So far, this old chassis's still in pretty good shape. Aside from a couple of relatively minor repairs, a few dings and dents and a little surface rust, I think there's a chance of getting this thing up to 85 if I can avoid the potholes in Maine and keep up the regular maintenance. Since I was made on the same assembly line as my mother, who's clocked 96 and is still in the race, I might just see 90 before the checkered flag is waved.
Optimistic? Sure, why not. Realistic? Well, that's a good question. It seems that someone put something in my gas tank when I wasn't looking, or there were sub-par materials used in the build. There won't be a definitive answer in my lifetime, but the powers that be have already stepped up and taken responsibility. I'm sure most of you have heard of the herbicide Agent Orange. It was used extensively in Vietnam by America to clear trees and plants, to reduce the ability of the opposing forces to hide. I can't vouch for the effectiveness of this plan, but it's the unintended side effects of the use of this chemical that are plaguing us now. It has been determined that there are currently fourteen presumptive illnesses attributed to exposure to Agent Orange. With the passing of the BLUE WATER NAVY VIETNAM VETERANS ACT OF 2019, those of us who were 12 miles or less from the coast of Vietnam during the conflict are now, finally, able to seek compensation from the VA should we be diagnosed with one of those 14 illnesses.
At the beginning of March 2019, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, one of those 14. Since then, I have consulted with two radiation oncologists, as well as my urologist, and a nephew who is a research oncologist in San Diego. The consensus is that I have a very low-grade cancer and that for the moment, I can adopt a program of active surveillance. In 10 days, I plan to have an MRI to make sure there is nothing hiding in areas that a standard biopsy can't reach. I won't bore you with all the details; you're welcome to contact me individually with questions.
Very early on January 1, 2020, I was killing time on Facebook on my desktop computer when I saw a recommendation to join the Prostate Cancer Support Group (you know how FB is). I requested membership, and I was almost immediately accepted. I posted my case story, and within minutes I had people responding with suggestions for courses of action, things to read, and general well-wishes. If you know someone with PC who is already on FB, let them know about this group. It's a great resource and a safe place to air your feelings about what you're going through.
At 21, I was scared sh*tless about my prospects of having to go to Vietnam. I nearly didn't go, and maybe I'll tell you about it someday. When I was on the gunline, staring at the steaming barrel of the 5-inch gun mount with an explosive round and powder inside, waiting for it to cook off and blow up in my face, I figured I used up at least three, four, a half-dozen cat's lives or good luck charms when I walked away with nothing more than saltwater-soaked dungarees and boots. At this moment, cruising along at 70, I'm ready for whatever is waiting around the bend.
Happy New Year to all in 2020.
© 2020 John Robin Swanson
