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MRI now awaiting Biopsy - scared

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User
Posted 26 Sep 2022 at 13:16

hi All


first post so please be gentle.


Im 50 years old and had a UTI back in July which was stubborn to shift with antibiotics so GP ordered a blood test.  UTI triggered all kinds of urinary issues like frequency, pain, fever, nausea, vomiting etc. 


Blood test included PSA which came back at 5.9.


GP said to wait a few weeks and do another as PSA can be affected by antibiotics and infections.  DRE was normal.  2nd test came back higher at 7.4 so referred to urologist.  Another DRE and physical exam (all OK) and another blood test which was higher again at 8.5 so MRI ordered.


MRI is not OK - 2 areas showing ' nodules' classed as PI-RADS 5 and PI-RADS 4.  On the plus side they are still contained in prostate and not near the edges.  Nearby lymph nodes, bladder, rectum all normal nor visible bony deposits in pelvis.


Consultant says its likely PC, but it is contained and treatable, but Im now awaiting the fusion biopsy (hopefully on thursday) but remain absolutely terrified and cant think straight or focus on anything.  Ive had some lower back pain for a while now so convined myself its spread to my bones, also taking fast rising PSA into account.   All I can think is Bill Turnbulls comments about ignoring his aches and pains and putting them down to ageing.


Im a more 'glass half empty' mentality so I dont know how I can cope in this state of anxiety for the 2 weeks for the biopsy result then potentially weeks more for a bone scan.   I can barely eat or sleep with worry.


Any advice gratefully received.

Edited by member 26 Sep 2022 at 13:20  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 26 Sep 2022 at 14:28

My PSA was 10.83 in April this year when aged 71. Following the MRI I had the biopsies which although uncomfortable was not painful. I had to wait 5 weeks for the results which was longer than aimed for due to backlog. I was then diagnosed Gleason 7 (3+4) Tc2 and opted for the advised robotically assisted Radical Prostatectomy as like you the surgeon was confident the cancer cells were contained within the prostrate. Three weeks later I had the surgery and today my 3 month post-op PSA is 0.03 which I believe is as good as can be hoped for. Obviously every case is different but my experience might indicate that a potential successful and speedy outcome is possible.

User
Posted 26 Sep 2022 at 15:44

If it's contained within the prostrate then it's a good chance your on a curative path. My urologist also used the 'treatment' word after the MRI because until they have done the biopsy they don't know what they are dealing with and then they can start taking about the way forward.


Many of us on here go through a massive range of emotions. It's only natural to do so. For me personally this is a down day, and to be frank for no good reason either...


Given you have not been formally diagnosed then I would guess you have not been appointed a specialist nurse yet. If it helps discuss your diagnosis with the PCa nurses on here who are excellent or alternatively try Macmillan. I think Macmillan are good at the emotional side of stuff.

User
Posted 29 Sep 2022 at 16:48

Hi Nick


I know how you are feeling. Was Diagnosed 2 weeks ago after MRI and biopsy with G9 (4+5) and MRI scan showed contained in prostate. Further discussion with my SN on Monday and she confirmed in the prostate with no signs of mets or worrying nodes in pelvis area. Had my bone can and CT scan on Tues and the MDT meeting this Friday. My PSA was 12. I am worried sick and every ache or pain I think the cancer as spread! Not heard anything from the scans as yet. My stomach is in knots all the time. The people on here are fantastic and it helps as they have been through it either themselves or one of their family. We just got to hang in there! 

User
Posted 30 Sep 2022 at 13:29

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member


Hi Nick


Thats the same message I got and praying today I get a treatment plan with a curative intent wether that be an option of removal or RT or any other treatments offered. Been on tender hooks all morning thus far. Keep the faith Nick. I am trying to change my mindset and keep positive. 


Andy



 


thanks Andy, and fingers crossed all is good on your scans and MDT meeting.

Edited by member 30 Sep 2022 at 13:30  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 06 Oct 2022 at 21:41

I've recently had 15 biopsies, and still awaiting results. You only feel mild discomfort, lasted a few hrs, I had 1 day rest off work , take paracetamol when home and drink plenty water. I'm 60 and my PSA was 5.3. and I also have 2 shadows showing on MRI scan. My are close to the wall.

User
Posted 06 Oct 2022 at 22:02

Hi Nick, my husband is in a similar situation. He is 54, PSA of 4.7 and enlarged prostate. Had an MRI which was graded as Rad 4, (consultant didn't mention it, but radiologist doing the biopsy did).which was a shock to me as we thought was just BPH but now I'm gone into meltdown mode. He on the other hand is waiting on biopsy results before he starts worry.  His consultant did say there were 2 growths that warranted further investigation but that was it. 


Just a waiting game now, but I understand your anxiety. Only comfort I have is that treatment and curability for this cancer is high. Keep us informed on your progress xx

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User
Posted 26 Sep 2022 at 14:28

My PSA was 10.83 in April this year when aged 71. Following the MRI I had the biopsies which although uncomfortable was not painful. I had to wait 5 weeks for the results which was longer than aimed for due to backlog. I was then diagnosed Gleason 7 (3+4) Tc2 and opted for the advised robotically assisted Radical Prostatectomy as like you the surgeon was confident the cancer cells were contained within the prostrate. Three weeks later I had the surgery and today my 3 month post-op PSA is 0.03 which I believe is as good as can be hoped for. Obviously every case is different but my experience might indicate that a potential successful and speedy outcome is possible.

User
Posted 26 Sep 2022 at 15:44

If it's contained within the prostrate then it's a good chance your on a curative path. My urologist also used the 'treatment' word after the MRI because until they have done the biopsy they don't know what they are dealing with and then they can start taking about the way forward.


Many of us on here go through a massive range of emotions. It's only natural to do so. For me personally this is a down day, and to be frank for no good reason either...


Given you have not been formally diagnosed then I would guess you have not been appointed a specialist nurse yet. If it helps discuss your diagnosis with the PCa nurses on here who are excellent or alternatively try Macmillan. I think Macmillan are good at the emotional side of stuff.

User
Posted 29 Sep 2022 at 16:48

Hi Nick


I know how you are feeling. Was Diagnosed 2 weeks ago after MRI and biopsy with G9 (4+5) and MRI scan showed contained in prostate. Further discussion with my SN on Monday and she confirmed in the prostate with no signs of mets or worrying nodes in pelvis area. Had my bone can and CT scan on Tues and the MDT meeting this Friday. My PSA was 12. I am worried sick and every ache or pain I think the cancer as spread! Not heard anything from the scans as yet. My stomach is in knots all the time. The people on here are fantastic and it helps as they have been through it either themselves or one of their family. We just got to hang in there! 

User
Posted 30 Sep 2022 at 10:57
thanks all for your feedback.

Had biopsy yesterday. Took 9 samples - 3 from suspicious area shown on MRI and 6 from other (clearer) areas.
Not sure why only 9 samples, as other have more, but Im no expert !

Now the 10+ day wait for the results. GP has prescribed Propranolol to take if anxiety gets the better of me but hope I wont need it.

Consultant reassured me over my concerns about spread saying its normal for people to think that any ache or pain people have is assumed to be a spread of their cancer but is rarely the case. He says with no break through capsule, and no other evidence of spread on MRI, it was highly unlikely areas further away would be affected.
User
Posted 30 Sep 2022 at 11:18

Hi Nick


Thats the same message I got and praying today I get a treatment plan with a curative intent wether that be an option of removal or RT or any other treatments offered. Been on tender hooks all morning thus far. Keep the faith Nick. I am trying to change my mindset and keep positive. 


Andy

User
Posted 30 Sep 2022 at 13:29

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member


Hi Nick


Thats the same message I got and praying today I get a treatment plan with a curative intent wether that be an option of removal or RT or any other treatments offered. Been on tender hooks all morning thus far. Keep the faith Nick. I am trying to change my mindset and keep positive. 


Andy



 


thanks Andy, and fingers crossed all is good on your scans and MDT meeting.

Edited by member 30 Sep 2022 at 13:30  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 30 Sep 2022 at 14:42

I can only think that the MDT may take most of the day I suspect. Been quite an anxious wait and they did say they may not ring until Monday morning if it’s a long panel. Feeling quite low at the moment but I cannot give up hope! 

User
Posted 06 Oct 2022 at 21:41

I've recently had 15 biopsies, and still awaiting results. You only feel mild discomfort, lasted a few hrs, I had 1 day rest off work , take paracetamol when home and drink plenty water. I'm 60 and my PSA was 5.3. and I also have 2 shadows showing on MRI scan. My are close to the wall.

User
Posted 06 Oct 2022 at 22:02

Hi Nick, my husband is in a similar situation. He is 54, PSA of 4.7 and enlarged prostate. Had an MRI which was graded as Rad 4, (consultant didn't mention it, but radiologist doing the biopsy did).which was a shock to me as we thought was just BPH but now I'm gone into meltdown mode. He on the other hand is waiting on biopsy results before he starts worry.  His consultant did say there were 2 growths that warranted further investigation but that was it. 


Just a waiting game now, but I understand your anxiety. Only comfort I have is that treatment and curability for this cancer is high. Keep us informed on your progress xx

User
Posted 12 Oct 2022 at 12:17

Hi Nick have you had your results back as yet my Dad is in a similar position.


I'm hoping not all biopsies after MRI mean cancer or is that just hopeful thinking

User
Posted 12 Oct 2022 at 13:55

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member


Hi Nick have you had your results back as yet my Dad is in a similar position.


I'm hoping not all biopsies after MRI mean cancer or is that just hopeful thinking



hi All


got a call this morning from consultant who had received results.  Im very relieved to say that I am fortunate to be in the 15% of cases which turn out to be benign.  Of 33 cores sampled (not 9 as I previously thought), none contained prostate cancer.


I do have 'focal atrophy' and severe inflammation which would explain my ongoing 'prostatitis' symtoms and raised PSA, as well as a lot other medical jargon I couldnt follow.  Have a face to face appointment planned for next week to see what to do about that, now that PCa is ruled out.


Good luck to your father.  Urologist did say that MRI can often confuse other conditions with PCa so is not always that case that a dubious MRI is definately cancer.

Edited by member 12 Oct 2022 at 13:58  | Reason: typo

User
Posted 12 Oct 2022 at 14:05

Awesome news Nick, thanks for your reply

User
Posted 12 Oct 2022 at 22:08

Great news Nick, really pleased for you. You must be so relieved 👍

 
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