growth may or may not be.
Hopefully you will find that the best treatment may be no treatment at all.
Feel free to PM me anytime...... And yes you were missed you at the FCR. As I have told our good friend T Bird when it comes to health I have taken on the motto
of NEVER GIVE UP NEVER SURRENDER.   

[Rams]

Bruce,
Do whatever it takes to whip this thief.    You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Don't let this thief of life win!
You have always been and will always be welcomed where ever I am.  

Rams

[larue]

Hang in there Bruce , you're in my heart and prayers , hope you'll overcome this one soon

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

Best of luck in the journey that nobody wants to take. I've never met you, but your status here is legendary. I know several guys that have had their prostate removed due to the same situation and have been cancer free for years. Do whatever it takes. We have no doubt that you'll overcome this. Hell, we're counting on you to finally find out when a Valkyrie wears out   

Prayers and good vibes to you, sir.

[Pappy!]

You have one heck of an extended family behind you. Keep us in the loop and know that we are all pulling for you.

[Beardo]

I've enjoyed every one of your ride reports but I didn't enjoy reading that one. Wish this was one ride you didn't have to take, but know that you've got a lot of friends here that have you in their thoughts and prayers and you're not taking this ride alone.

[solo1]

Bruce, Two of my Korean War vet buddies have been diagnosed with cancer. one has bladder cancer, the other prostate. Both are close to my age....90.  My brother-in-law had the same 12 years ago. All three are still here.

I've had bladder surgery three times for cancer and I'm still here. Mine is a passive kind, no problem.

I had TURP done. Surgery for enlarged prostate. A big chunk was taken out but no cancer. 

As been said , omst men have prostate cancer but it is slow growing in most cases. My dad was found to have it when he died at 70 but he didn't die from that.

At 90 I refuse to have PSA testing but with the TURP surgery and removal of a big piece of prostate with no cancer, I can pee like a 30 year old.

Prayers that everything will turn out for the best.

wayne

[JimmyG]

Steph and I are thinking of you Bruce.  Get that taken care of, get back on the road. See ya soon my friend

[Hook#3287]

Bruce, you have a knack of making all journeys interesting.

Keep writing and good luck with all trips you take.

[Daniel Meyer]

It's perhaps irrational of me, but this is another instance where I thought, "Damn, if 'they' (it) can get Bruce, 'they' can get anybody."

I hope it works out as best as can be...note I didn't say as it was "meant" to be. "Meant" is for those that are tired of the ride. "Best" is for those that are still piloting.

As in all things, and particularly well taught in riding, never stop flying. Gotta hit a wall? Choose which brick. Go active and pursue solutions, and pick the best one for your situation.

Don't be shy about understanding exactly what they say and are recommending. Take their time and ask questions until you are satisfied you have the answers needed to make decisions, and get second or third opinions if it doesn't sound ideal. In my experience, this is the deciding factor in outcomes.

We never know what exactly is around the next corner, even on a road we've traveled before, but, in general, this is one you can wup.

Pulling for ya!

[robin]

Hang in there Bruce i also have had the same thing and it was detected early only by doing regular tests every year.
I decided to  have mine taken out after weighing all options and im happy to say that my last doc visit he said everything looks good see in a year
weigh all your options and i hope it all works out well for ya.

[Skinhead]

Worst DDT ride report ever.  Hang in there Bruce, you got this.

[Charlie McCready]

Bruce and John, hope you both get this taken care of with good results.

[Wizzard]

Bruce, you will beat this and be on the road soon. Hang in there buddy and thanks for posting as a warning to all of us. I get checked yearly and have since 50. Prayers for you brother.

[trout dude]

Bruce Shelia and myself have been keeping you in our prayers and looking forward to seeing you and Ali soon  We know you can beat this  Good luck and stay in touch my Friend

[DDT (12)]

Thanks, y'all, for all the encouragement and kind words. Like Jerry, I'd thought at first that I'd remain strictly silent on the matter; I even delayed a day or so actually making this post once it had been written. Opening up to my friends here is something that just comes so naturally, though, that I couldn't help myself...

In my mind I was sharing information about real life, and I was neither seeking encouragement nor soliciting advice. However, after reading all of the replies, I must admit that it felt unbelievably good to know my 'family' felt as it apparently does... Thank you! And, thanks especially for telling me so!!!

Today is the day I get the next installment of information from my urologist... and, supposedly, we make some decisions about what might come next. It does give me pause, and I have given it considerable thought... I'm not particularly worried about it, so much as I am wanting to 'get on with it'... let's crack this nut and move ahead.

I neglected to mention ALI in my original post... I gotta say that she has been unbelievable through all of this! Every time I look over at her, resting there under her cover, leaves and twigs gathering in the dips and 'valleys', she sends me the same clear message, "It's OK, partner, do what you have to do. We've got this, and soon enough we'll both be back out there..."

The last three weeks or so have been the second longest period she's ever been idle! Ordinarily, she begins to signal her readiness to roam after a few days, and she becomes downright antsy after a week! No whimpers, whining, complaining or even impatient hints this time! Nope, it's as if she completely understands and accepts this unintended, indefinite delay... what a gal!!!

The journey of life always comes with smooth stretches, amazing discoveries and sights, many insights and enriching experiences. It also presents us with a few speed-bumps, potholes, detours, and rough patches, too... even a cul-de-sac or two, as well. Then, eventually, 'The End'...

Too soon to tell which of these this might be, but I'm not worried at this point, and I'm confident we'll get through it... If it is time for my journey to conclude, I'm ready and OK with that. If I am allowed to continue, however, then that's precisely what I intend to do! My 'bench-warming' days ended long, long ago!!!

I have no illusions about ever finding the 'end of life' for Valkyries, as it is becoming more apparent each day that ALI will easily outlast this mere mortal. Perhaps the person I'm leaving her to in my will can explore this 'theroretical' limit, but... I have a hunch it may take yet another generation or two after that!!! Thanks again for all of your comments...

DDT

[John Schmidt]

The journey of life always comes with smooth patches, amazing discoveries and sights, many insights and enriching experiences. It also presents us with a few speed-bumps, potholes, detours, and rough stretches, too... even a cul-de-sac or two, as well. Then, eventually, 'The End'...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Bruce, I copied and sent just the above portion off to my girls, hope you're OK with that. What you wrote says it better than I ever have when talking to them about such things. 

[Thunderbolt]

Hoping you get good results soon Bruce.

[Ice]

Bruce, My friend, your journey is far from over. As many have said you have stayed on top of the situation and from what you have posted it was caught early. Get it taken care of and get back to living. Dont dwell on what may be, it will all work out, you can and I know will fight this and be back on the road soon.
Take good care of yourself my friend and keep us posted on your progress.
We WILL see you in the wind.

[DarkSideR]

Bruce,

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

One thing I know is you are a legend, and one tough Son-of-a-B!tch. That's a good combination.

[The emperor has no clothes]

"Thanks, y'all, for all the encouragement and kind words. Like Jerry, I'd thought at first that I'd remain strictly silent on the matter; I even delayed a day or so actually making this post once it had been written. Opening up to my friends here is something that just comes so naturally, though, that I couldn't help myself..."


Bruce, one of the things I've always loved about your stories was that they were about life when you get down to the nitty gritty of it. The motorcycle part of them was just icing on the cake. I appreciate you being able to continue sharing your life with us. There have been a few here who have went thru some trying experiences. They and you give me a great light to shoot for should I ever have to face these things.
I sure hope you will be able to share with us your friends any future developments. It is very personal and I'm sure hard, but there is an abundance of your friends out here sending you their love. Carry on and see you in Taos 

[RainMaker]

I can't begin to use words with the eloquence that others and you have posted in regards to this situation.  You have been on top of this situation along with your doctor for years so I am praying that the catch is early enough and the treatment as painless as possible. 

Don't let Ali sit too long without running her to keep the carbs from gumming up for the first time in her life.

My prayers are with you.

Mark aka RainMaker

[old2soon]

          Bruce-ALL of us much Sooner than we Really care too admit MUST face the Very FACT that our shells-we tend to call them bodies-Do Wear out over time. And while I did Not Know I checked yer profile And yer a bit-Not MUCH-but a bit younger then me. Make of that whatever ya will! I too am facing my own mortality. We all Must-again-MUCH sooner then we care too. While I Still ENJOY riding I'm afeared my days of runnin the Long Miles ARE behind me. You duz in FACT have family here-while we ARE dysfunctional at times we Are FAMILY. Ya ever git up in my neck of da forest I'd be happy ta pour a cold one on ya!  RIDE SAFE.

[DDT (12)]

Prostate Update:

I went to the doctor yesterday for the 'big reveal'... didn't happen... Baby steps, I guess, but there was a good reason for that... a method to his madness! Well, my madness, that is, as I'm eager to get-on with getting-on, to find some clarity if indeed not certainty! This is not a game for the impetuous nor the impatient! I am both...

Yesterday, he informed me that some anomalies in my bone scan (I'm now familiar with a 'gamma camera'!) in the area of my upper most rib on the left side. Prostate cancer, he told me, doesn't usually spread like other cancers... it doesn't normally send off tentacles from the tumor to nearby organs. Rather, the cells like to get in the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, and they often hide out in bones...

He went on to say those irregularities could just be the effects of previous trauma... I then told him of my in-elegant dismount a couple of months back while making a U-turn on ALI and bruising those ribs on that side. That seemed to satisfy him...

We did some X-rays following that visit, and I was rescheduled for a return this morning. I went. First words out of his mouth, even before saying good morning, were, "I have good news!" Great relief!

Those X-rays had helped to eliminate the probability of cancer cells having spread elsewhere in my body. It appears the naughty little boogers are all contained within the prostate itself! A treatment course will be finalized soon, and I'll be off to the races... For now, I'm celebrating!

DDT

[Willow]

     Good to hear (read).

[Bigwolf]

Bruce,
That is indeed great news!  I thought that would be the outcome, but was keeping my fingers crossed and talking to my Higher Power about it.

I do know that feeling of “let’s crack this nut and move on”. ......... let’s not waste any time, figure it out, do what looks to be the best course of action and let me get back to living and enjoying my life.  That is what I was thinking while they were slowly working me through one test after another.  Overall it took less than 3 months from first knowledge till it was taken care of...........but I too am impatient that kind of thing over and done.......a memory.

Speaking of impatience, I am looking forward to the next installment of your gypsy life ..... out there.

Jerry

[henry 008]

keep doing what the Doc tells ya, and get better! and get back to riding! 

[The emperor has no clothes]