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Posted 4/25/2016 11:09 PM (GMT 0)
My husband had a PSA level of 4.9 a year and a half ago and it is now 6.1. He was referred to a urologist and he performed DRE. He felt something hard on the left side and has scheduled a biopsy for May 4. He wouldn't say whether or not he thought it was cancer or not. Said we'd wait on the biopsy. Has me worried. He is 59.
Posted 4/25/2016 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HW, sorry you need to be here.

Dial the worry down to concern. Yeah, easier said than done.

A positive DRE is never a good thing, but all you know now is that something isn't right. That hard thing may or may not be PC it could be a nodule. Also PSA isn't a test for cancer, just tells you about relative prostate activity.

A good doctor won't speculate without cause and will look to the evidence.

The thing to do now is to just get through the biopsy, which is annoying, uncomfortable and undignified.

If the worst does prove to be true, well you've got every hope of a great outcome. It won't be a fun road, but you're husband will make it. There are so many treatments available that you'll have the problem of trying to pick among them.

Checkout the sticky threads at the top of the forum and ask all the questions you have, we're here most days.
Andrew
Posted 4/25/2016 11:31 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for the reply. I'm not very good at the waiting game!
Posted 4/25/2016 11:32 PM (GMT 0)

Kidscaddy said...
Thank you so much for the reply. I'm not very good at the waiting game!


me neither.

Hang in there,
Andrew
Posted 4/26/2016 2:24 AM (GMT 0)
Ah Patience…In time…out of time…at the same time… Biopsy ain's so bad I ahd 12 hits all it did was make me giggle a bit blush
Posted 4/26/2016 6:49 AM (GMT 0)
Kidscaddy,
Welcome to HW. That's quite a handle you've given yourself. Now I'm curious? idea
Try not to worry too much about the bx. Even if the results are positive, chances are it will be slow growing and curable. Expect bloody urine and semen following, but don't expect a lot of giggling. Bozo is an anomaly and an enigma smilewinkgrin(I say that with affection and he knows it).
Beth
Posted 4/26/2016 11:40 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome. Try not to worry and try not to want a cup of coffee the first thing in the morning. Easier said than done. BUT, don't jump the gun. Keep thinking it could be nothing. What you imagine is going to be worse than it turns out to be. The cups half full.

I truly believe it's harder on the wife than on us. Here's the positive. That cup of coffee taste better, the sunrise will look even greater, you will enjoy your surroundings a whole lot more. Your husband can now put on his John Wayne personna and show everyone how tough he can be.

Seriously, hang in there. And get back with us. We know exactly what you're feeling. We'll be here enjoying our cup of coffee. Best wishes.
Posted 4/26/2016 1:33 PM (GMT 0)
The waiting is the worst part. If something has to be done, you have plenty of time to discuss and explore your options. And the crew on this board is here to help.
Posted 4/26/2016 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
Kidscaddy, welcome, hope you don't become a permanent resident here. But if you do, with a PSA of 6, it's unlikely that your husband has anything sinister going on. Keep us posted.
Posted 4/26/2016 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for all the comments. I truly appreciate your input. I'm wondering why they are doing his biopsy in the hospital with a general anaesthetic. It sounds to me that most of you have had the procedure with a local?
Posted 4/26/2016 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
Some men do have it in a hospital. Depends on the man's health and preferences. You should ask the doctor why that was picked. Most of us did it in the URO's office with not much for pain control.

Andrew
Posted 4/26/2016 5:57 PM (GMT 0)
I had 3 biopsies. Once with local numbing that was horrendous - I nearly fainted from the pain; once with general anesthesia that left me groggy for 2 days; and the third time with a "peri-prostatic nerve block." The nerve block was perfect - no pain, fully alert. There is another kind of nerve block some are using called a "pelvic plexus block," that may be even better. The urologist would have to know how to use the ultrasound to find the right nerves for these nerve blocks. If interested, you should ask for this specifically.

The other thing to be wary of is growing risk of infection. If your husband hasn't taken antibiotics before, it's not a big concern. If he has, he may want a swab of the rectum to culture for resistant strains.
Posted 4/26/2016 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you. You have all given me such good information and encouragement. I had not idea there were so many options even with a biopsy. I'm really trying not to be a worry wort!
Posted 4/27/2016 12:07 AM (GMT 0)
I think having it done in a hospital is a function of the Doctor and his practice. My first biopsy was at Columbia Presbyterian, because that's where the Dr worked.
Also, I know of one local urologist who does them in his office, but always uses general anesthesia
Posted 4/29/2016 5:42 PM (GMT 0)
We just got the call with instructions from the hospital. They are doing a TRUS with biopsy. So I did a little search and at least got some information on exactly what they'll be doing.
Posted 4/30/2016 5:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hopefully It will be clinically staged T1a…if cancer at all... google it..this will get you solidly into research on your own …something you indicated has always begun..So many new members want the other to do it all ..refrshing to see ..thats not you…your journey in all arenas weiil be better for it.. If not…its cool others will help…Caveat emptor
Posted 4/30/2016 12:29 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you. I will search for sure. Google is my best friend! Lol!
Posted 4/30/2016 12:43 PM (GMT 0)
Why this path of diagnostic activity didn't take place 18 months ago is unclear to me.

Your two PAS data points, over that period of time however are useful information.

As others point out Prostate cancer is like the story of Goldilocks, (bed being to soft, hard, just perfect)... Some prostate cancers may never need treatment, others obviously need treated but are curable by various methods, but some require multiple approaches and respond poorly.

In some instances even after biopsy it is not completely clear where you find your particular case assigned to. So in my opinion the MOST important initial step is to..... Go to a Comprehensive Cancer Center! (Designations are listed at cancer.gov)

Best of Luck

Hero
Posted 5/1/2016 10:09 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry you have to be in this tough spot Kidscaddy, but this forum will get you through. Make sure you go with your husband to the consult following the biopsy. Read up on what happens if...
My husband and I had no idea what we were walking into other than it could be nothing. Our urologist did a very good job of explaining where he thought we were and what we should do, but we just sat and listened, asking minimal questions, like are you sure? If I had a redo, I would have gone armed with as much information as I could and ask pointed questions once the results are in. We chose surgery because our urologist said it would have the best outcome for my husband for his age etc. So we believed the doctor and jumped into surgery within two weeks. Was that the best move? We will never know because we didn't question. Is my husband doing well? It seems so, so maybe the doctor was right and we chose the best route.It's water under the bridge now. We are pretty much back to normal after one year. I just wish I had been better armed on diagnosis....
Posted 5/1/2016 11:35 PM (GMT 0)
Kidscaddy: Good luck We're all hoping for the best possible outcome for your husband, you and your family..

When I was diagnosed, my urologist gave me a copy of "100 Questions and Answers about Prostate Cancer" 4th Edition by Pamela Ellsworth.

My wife and I both read it. We were able to discuss treatment options together and to prepare questions for the urologist.

At first, I wanted to have something done as soon as possible. I like immediate action. I figured that I was behind the optimum treatment curve. Reading the book slowed me down.

I found this forum after we decided on our treatment plan. Glad we had the book!!!
Posted 5/2/2016 12:10 AM (GMT 0)
The important thing to know for now is that there is a good chance that whatever they find will be 'low risk', which means that you'll have a lot of time to explore options. It's not uncommon for diagnosing urologists to say, "you have six months to decide on what you want to do".

The TRUS biopsy is unpleasant, but manageable. The important thing to know is that he will be passing blood in his urine and ejaculate for a while. (up to a month or more)
Posted 5/2/2016 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for the helpful comments. I appreciate you all so much. I have been reading and searching! Of course, I want to know everything right now! Lol! Hopefully we won't have to wait too many days for the biopsy results.
Posted 5/2/2016 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
I had my biopsy on a Monday, and I got 'the call' on Friday that week.

For me, the worst part of the biopsy (I had it with local anesthetic) was the antibiotic shot in the butt. THAT hurt for a month or more.
Posted 5/3/2016 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
I would get the biospy, ive had a couple at John Hopkins and they inject something into the prostate area and its not painful at all. Had it done once with out the injection and YES that was painful. Its better to be brave and find out early (if there is something). I get the fear but after the fact im glad (for my kids) that I was aggressive in trying to catch it early because my cancer happened to be hard to find (7 biopsys) most guys find out with the first. Best of luck to you
Posted 5/4/2016 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
We just got back from the hospital. He got along good. The doc said there was a dark shadow on the left side (not sure what that means) and he took 18 biopsies. Now just wait for the results.
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