Urologist appointment

I've been doing pretty good at distracting myself, but tomorrow is my husband's first urology appointment and I'm nervous! From my research and talking I have a good idea of what to expect...but are we ever quiet ready for what they say? I think the worst, hope for the best, and if the worst is said I freak out! lol! I, personally, think we won't know any more than we do now and will 'maybe' leave with an appointment for a biopsy. That is what I am expecting, but in all honesty....I don't know.

I did ask my husband what kind of support he wants from me. He told me that he wants me to do research and let him know what I find (when he asks or is ready), he wants me to be at his appointments so I can take notes because he will likely forget...especially if it is bad news. We are pretty good at listening and opening up with each other, but we are also good at saying, "I don't want you to fix it for me, I just need you to listen." His big thing right now (because he knows I read up a lot) is, "I have a question, and I don't want you to do any more than answer it. Don't tell me any more than what I ask." And I respect that. It helps me to know where he's at.

Now...what if the uro says there is nothing to worry about? Should I feel silly for all this worrying? I'm going to assume, however, that a jump from .54 to 5.2 in a year and another increase of .8 over 3 months is a concern. That isn't silly, is it? Especially when our gp is concerned. What an emotional roller coaster!

Thanks,
Donna

One thing I'll say about my experience with doctors - they have the amazing ability to defy my expectations. Most likely your Uro will say something you don't expect. ;)

I've be very surprised if you're told not to do a followup. You might be told not to stress or don't worry until the results are in. about the only thing the Uro can do at this point is to order more tests -biopsy, imaging, blood, etc.

Just be as ready as you can - take a list of questions, paper for taking notes and be there for each other. about all you need to do for now.

Hang in there and let us know what the Doc says,
Andrew

DJtimewilltell said...
I know it depends on how booked the uro is, but on average, how soon will they schedule a biopsy?

Expect 2-3 weeks. Most Uro's are very busy and the have to schedule time on their equipment. It's really just a scheduling problem.

I got lucky with my biopsy - happened within a week but the scheduling nurse told me they'd had a cancellation just before I showed up.

In my brother's case we waited about 2 weeks with him needing to do the procedure in the outpatient surgery center because he needed heavy sedation.

Then expect a week or so before you get the pathology report.

The waiting is the killer - the not knowing. Find something to distract yourselves while your waiting.
All the best,
Andrew

There isn't any screaming urgency to get a biopsy - the difference between 1-2 or 2-3 weeks of a wait won't hurt (expect for the painful wondering what-if part). Don't wait months but waiting for a summer break might be good so you're both ready for the emotional ordeal.

My wife drove me to the biopsy but since they didn't use sedation on me I could have gone by myself - still I was happy to my 'support team' there.

The first reaction to this stuff is often being stunned and numb. Takes awhile for the emotions to process through and come out.

Hang in there,
Andrew

It took me about 2 weeks for my biopsy to be scheduled. The 30 minutes waiting in the waiting room before I was brought back to have it drove me crazy. I went by myself and drove myself home afterwards. After about 3-4 hours I was feeling pretty normal.
I made an appointment to see the doctor IN his office for about 10 days later. I am glad I did it that way. I didn't want to hear "You have Prostate Cancer", over the phone. I was prepared for the worst but hoping it was negative. I had had 2 negative biopsies before this one.

Good luck

Bill from Florida