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,..."

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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