hard prostate

Hi, firstly my apologies if it's inappropriate me posting as I have not been diagnosed with prostate cancer, i have had two dre exams one said bumpy the other hard. My psa came back at 1.7. I've been suffering with bowel issues which led me to get checked out, there I was thinking constipation and piles were a problem and now I'm off to see a urologist about a biopsy. My anxiety levels are through the roof as I now think there could be a link and I may have some kind of agressive cancer. I've searched and searched the Web before pestering you all, but I just can't seem to find anything which says a prostate which is hard on one side can be anything but cancer.

You're right. I'll keep you posted thanks 👍

Thanks Rose, I hope he has a good outcome. As has been said to me, try not to worry too much, easier said than done I know. My other symptoms have felt a little worse today, pelvic and back pain, doc diagnosed ibs but I've had that before and it didn't feel like this. Anyway, I should be seeing urologist in less than two weeks and maybe he can give a better idea, and in the meantime I'll work on my anxiety issues. Keep your chin up Rose

Thanks dogdays, the stress has got to me I'll admit. Of course, like most others, it's not just about me, I'm my dad's only carer plus I run a business single handed too so stress is pretty high sometimes when things are normal. I'll be starting on a stress reduction course next week (doctors orders). Hopefully seeing the urologist shortly. I've read up as much as is reasonable. Best I don't bother the forum with any more whining till I have more info I think. There are plenty on here who genuinely need support and my heart goes out to them. Thanks again.

Hi Biker - just wanted to stop in and say hi!

"Our" urologist appointment is 1 PM Thursday. Still very anxious - 'hope I last until then! I feel I can hardly breathe. Counting the hours but trying not to let on to him how nervous I am.

That stress reduction course sounds good! I'm just trying to say a mantra over and over, running for an hour and drinking lots of wine!

Waiting is a b*tch for sure. No matter how many "waits" I've done over the years it never gets easier.

Have included you in my good thoughts!

Hi wildirishrose. Yes the waiting, it's terrible. They say ignorance is bliss but I disagree. I'm not expecting good news as ive had symptoms but unfortunately put them down to other factors in my life. Currently working on the smoking, which is hard as ive become very reliant on it for stress and anxiety releif the last few years (yes I'm a social leper and clearly have no regard for my health).
I hope things go well, and regardless of the outcome one thing I've realiased from this place is that's there's always hope. Good luck and God bless (I'm not religious I just like the saying)

Hi Mike, I'm assuming the figures with your info refer to dates, why such a long time to diagnosis if you don't mind me asking ?

Mike_T said...
Your situation is exactly what mine was and I wrote this board before I knew and found a lot of help. For me, a DRE detected a "firmness" on one side. My PSA was 1.7 and not increasing. A biopsy will likely tell you what's going on. Take it a step at a time, try not to worry about aggressive cancer until you find out IF there is even cancer--I hope not. If there is, then deal with what you know and try not to get too far ahead of the situation.

Wildirishrose, yes it's so important to enjoy the day as best you can. Something like this this does throw life into sharp perspective, 20yrs ago I had a terrible motorcycle accident, the effects of which I still suffer from today both physically and mentally. One thing I learned is that the simple things in life are often the most enjoyable. Many people said to me afterwards, go out, live you're life, don't die with regrets etc. But for me what mattered has always been doing the right thing and taking a little enjoyment from the little everyday things, a beautiful sunrise or a nice cuppa. Life is short for everyone, even those who are now young and fit, but today, today you are ok and that's the best it ever is for anyone. Love yourself and those around you, take a deep breath and smile.

Hey Biker, just about one day to go.
I can't tell you how your kind posts have helped me. As I said we don't have a lot of friends - pretty much just the two of us.
I can't talk to him as I don't want him to know how scared I am. He is smart and stayed away from the health forums but I plunged into them - great to meet nice people like you but so much scary stuff. He has no idea about what the possibilities can be.
I wrote to one of my two friends to try to describe my angst but she ignored everything I told her and talked about her new furniture (!)
That's ok (not really...) but "laugh and the world laughs with you" etc. How true those old adages are!
That must have been a hell of a terrible accident. Wow - yet you have a wonderful attitude about life and how the simple things are best - and taking care of your dad - what a guy!!
So glad I met you - I won't post again til tomorrow night with all the details. Thanks again for your kind, kind help!!
Rose

Hi Biker
'Wish I had good news but not so much. The last PSA he had done was in 2010 and it was a 5 - somehow he was never told that he had this elevated reading.
Hmmmm - not happy about that.
The urologist (Eggener at Univ of Chicago) said he 'wasn't worried about his condition (DH is 75)- true or just soothing talk?
He said he felt the nodule - very slight but still there.
A scan and biopsy are schedule for early May.
Oh and they did a new PSA - not expecting any good news there.
When my "ultra" runner brother was 80 his PSA was over 100. At his age, even though he was in tip top shape, they just gave him the hormone treatment which worked and got his numbers down to 1.something then I don't know what happened. He also had a heart condition (like my DH) and that seemed to go south so, bottomline, he died at 87 of congestive heart failure.
'Trying to get more information from my SIL although she is still grieving 2 years later and hates to talk about all those medical details.
So that's where we are at - waiting for that new PSA and doing research like crazy.