It has been pointed out to me by one reader that I erred in one of the recent chapters of "Andy," namely the one that dealt with Charlie's castration.

The reader pointed out, and quite correctly I might add, that a man/boy with testicular cancer would NOT be castrated as I described, not would he have the benefit of a needle biopsy!

Testicular cancer is considered one of the more aggressive types, so before any surgery is done, the doctor does everything he can to determine if the cancer is indeed present. Biopsies would compromise the integrity of the membranes surrounding the testicles and provide a path for the cancer to spread. So would extracting the diseased organs through the scrotum. The doctor would therefore make a small incision in the lower abdomen and pull the testicles by their cords up and out that incision.

I knew of this procedure, but I chose to describe a procedure that I knew, because that's the way it was done to me. I apologize to all for not making clear before now that I purposely made this error. I should have known better, considering the people who frequent this archive.

On a more positive note, I want to tell one and all how very much I appreciate all the comments I have received. There have been outright praise, positive criticism, support! There have even been some who do not care for the story, and that's ok too, because even those messages have been given in a positive tone.

I love it here!

Charlieje,

You are correct, but not for the reason that you state about needle biopsies spreading disease. Physicians have a criteria that they use when dealing with cancer or testicular disease. Those who exhibit the specific symptoms are either cancerous or posses a disease process of a nature that they will cause chronic problems if not removed. I will not speculate on details.

I suspect that you met the criteria, since we all know how reluctant Physicians are to remove testicles. Also, testicles are redundant organs. (There are two of them.) Usually, it is not a big deal to remove one if it is diseased from whatever. Since you also had the other one removed later, I suspect that the unilateral orchiectomy did not cure your ailment. Disease just moved to the other testicle.

Well, I hope that this helps.

A-1

Bboy, I want my smokes back.

I cannot be "COOL" without my smokes!

Your wish is my command ....

(waves magic wand)

*poof*

OH bBOY!~!!

I'm KOOL NOW!

A-1

Now, could you possibly give Antonia her tongue back and allow her to "kiss" us once more? <smooch> , <tongue>

Ummmm....Hmmmm?

What a Guy!

Hey! Watch that wand there, you know that I don't play with 'em unless I own them!

Maybe you should consider that story, bBoy. I mean what kind of wizard might you be if something happened to your wand?

There are probably only two places where Charlie could have posted "Andy" and received technical corrections on the proper form of castration for a testicular cancer patient. The other would be a board populated by medical professionals. I've said it before, and I'll probably say it many more times: fiction is fiction! The science and technology used need not be accurate, they just need to be plausible enough as to not interfere with the story.

In this case the traditional through-the-scrotum form of castration that Charlie used was certainly better for the storyline than the technically accurate form. Having the family standing around watching is nearly as great a violation of proper procedure, but also important for the story. We all need to just relax and enjoy one of the best stories ever in the Archive.

The same thing happened to Erik in Brandon's Life. I agree with Jesus (as usual) - fiction is fiction and for fun. Oh well. Nobody's perfect.:p

Charlie,

Love your stories!;) Keep up the great work!

FP, thanks for the comment. I'm glad you're enjoying it... I was beginning to think it was getting too long.

I particularly noticed your id, i.e. fpbigred. Three years ago I realized one of my life's dreams and bought a red Chevy Suburban, customized with a killer stereo, white leather seats, mahagony dash, etc,etc. It is our "highway cruiser," big enough for my wife and me, all the grandkids and several more. I absolutely LOVE that truck! It was my consolation prize for finally selling my motorcycle after having ridden for over 45 years. Natually it has a little sign on the front identifying its name: BIG RED!

Just thought I'd share....

Well Charlie,

I caring the"bigred" on there due to being a "big" football fan.

I was raise on watching a lot of football, so you could call me a

football manic. I watch it all weekend. The rest of the I find other fun to do.

PS: I like Chevys too! But any car is find as long it stays running!