New here - Nodule in anterior Transitional Zone

Howdy all,

Please bear with me. I have read and learned a bunch here and this is an amazing group of human beings helping others. And I really need some help, please.

I just had a Dr. appt. bumped up way earlier to Friday. So I am rushing now to present this to you. I would be grateful for as much info and suggestions you could provide me of what to ask the urologist. Going in for a consult pre-biopsy. Never saw this dr. before and I want to know everything I need to ask.

Been quite terrified about all this for weeks.

Age 55.
DRE – 2/2012 – “Feels very large”. Prostate US ordered.

Prostate US – 2/12 – “BPH. Gland is 38cc. A 6mm nodule in anterior aspect of the right transitional zone. Possible small cysts on seminal vesicles. ”

PSA:
4/12 - 2.6
7/11 - 1.47
11/10 –1.29

Have history of prostatitis for several decades. Distinction between that and BPH was not conveyed to me/understood until recently.

Have uncommon endocrine condition and on thyroid med and TRT since 2/2010. Have had foamy urine since then with normal GFR.

Have extremely poor wound healing. Superficial scratches take sometimes 10+ days to heal. So am quite terrified of the biopsy/method/location - let alone what I have read about the anterior TZ nodule location and my PSA velocity. All of this has had me feeling quite destroyed now for weeks.

Other: Have weakened stream for years. Sometimes lasting discomfort and weird pressure in groin after urinating. Lower abdominal/groin cramping and pain just prior to BM off an on for 1 year. So from researching recently I’m also now concerned about my bladder also.

It is late and I want to get this posted ASAP. So I would be most grateful for your suggestions on this whole thing as I am overwhelmed by it.

Also – I would really appreciate hearing from anyone in my region/Ohio for Doctor recommendations/experiences. I have not had good experiences here in that realm. Please feel free to PM me if that is allowed - as I do not want to violate any Forum regs regarding this or anything. But my life is on the line here and I am truly in need of all the positive help I can get.

Many thanks

redondo

Welcome aboard, glad you decided to join us at this trying time for you. I certainly understand any fears or apprehension you are having. You do have a lot of other factors going on, but a good doctor can work through them with you, one at the time. I have no suggestions or contacts in your area, but we do have members in your general region that may be able to give you exact names of doctors and facilities.

You have so many other severe prostate related problems going on there, so it very well may not be cancer related at all. Unfortunately, a proper prostate biopsy would be the best way to rule in or out, that possibility. I am sure a urologist could do it in a way that wouldn't further harm you. I had 3 of them, they are not fun, but also, it wasn't all that bad.

By all means, put a list of questions together, the idea of taping, if allowed is a great one, as it can be hard to remember everything the doctor is saying or suggesting when you are sitting there uptight to begin with.

Ask anything you want or need here, no such thing as a dumb question. The best way to replace the fear part, is with knowledge, so I encourage you to have a good talk with the doctors, and see what your best option is at this point to proceed.

Good luck to you, and please keep us well posted.

David in SC

When you see the doctor I'd start with what you just posted. The doc will need to know all that and it's a good list to start with.

I know it's a very scary place. It's the not knowing that is the hardest to deal with. A biopsy is likely needed and I am sure a good URO could figure a way to do it even with your concerns. The results of the biopsy will tell better what is really going on.

Hang in there are get more information - that's what you need now.

All the best,
Andrew

redondo, welcome.
You might want to make an appointment with a GI specialist regarding your difficulties prior to BM - see what your uro says. That could be an unrelated issue that is still important to get checked out.

The weakened stream can, of course, just be due to an enlarged prostate, and not necessarily a significant problem - my prostate when removed was very large, and I had significantly reduced flow, but it was so gradual coming on that I did not notice it until after I had my prostatectomy and realized the difference.

Talk to your doc about the slow healing as well - again, that could be unrelated, but might be good to get sorted out prior to a biopsy.

I wish you well and hope you are passing by, with a clean bill of health and no PCa.
Regards, Jeff