HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Not even biopsy yet, but freaking out!

Support Forums
>
Prostate Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 2/3/2015 6:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I, like most people had a routine blood test with my family doctor along with a prostate exam.
The exam was a concern to him as it felt "swollen" and he noticed my PSA levels were high. 5.5

He recommended me to a specialist, and I went and he gave me another exam, noticed the same problem, and then gave me Sulfamthoxazole in a heavy dose (2 pills twice a day for 10 days) thinking if it was an infection this would hopefully knock it down, and of course, it did not (and that drug really messed me up - abdominal, diarrhea, all kinds of aches head to toe)

Went back, same PSA (5.5) now he wants to do a biopsy next Tuesday.

I am totally freaking out. I worry about everything, and panic a lot. it's my regular nature and now amplified by 100x.

I read so many things that can go wrong with a biopsy. I am an active person and am very scared of the possible complication and side effects.

I really do not have anyone to talk too, no real close friends, so this is my world now.

Do I just go for the biopsy?
Is there less evasive methods to check for cancer?
Do I get a second opinion, or are they all going to be the same?

Thanks for listening to me. Any suggestions will be read.

Tony





confused confused
Posted 2/3/2015 6:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Tony,

Welcome to the forum. Sorry you needed to look for us but glad you found us. Hope we can help.

A few questions first: how old are you? where are you (nearest big city)? are your options likely to be constrained by insurance/cost issues?

Generally, a biopsy is the usual next step for you since the antibiotics failed to drop your PSA and your DRE was somewhat abnormal.
Posted 2/3/2015 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
I am 56 Male married 34 years with 2 wonderful children.

Winter Springs, Florida.

Thanks.
Posted 2/3/2015 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
There are some in-between tests they can do: a free-PSA and the PCA-3. There is also another test (PHI or something like that).

However, with a funky DRE, I suspect a biopsy would be needed and should be the next thing done.

Perhaps someone else can comment

Mel
Posted 2/3/2015 6:46 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Mel.

I worry about the ill effects of a biopsy. Or should I?
Posted 2/3/2015 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
Ah, There are other blood tests that your doctor could do. There is a new test called the Prostate Health Index that is a bit more specific for prostate cancer than an ordinary PSA test. It's new, at least in the US, and not all doctors offer it. It might help you avoid a biopsy.

We also, coincidentally, have a thread today talking about 3-Tesla Multi-parametric MRIs as a diagnostic tool to try to find high-grade cancers that need treating without alarming men with less-dangerous conditions. That is also something that's not part of the usual diagnostic series and, if you want it, you might need to seek out a doctor who does it.

I'm not sure what percentage of the time these tests allow biopsy to be avoided -- maybe about half the time -- and they do add considerably to the cost. But the MRI, at least, improves the quality of information you get, even if it is followed up by a biopsy, since the doctor performing the biopsy has areas of interest to target.

Keep us in the loop and if you do eventually get diagnosed be sure to come back before you make any decisions. Much of the damage done by prostate cancer is caused by the side effects of unnecessary treatment demanded by men who overreact to diagnosis.

Oh, and prostate cancer is rarely a death sentence. Since you have children you should know that even if you are diagnosed you will probably get to see your grandchildren graduate.
Posted 2/3/2015 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
Tony:

Well, it is a procedure and all procedures have risks. I had no issues and most here did fine.

I was able to have mine under light sedation (the kind they do for a colonosopy). Others (most) did not do that. Most found it a tad annoying but no big deal. Not everyone had the same opinion.

I was a wimp (after talking with a friend who had a hard time with it), so the sedation worked perfectly for me.

Mel
Posted 2/3/2015 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
Tony,

The most worrisome side effect of biopsy is infection. These are rarely life threatening but as much as one guy in 20 will wind up in the hospital.

The more common side effect -- and the one we mostly talk about here -- is blood in a man's semen which can last up to six weeks. It starts off bright, vampire-movie red and fades through chocolate brown and various shades of mocha before it returns to normal.
Posted 2/3/2015 6:55 PM (GMT 0)
Peter:

Regarding these other tests, if the DRE is abnormal, isn't that the trigger for a biopsy for sure (maybe an MRI too)?

Mel
Posted 2/3/2015 6:56 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys, it is so good to know people that are in the same or similar situations and people I can talk too to learn more. I think knowledge for me will be the best thing. As of now I'm just scared and worried.

I will continue to read all posts and go over them with my wife and figure out what might be best for me.

As of right now I'm set for a biopsy on Tuesday next week, I'm thinking may that be too soon before I read all the threads, Or is this a sooner the better type of thing?

Post Edited (TonyPal) : 2/3/2015 12:01:31 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/3/2015 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
My biopsy was done in about 10 minutes and no big deal. My wife & I went out for lunch afterwards.
Posted 2/3/2015 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
I had my biopsy a few weeks ago and it's wasn't fun or pleasant to have a tool stuck up your rear but like other have mentioned, it's over in a few minutes. I was okay with the first two or three needle punches (it's a spring loaded needle that pops out and grabs a tissue sample) but after that I was ready to be done. It would be a great diagnostic tool for you to know one way or another what's going on with your prostate.
Posted 2/3/2015 7:24 PM (GMT 0)
Tony-

I encourage you and your wife to stay calm.

A biopsy isn't fun, but not a big deal and is done quickly.

And, even if you are ultimately diagnosed with PCa (let's hope that's not the case), it is a very slow moving disease with lots of treatment options and a fantastically high long-term survival rate.

-Gedman
Posted 2/3/2015 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much for the new found friends and support.
Posted 2/3/2015 7:37 PM (GMT 0)
Tony a biopsy is the Gold Standard for prostate cancer detection. You need one. The other tests are indication but after all is said and done you need a biopsy.
Posted 2/3/2015 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
Tony,

I try not to encourage this forum to come between a man and his doctor's advice. None of us here have had his finger up your behind and none of us knows what your urologist felt there. As Mel said, an abnormal DRE is generally enough to trigger a biopsy, at least in the ordinary standard of care.

I had four biopsies and I never learned to like them... but they are over quickly. They are more annoying than painful and the information they produce can sometimes save your life.
Posted 2/3/2015 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
Tony--- Welcome to a great resource of valuable insight from many men and families who know and feel what you are experiencing. Biopsy not fun, not pleasant, and that can vary based on approach of the URO and yourself. Important diagnostic tool as others have indicated.

I had a PHI test (Prostate Health Index) before the BIOPSY was done which just further indicated I needed the BIOPSY. The PHI test is rather new and is implemented only by those docs who believe in its value-- I had it done in Chicago at Northwestern Med which helped pioneer its creation thus the center uses this test. Check with your insurance if it is covered and to what percentage of the cost is covered . I think it is a 300-400$ test if it is out of pocket.

The PHI test is a formulaic based test breaking down several components/aspects of a PSA reading. It is presented as a more accurate reading of the existence of PC and the aggressiveness level of said cancer. It is a mere blood test. It was easy for me to access and easy to get. That is why I had it before the Biopsy. My first URO did not suggest I found it on my own. The Biopsy is an a very valuable and good test. You have read the side effects as these guys indicated ( blood in semen for several weeks) ... but that was it for me.

Honestly..... I would be lying if I didnt tell you that after the first 5-6 shots by the stun gun I was not feeling like I was going to pass out.... wish my URO had used more pain-Novocaine on me for this test.
Posted 2/3/2015 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Tony and welcome to HW. Sorry that you have had to look us up, but hope your stay is short.

I did not find the biopsy a big deal. Slight ache after and blood in your pee and semen for a few weeks. That bit did scare me at first, but I just sat down for a pee so I did not have to look at. All that is normal.

There are two types of biopsy. One where they take samples through the rectum wall, the other where they take samples through the perineum. The latter is the best if you are concerned about infection, but to be honest the risk of infection is not that high these days, but yes, there is a risk.

Another thing that I don't think has been mentioned is Prostatitis (why does everybody always leave that to me!). This is not cancer but does cause the prostate to become inflamed and give a high PSA reading. Antibiotics will not normally fix that and it can be pretty tricky to detect, but a biopsy will show if you have it.

Right now I would try not to panic. Easy to say I know, because we have all been where you are now. But panicking serves no purpose and as you sound like a pretty highly strung type of guy it could just make your situation worse. Go get your biopsy done then report back here for further help and advice. You will never exhaust the information/advice that we are able to give.

All the very best to you Tony.
Posted 2/3/2015 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
I had a very bad experience with the biopsy in that the uro aggravated my hemorrhoids. Thye hadn't hurt much prior in 10 years. It's been documented here, but I chose a new doctor so I could get it done faster. He had to call in a more veteran uro because "my prostate was small and he wanted to get good samples". First thing the older guy says is "we need some more gel on this....."

I'm still hurting some from that, some three months later.

Just make sure you relax completely, and tell them to use plenty of lube!
Posted 2/3/2015 8:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Tony,
When my routine blood draw showed an elevated P.S.A. my reaction was just as yours, it consumed most of my thoughts if I wasn't busy, so I caught up on my honey do list and stayed busy. worrying will not help anything. As In the shop told me in response to my first post "it is what it is" (don't know why but it helped).

As others have already said the biopsy is not pleasant but its over fast and the fear of it is the worst part. on peters advice I asked my doc for something to relax me and he gave me a script for valium it's the only time I've ever used it but I'm glad I did.

As I said when all of this started in march of 13 it was difficult to not think about it and now I've almost forgotten it, I haven't even checked this forum in months.

you've stumbled on a great resource and an even better bunch of guys here so even though it will be hard try to keep calm.

good-luck,
carl
Posted 2/3/2015 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
Carl,

Thanks for the calming words. I know the fear is the worse part.
How are you doing these days? I hope well.

Tony
Posted 2/3/2015 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
Tony,
it's been so long since I've posted I forgot to include my signature, I was diagnosed with gleason 6, had it removed and moved on, the only reminder is dry orgasms (have to admit I sometimes miss the mess).
good-luck
carl
Posted 2/3/2015 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
Tony,

Carl mentioned asking one's doctor for a scrip for some sort of tranquilizer and it is something that, at least for me, made the procedures much more tolerable. It kind of depends on what makes you nervous. If men in white coats poking around up your behind with spring-loaded devices that make noises like a mouse trap when they shoot the needles out the end to take gerbil bites out of your man bits... makes you tense, then you too might appreciate a bit of pharmaceutically-induced detachment. Generally, if you take the Valium its best to pop it when you get to the doctors waiting room and, if he prescribes two pills, then pop the other one when your name is called.

If you do take tranquilizers for the procedure you will need someone to drive you home.
Posted 2/3/2015 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HW, sorry you need to be here.

Sadly, biopsy is likely the right thing to do now. Timing isn't a big issue so waiting till next won't change the outcome - only your stress level. Best you can do now is to learn all you can. Knowledge can help you overcome the fear and anxiety.

Complications from a biopsy are rare and a biopsy is the only way to confirm what is there. The other tests are good if you're deciding if you need a biopsy or not, but like has been said with a DRE like you have just do the biopsy.

It's not the worst experience you'll have but it is annoying and undignified with minor discomfort. I went to work the next day and had little trouble.

If you have serious anxiety or think you will during the procedure just tell the doctor. They can give you meds to make the process easier on you.

You'll note that nobody here says, "don't worry" - we've all been through what you're about to go through. It won't be fun, but you'll make it.

Ask all the questions you have - we're here most days.
Hang in there and keep us updated on your progress,
Andrew
Posted 2/3/2015 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome Tony! For me the the apprehension was much worse than the procedure. It really wasn't a big deal, not nearly as bad as a root canal! Have it done and over with, want the drugs ask for them as Peter says, just have a driver. Again welcome and hang in there!

Cheers, Doug
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12