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Second biopsy to be scheduled

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Posted 8/16/2017 3:14 PM (GMT 0)
I had an DRE end of July, 2017. Somewhat enlarged prostate, no lumps but kinda firm on one side. Had an MRI last week (8/11) and it came back with a "suspicious lesion." That and a rapidly rising PSA (8.9 in May, 11+ in August), leads my uro to suggest a "prostatic ultrasound and biopsy." Not exactly sure what that involves, but does not sound fun. First biopsy in July, 2015 was negative, but problems continue. If it is positive this time, what do I have to look forward to? I have heard nightmare stories about long recovery, incontinence and impotence. I can't even say the word "catheter" without wincing in pain. Not looking forward to buying diapers from a teenager at Walgreens. I know I'm preaching to the choir but, this sucks! Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Jack.
Posted 8/16/2017 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
Yup it sucks. If you have PC you can look forward to less than fun days, but you'll make it through.

Not everyone faces all of those SEs, and you have options including surgery or radiation.

Take it a step at a time and don't project too far down the road. Get the biopsy and let's see where you have to go. We've all been where you are with the anxiety of the unknown and our minds wildly worrying about the 'what ifs.' Those thoughts can be hard to quiet, but try. They aren't helpful and likely things will turn out very different then you imagine or fear.

Hang in there and let us know what the biopsy results are,
Andrew
Posted 8/16/2017 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
hello jack,I had a 3T mpMRI prior to my biopsy.That MRI spotted the tumor and then gave the uro a target to biopsy along with the other cores taken. I would think an MRI might show more detail than the ultra sound. But others will come along and add their thoughts. How old are you and where are you located ?
Posted 8/16/2017 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
He probably just means they will be fusing the image from the MRI with a real-time ultrasound so that they can more precisely target the suspicious area. I never had any of the side effects you mentioned and have never been catheterized. What you imagine is far worse than reality. Take it as it comes.
Posted 8/16/2017 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
If you have to end up buying pads and/or diapers, do what I do.

Adopt the I don't give a carp what you think attitude.
I don't even have them bagged.
I am not ashamed of having been treated for cancer. Afterall, that is what this is from, we were treated for cancer.
Posted 8/16/2017 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
Jack,
First I want to wish you the best possible outcome, but we don't know what the future holds. I do want to share my story. Diagnosed January 2016, (father had PCa also) RALP March 2016, with over night stay in hospital. I had no problem with catheter, no pain or discomfort, but was happy to say goodbye. Average incontinence for about 3 months, but now 99% dry. ED is real, but wife and I still enjoy relationship very much and seeing slow but steady improvements. As for diapers, I tried along with a pad for ultimate protection. Didn't need, so went to pad only. Very indiscrete and easy to buy online. (amazon)
After about 4 months, I graduated to a tucked, folded paper towel, just for an occasional squirt, after a really long day. Sneeze, cough etc. Take Andrew's advice, don't worry about the "what ifs", and hope all turns out much better than you think. Prayers for you.
Mack
Posted 8/16/2017 6:24 PM (GMT 0)
I am new and can add that I get all those feelings. I am waiting to meet with the doc to see what to do next. I had the fusion biopsy that used the 3t MRI to guide the doc to get at the suspicious lesion. I have 3 or 4 positive cores all G6. For me, fear and worry are mainly due to the unknown. Cancer is a big word but the more I learn and study the smaller it becomes.

My plan is to be my best advocate and to do that I need to learn a great deal, hear from guys who went before me and prepare for a discussion with my doc. I also plan on multiple opinions before action. Fortunately, I am most have some time to make the decision. I am hoping to be on active surveillance, at least for the next year while I learn about options.

I wish you well and keep asking questions! Denis
Posted 8/16/2017 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hello j and welcome. Good luck on your upcoming biopsy. Hopefully you are still cancer free and only have a case of prostatitis or BPH. But, if you are diagnosed with PCa please let us know and there are lots of willing and able folks here that are happy to help you. These days there are a lot of options to deal with prostate cancer and we will walk you through them if needed.

But, let's now get ahead of ourselves. Hopefully your stay here will be a short one...

Jim
Posted 8/16/2017 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Jack....let's hope the biopsy comes back clean again. If it doesn't.....I feel ya brother. Going into this...the "whole thing" just freaked me out to the max. Catheter...biopsy....all of it.


If you do have the cancer....trust me bro...if I can do it...so can you.

But I know exactly what you're talkin' about man. It's worse than scraping fingernails across a chalkboard. This gets way to close to home for comfort.

I can tell you....the "freaks me out" part....can still be with me from time to time. It's actually worse than wearing a catheter...the catheter is real...this other stuff is something different.....and of all the things you listed....none of them is certain to happen even if you have some prostate cancer. different therapies....and even if you do surgery.....all of the rest of the stuff you listed....isn't a given...at all.

Let us know how it turns out..
Posted 8/16/2017 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
Calm down, Jack, you are getting way ahead of yourself. A lesion is simply something that is not usually there. Could be anything, from previous biopsy damage, hemorrhage, benign lesion, etc., as well as cancer.

And, if you do have some cancer, you may not require any treatment, just monitoring. Also, there are more treatment options than surgery, whose side effects you cited.

Try to relax, and take it one step at a time.
Posted 8/17/2017 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks again all. Your kind words and well wishes mean a lot to me. Biopsy is now scheduled for 8/25. The place I go to gives me the results a week later. Like the song says "the waiting is the hardest part." I've been talking guys from the gym who have gone through the same thing and they have been giving me hope and encouragement as well. Despite what some previous posts have said, this is a helluva good forum with lots of great fellas who offer a lot of good advice and counsel. I'll be in touch. Thanks again. Jack.
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