Three newbie questions about biopsy & reversing psa

Walt:

I'm glad we were able to clear things up for you.  As Bluebird says, "knowledge is power".  You now have the knowledge and the power to face the biopsy which many of us have had multiple times.  It will probably take a week or so before you get the pathology report.  The report will most likely come back negative or you may have some "atypical glands" but no cancer call...at least that's how mine came back for about eight years until I finally had a positive read by Jonathon Epstein, MD, the most respected prostate pathologist in the country.  He's at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.  Each time my slides came back with "atypical glands".  I made sure those slides were sent to Epstein for a second opinion.  It took like I said eight years before Epstein made a clear call.  That's b/c prostate cancer is generally a slow grower and can be present microscopically in the prostate.  While I hope your path report comes back negative, if there's anything else in the report, tell the doctor to send the slides to Epstein at Hopkins for a second opinion. 

Wow! 

Great timing SJC. 

     Today I decided to switch to the Cleveland Clinic for my biopsy for a couple of reasons.  The first is that from the start I have not been pleased with the attitude of my current uro.  The second reason is the post and follow-up email and phone conversations with Ed, who pointed out among other things that US New and World Report rates Cleveland Clinic #2 and Johns Hopkins #1.  UPMC in Pittsburgh is #22 which may tie into why my pcp would not offer a strong recommendation for a uro.

     Thanks again.  I plan to follow-up on your kind suggestion and have my slides sent to Dr. Epstein.

     Thanks also to Ed, who pointed out in his phone call that there is six to eight weeks from the biopsy to any follow-up surgery.

     I appreciate your good luck wishes Dutch.  I will definitely keep you all posted on my follow-up to switching to the Cleveland Clinic, and that eventual biopsy. 

Thanks for asking Tony,

     I have an uncle and two cousins with homes in Cleveland, so I will most likely stay overnight.  Besides that’s where my wife of 41 years and I went for our honeymoon after we eloped on my $450 a month salary.  Tough choice – second honeymoon or visit relatives.

     The uro scheduling department only takes calls 8 – 5 M-F, so I won’t have this scheduled until Monday.

Becky you have no idea how much I appreciate your support and the info that you have offered.