Nervous daughter

User

Posted 10 Oct 2025 at 13:21

My dad had a routine blood test that showed his PSA was 14.7, and when it was repeated a month later, it stayed the same. His GP referred him for an MRI, and about two weeks after the scan, he was told that a targeted transperineal biopsy of the prostate was being recommended. He was placed on the waiting list, which we were told could take around six weeks. A few weeks later, my dad rang his GP because he was feeling very anxious about waiting, and the GP read from the report that it was likely to be prostate cancer but appeared to be confined to the prostate. Since around the time of the MRI, he’s had ongoing groin pain and discomfort — he thinks he may have strained it when lifting something heavy, but the pain hasn’t fully settled. He saw the doctor again to check it wasn’t related to the prostate, and an X-ray of his pelvis and thighs came back clear, as did the MRI in terms of spread. His biopsy is now booked for 15th October, which will be about nine weeks after the MRI. We’re both very worried that things might have changed in that time, and he’s become increasingly anxious as he waits for the procedure. What’s the likely outcome

User

Posted 10 Oct 2025 at 14:51

Hello.

I'm sorry that your dad is having prostate problems. It's lovely to see that you are supporting him by joining this site. Welcome to the forum.

How old is your dad?

His PSA is elevated but not too drastically. His raised PSA could be caused by none cancerous prostate conditions. The MRI gives a visual indication of your dad's condition. Your GP will have taken his MRI result and PSA into account when saying it's likely that he's got prostate cancer. Only the biopsy can show IF he's got prostate cancer, and IF he has how aggressive it's likely to be. IF he is diagnosed with prostate cancer and it's prostate contained, it will be curable.

Your perceived delay won't cause any problems.

Try not to worry. Take one step at a time.

Please keep us updated and don't hesitate to ask any questions. They'll always be someone here to help and support you.

Good luck to you both.👍

Edited by member 10 Oct 2025 at 15:07 | Reason: Additional text

User

Posted 10 Oct 2025 at 15:06

Hi,

Welcome along, as Adrian said its good that you are seeking help and advice on behalf of your dad.

The delay is difficult to cope with but it is what it is. If it was viewed as being urgent then it would be quicker, prostate cancer is slow growing so a few weeks here and there are not likely to cause a big difference in outcome.

As regards his pain, I can tell you from personal experience, the old brain kicks into overdrive and links every niggle into the possibility of PCa. It is more than likely that he has just strained himself, but that the possibility of having pca amplifies the feeling that he would have brushed off with paracetamol just a few weeks ago.

The told me my MRI showed that it was very likely to be PCa, so I went into a bit of a doom spiral before I got my biopsy results. These were completely clear so I'd spent a few weeks worrying for nothing.

The biopsy is the only way they can confirm one way or another if your dad has got PCa. Only when the results come back will you be able to see what needs doing. When one came back negative it still changed my life, my outlook on it and the way I look after myself and my family. So be prepared that if it's good news he will still have undergone some emotional change.

Keep on chatting here and gaining knowledge that will help you support your dad once the biopsy is done, whichever way it goes.

Take care and stay strong, it might not be asbad as you are thinking.

Mick x

User

Posted 10 Oct 2025 at 15:10

He is 66.

Thank you so much for the lovely supportive responses and sharing your stories. It’s very encouraging and brave of you all.

User

Posted 10 Oct 2025 at 16:15

Its not really brave, you get dealt a hand and have to play the cards. Some do it really well, others struggle.

Its very hard no matter what illness you get, I just think prostate problems terrify men because it's likely to affect your urination and sex life. The men at my biopsy were more worried about the fact that they were having a probe inserted into their bottom. I can only imagine they thought such a thing was deeply wrong because we are on the whole pretty homophobic.

You will also hear a lot of people say something like "well, at least you've got one of the best cancers" as if PCa isn't really a problem at all. Its kind of like saying, "well yes, you were run over by a car, but at least it was a Rolls Royce, not a Metro"

The waiting is the worst bit, once you get to know where things might be headed you can at least start to deal with it.

Mick.

User

Posted 11 Oct 2025 at 12:06

All the tests so far indicate that the cancer is confined which means it is curable. The advances in treatments, particularly surgery, means that he has an excellent chance of returning to normal life. I had a similar diagnosis before my biopsy and I know it must be a very anxious time for him and you. I had surgery 16 years ago and I am still enjoying my life and watching our three grand children growing up. You have come to the right place because there is an amazing amount of collective experience here and help for whichever treatment option he is advised. Good luck and I hope all goes well.

'Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that’s not why we do it.' Richard Feynman (1918-1988) Nobel Prize laureate

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