Yiipiiiii-- I've got cancer!

[charlesbahn]

Cancer? I know you're thinking, "has this long time pelican finally dived to deep?" Let me back up a little.

About a month ago, I developed side pain and blood in my urine. Started just like the kidney stone I had 20 yrs ago. But this time the pain didn't progress to extreme and I saw my internist who had me see a urologist- I had a stone protocol CT, chest x-ray with rib views, and then an IVP CT scan. None showed a stone, also fortunately, none showed kidney cancer, another possibility.

The pain gradually improved and went away, but my urologist was still concerned about the blood in the urine, so recommended a view into the bladder through the penis (OUCH! -cystoscopy)) under anesthesia.

I'm a wimp, but agreed. When I woke-up, it was bad news. There were some small stones in the bladder that probably caused the pain. There was also a tumor on the inside surface of the bladder. My urologist said that he destroyed the tumor by burning it after taking a biopsy- he also did a "deep" biopsy to see if the tumor had invaded the bladder wall (bad).

That was Monday. It's been a really tough week. I had a catheter until Wednesday that hurt like hell. I also did some reading- if the deep biopsy was positive I'd have to make some major life style decisions- major surgery (remove the bladder, prostate) wear a bag to pee in, no sex-- or opt for minimal care and have a good 5 years or so and die. I was prepared to except the latter.

So I just got off the phone with the urologist. Yes, I have cancer. But the deep biopsy was negative. So I have cancer- but its almost the best you can have and the prognosis is good.

I do have to have another cystoscopy (tube up the penis- OUCH! I hope they have one long enough!) in about 3 months and then regularly for life (they say it gets easier).

So I dodged the big one for now. This combined with the fact that my wife, the love of my life, had a melanoma (bad-bad skin cancer) on her butt which was 0.8 mm deep (not the dreaded 1.0 mm deep that requires deep lymph node dissection and probable chemo and very poor prognosis.........

So the glass is half full my friends.................. I think we're going to buy that F car we've been eyeing.........

[masraum]

Glad to hear that things are about as good as they can be under the circumstances. Hopefully you have many more happy healthy years with the little woman!

Cheers to Chuck. I'll go have a Guinness and toast to your health.

[JavaBrewer]

Just opened a Modelo Especial. Here's to your health Charles!

[Aerkuld]

My father went through this same thing a couple of years ago with excellent results and he's been perfectly healthy ever since.

You've probably heard me say before how something good always comes out of a bad situation?

The day he got the diagnosis, he stopped smoking. He only smoked a pipe and cigars and always said that he could quit whenever he wanted, and he did just like that. It really wasn't clear whether the cancer was related to the smoking but he just said it couldn't hurt to give it a miss.


Glad to hear you're OK with it all and I hope it works out as well for you.

[pwd72s]

Charles...wishing you the best.

[lowyder993s]

crackin a negra modelo in your honor...keep your collective chins up!!! You'll be fine. My wife just went thru breast cancer, sgl mastectomy...we're doing the 3 day breast cancer walk together in Nov. Could have been much worse...sieze the day...GET the F car...hope it's not a Fiesta

[stomachmonkey]

Congrats.

Best.

[artplumber]

Originally Posted by charlesbahn

So the glass is half full my friends.................. I think we're going to buy that F car we've been eyeing.........

Charles, now is the time that you can give back to the pelican community, feel like you've "left a legacy" by giving that F car to the members of the Board.

Glad you have the "half full" mentality. Do have some fun, and careful where you put that thing (especially on the days after chemo).

[Hard-Deck]

I'm drinking some vino and Simpler Times Pilsner in your regards.

Stay strong.

[Hugh R]

I love Simpler Times Pilsner, Dude I wish you the best of luck. Hang in there I'm sure you'll both weather it out.

[LakeCleElum]

Charles - Sorry to hear all of this. How old are you? I've know some this has happened to......If I got that kinda news, I think I'd go blow all my money on fast Porsches, titty bars and loose women.......Let us know how it goes!!!!!

[KaptKaos]

Be strong.

[livi]

Charles,

A worrying post, still generally a good long term prognosis. Despite the core message, your post give me a warm feeling. I completely understand the fear, but you seem to handle it very well. You are a mature, philosophical individual with my utmost respect. Sending you every bit of good wishes the Internet can muster.

[charlesbahn]

Thank you all! This is a great place- for support, friendship, and maybe even learning something about cars. I wish we could all sit around the table and do it right. I'm 58, almost 59. I'm afraid the legacy F car is not in the picture (see below). But if I die sooner than 5 years, I will make my P car available on an annual rotating basis to the Pelicans who will drive and maintain it- the lucky recipients to be decided by Wayne.

So the little lady and I went shopping today. (I'm a man of my word) Just so happens there is an exotic car dealership nearby- same place I got the Porsche- highly recommended they are honest car enthusiasts, like most of us-

http://www.flemingsultimategarage.com/

So as I mentioned above I was interested in the F car- a 1998 550 Maranello-



another contender was the 2003 Aston Martin-




But this is a car for the wife. She didn't like either. I got to review the service records for both cars. The cost of ownership (maintenance not purchase) averages $1/mile for both the Ferrari and the Aston Martin (10K/yr for 10K miles). I was O.K with this, but.......

this is what the little lady saw and wanted:



A 1988 560Sl with 6K miles and in immaculate condition. The good thing is I know this car pretty well, having maintained a 1972 4.5 SEL for many years.

So it's a done deal. Didn't get the F car. But it wasn't my call. I have the 1985 turbocharged slant nose 911 to keep me happy ., and a happy wife to keep me warm at night I think it's a win - win.

[elwood-914]

Good for you and your wife.

Here's to happy and healthy times.

[azasadny]

Charles,
You're in my prayers!

[JeremyD]

Good for you Charles - make the most of it.

[syncroid]

Charles, I admire your attitude and positivity about your situation. Hang in there.

[Wickd89]

Charles,
Tough news but I am sure you will do everything you can to come out on top.

Like the 550 (always have -hate to say I like it when it comes with matching luggage). Lately I cannot take my eyes off a Aston DBS or Vantage. Any of those (that do not look like a jag) are ok with me..

Live Large, here you go:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/One-Owner-Trade-In_W0QQitemZ300309639702QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars _Trucks?hash=item300309639702&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A-2|39%3A1|240%3A1318