Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[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

[lynx42]

Tony, Tony, Tony! I am so sorry to hear of your problems. I have and I hope we will continue to enjoy your restorations and builds. I wish both you and Mrs.B a successful outcome and a happy future.

Kind regards Rick.

PS. I had a PSA test last week and haven't heard from the GP so I hope that I am not like you and all is OK.

[hrpearce]

Sending a PM.

[rob love]

Originally Posted by Private_collector

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.

Tony
I have never met you in person, and the likelihood is that whatever happens on this new undertaking of yours, I will likely never physically shake your hand. But in this virtual world, you have many many friends that care, and would not look onto knowing your progress on this new 'project' of yours as being a wet blanket.

You have already shown the same level of determination and thoroughness as you have displayed in the past by reading up whatever information you can glean. You are going to have the knowledge to make informed decisions, and know that whatever the outcome, you are not alone.

There are more than a few survivors on this forum who beat the odds of whichever 'project' they unwillingly took on. Here is hoping you join that group, but whatever happens, know we are all behind you.

[Little Jo]

Hi Tony

I am so sorry to hear your bad news. I agree that it is something always in the back of ours minds. that is why I have annual check ups, so many men bury there heads in the sand regarding this illness. I wish you our very best wishes for a speedy recovery. I am sure you have made your decision to have surgery after a lot of deliberation. Your positive attitude will see you beat this and continue to contribute towards our hobby. Though we have not met personally our contacts via our emails have started a good friendship. Stay strong and positive and I am positive your family will help see you through this challenge, remember you have a lot of friend out there in MLU land.

Your mate

Tony

[Tim Lovelock]

Hi Tony,

Extremely saddened to hear of your frightening news.
I will say I have enjoyed following your posts, your willingness to
help me has also been very much appreciated.
I know of a number of fellows who have been in your predicament,
who have enjoyed very positive outcomes.
My thoughts are with you, your wife and son at this worrying time.

Cheers Tim

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Dear Tony,

I am very, very sorry to hear that! I wish you the best of luck in battling your disease. Have faith in yourself and the doctors, and I am sure you are the type of man to get the best possible results out of the treatment.

[Howard]

Tony,
We are shocked and saddened to hear your news.
With faith and help from some very clever people, I'm sure you'll be back to posting you long-winded (read: detailed) posts again soon.
Wishing you all of the strength that I know you will gather my friend.
From all of the MLU community and especially those in Ganmain.

[Private_collector]

My Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for all your words of support and compassion.

While this is REALLY scary for both of us, as many of you have reminded me, surgery and 21st century treatments will mean very highest chance for adequate recovery. Side effects will occur. They may even be permanent, some of them. However, I'd rather be changed in some way.....than dead, so lets see how lucky I am. I have a lot of good feedback regarding my surgeons ability. His preference in Prostatectomy surgery is the RALP method, which is believe it or not, Robotic Surgery where the surgeon sits remote from the operating table and twiddles away at little buttons and joysticks, while looking through a 3x magnification screen that he rests his head against. See http://www.roboticoncology.com/robot...state-surgery/ for more details. Absolutely facsinating stuff. Real science fiction material. Quite a story to tell people about afterwards! I regret I will not get to witness this surgery being done, but being the guest of honor, it's best I have a little sleep during all that. Wonder of he could put it on a DVD for me. Bet not. Such a litigious society and all that. Might think I use it against him if anything went wrong.

Anyhoo, thanks again to all you wonderful people.
Some of you are sicker than I am, by far, but it didn't stop you giving your support to me!