Seen the consultant

User

Posted 12 Mar 2020 at 21:10

Saw the consultant today, had an ultrasound scan to see how much urine left in bladder after a wee, result of that was 41mm, then to the consultant. He asked a few questions, told me my PSA was 11.3, then the DRE, after which he said my prostate feels hard and lumpy and probably cancer. His bluntness took me and my wife back a bit. Then he arranged an MRI in just over a weeks time, said if its positive then it a biopsy, if it's negative see him in 6 weeks. That seemed a bit confusing to me, he seemed certain it is cancer, so what else can cause a hard lumpy prostate? I have no other symptom's apart from a sometimes poor urine flow. He did say much can be done don t worry, to be honest it was all a bit quick but I guess efficient, So the waiting game begins

Ian

User

Posted 12 Mar 2020 at 23:30

I suppose it is sensible for the doctor to state what would happen in both circumstances rather than not mention the 'if it is negative' scenario. If, by some small chance, you got the all clear, you would be wondering what happens next and now you know. Having said that, with a hard & lumpy prostate, it seems the doctor was preparing you for a very likely diagnosis of cancer.

If you haven't done so already, download the toolkit from this website and start reading - it will prepare you for the tests ahead and likely options.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 12 Mar 2020 at 23:40

Consultants can be blunt. At my local hospital they always have a specialist nurse with them. I think the nurse's job is to give you some empathy.

Personally, I like the blunt approach. As soon as he's finished with me he can be helping the next patient, (though my friend who works in a hospital says they spend most of the time playing golf instead).

Dave

User

Posted 13 Mar 2020 at 00:00

My consultant urologist was pretty blunt after a DRE as well. She told me it was almost certainly cancer and if it had spread to my bones it would be incurable. But although she was blunt she certainly wasn’t unkind and explained there was lots that could be done to help. She turned out to be right on both counts. I can’t fault how quickly the wheels were put into motion after that or the care I have received in the three and a half years since.

You, very understandably, will be worried and confused until you have the full story and a treatment plan. I’m not trying to suggest it’s plain sailing after that but it does become easier.

All the best

Dave

User

Posted 13 Mar 2020 at 11:02

Hi all

I did nt mind the blunt, and to be honest I do prefer it, it surprised me more really. I agree with all your comments and thankyou for them. I am also someone who wants to know everything and not to be treated with kid gloves. I do think that I will be diagnosed with PC and I intend to stay positive too, even with the worries and anxious feelings. Infact I think I will feel better ( if that makes sense ) by knowing, at least then I have a focus and know what I am dealing with. The waiting for MRI and very possibly biopsy, is the worse thing, suddenly a week or two feels like years.

Ian

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