Hi Carlos,

You wrote:  "PSA has its uses, though several specialists' boards disagree
on its usefulness.

More helpful is the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE), which, while uncomfortable,
is preferred. The DRE gives the doctor information on size, shape,
regularity, and consistency of the prostate,..."

--------<snip>-------------

The reason I mentioned PSA on the Vanagon list was to help encourage fellow
Volks to be aware of Prostate Cancer and it was the PSA test indicated mine.

I did get eight p-mail replies from volks on the list who either already
have it, think they might, or have friends who do.  It's definitely out
there and among us.

In my case the DRE indicated nothing.  No lumps, bumps, irregularities.  But
the prostate biopsy I then had turned up six cancerous cores out of ten
taken.  My Gleason score was 4 + 4 = 8.  (Scale 0 to 10)

Just like Vanagons there are many different thoughts and experiences
concerning Prostate Cancer.  None absolutely right or wrong.  I only wanted
to make folks aware.  PSA, DRE, what-ever.  Just do it and at least
establish a base line.

I probably should have mentioned what finally caused me to go get a PSA in
the first place.  It was the fact that I could not get an erection and had
not been able to since January of this year.  Also I had been having urine
problems, lack of pressure and a frequent urge which had been going on for
three years!  I ignored that because I thought I was just getting old.

Even my treatment, Orchiectomy, is controversial in that most men go for
Hormone Therapy at my age.  I chose Orchiectomy because of financial
constraints and lack of health coverage.  Orchiectomy (nut removal) is a one
shot deal.  I know it won't get rid of my cancer but hopefully it will slow
it down.  A friend of mine is taking the Hormone treatment; one estrogen
shot every three months at a cost of $1,000 each shot!  I could not afford
that and keep tires on my Vanagon.  (Vanagon content!)

Each case is different and....  aren't we all!!

Ron