Biopsy Scheduled

Hi:

I am scheduled for a prostate biopsy next Tuesday the 29th and am really concerned because I have read a number of articles and reports online suggesting that there are potential complications such as infection, inflamation of the prostate etc. Can anyone tell me waht to expect. The doctor of course says don't worry problems are rare...not sure I take him at his word.

Just some quick background:

Im 63

One year ago my PSA was 4.4 and was then retested in three months and was 3.4

My most recent PSA 7-15-08 was 12.5

The Dr. says the prostate is slightly enlarged but his main concern is that the prostate feel hard...no lumps just hard. He says hard is not good! I'm not sure what he means by hard except that cancer tumors are hard.

Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks

Jack 

Hi Jack...you have come to a great place. The biopsy makes anyone nervous that hasn't had one. I was no different. I can tell you from my experience what took place. I was given an antibotic pill the day before, the day of (along with an additional shot), and the day after to avoid any infection. They gave me a numbing gell just prior to the numbing shots to numb the prostate so that was pretty easy with not feeling anything at all. The actual core sampling (12 cores) was more intrusive because I could feel the bump against the prostate but no pain. I did have on cores 7 & 8 a sharp pain but it went away immediately. After that no problems. Trust me when I say that getting the biopsy will be much easier than you think it will be going in.

Good luck and you won't be sorry on the decision to have the biopsy, because no matter what all the other indicators may or may not show...it is the only test that can give lab results and even then it's not 100% because of the small sampling amount... but it is the best out there at this time.

I had a high density biopsy that took 42 core samples. I was under a general and knew nothing about what was going on. With that many samples you really don't want to be awake! After that procedure I was sore to be sure but it really was not too bad at all. I would describe it as high discomfort but not pain. I'm still recovering (3 days) and am doing OK. I am taking Cipro and an anti-inflamitory

My uncle had the "normal" biopsy and in his words, "It felt like a rubber band snap and that was it." My father had a biopsy and never even mentioned it to me.

The anxiety is the issue here. I just had my biopsy on Monday so I can tell you that when you are done it will be a great relief. You will be surprised that it really is not so bad.

As far as a prostate being hard I can't say, but my father had a hard spot and he did end up with PCa and choose brachytherapy.

John Zambelli said...
Wow you had a lot of samples!

I just read the stuff the doctors office gave me and it says they take "at least 8 samples" no mention of 40 something. As far as I know I am not going under antyhing and frankly they did not say anything about numbing me first but that just may be so standard that the don't even say it...!

The procedure is done in one of the doctors offices wher they are set up to do this proceedure so no hospital. The doctor Dr. Chang has a great background...Harvard educated, Columbia Med School and he is the Chairman of Urology at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Paterson NJ. Has anyone ever used him? Know him? Any feedback would be great.

Thanks



Jack

Jack,

My doctor recommended this more extensive biopsy because of my family history. Since my father had very aggressive cancer at age 74 that was highly involved in the whole prostate, it was a more cautious approach than the standard test. All of the samples were accurately mapped to locations in my prostate so if anything was found a good, exact location could be determined. Also with more samples is more assurance that any cancer will not be missed. In the end it was a very good choice for me.

If you are interested I have a post here on the biopsy process. It is called Stereotactic Transperineal Prostate Biopsy. The procedure is obviously not for everyone but if you are interested I’ve posted information here and on my web blog in my signature too. A link to the paper my doctor, Dr. Brian J. Moran wrote on this biopsy procedure can be found at www.prostateimplant.com/pdf/news/2.pdf,


Right now just collect all of the information you can and browse the conversations here. You will be surprised at all of the collective knowledge and experiences you can find. In knowledge is peace. Fear not and forge ahead.


Jim

Hi John,

The biopsy is not that rough. I had the standard twelve samples and the needle firing felt like a mild thump. As for infection I was given an antibiotic for five days.... one prior and four following. I also took an enema about two hours before the test. The day of the test the doctor did numb the area with a local and I was offered a tranquilizer but declined. The enema is important in avoiding the infection so don't take a pass on it. Makes the doctors job a little easier too. A little rest in the afternoon and I was up and running the next day. (Literally) I did not have any blood in my stool other than immediately after. Gone the next day and none in the urine.

Your other question regarding a "hard spot" gives me some concern. On my DRE the doctor said that the left side of my prostate was hard as a rock. This turned out to be the primary tumor. Hopefully this will not be the case with you.

Good luck.

Don

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Hi John,

I know what ur going through. I found that post-biopsy I was a little uncomfortable for a few days, but other than that it was ok. No infections. Was prescribed anti-biotics for a couple of days afterwards.

It took me a couple of hours b4 I passed urine following the biopsy...they wouldnt let me go until then. I think I drank water, coke and coffee. I thought that I has to pee like a horse, so sat in day surgery for a couple of hours more than necessary.

Be kind to yourself after the procedure. Treat yourself.

My thoughts are with you. For me the wait after the biopsy was the most difficult. Get that over with, then you know what ur dealing with.

John.

Thank you all for the encourgament and the great advise. Finding this wonderful resource really helps one better understand what to expect and eases my concerns.

I have another question and I hope someone can help.

I have a number of symptoms including classic back pain and discomfort in my pubic area, But I am getting this dull pain in my rectum...like I have a marble in my butt. I'm not sure if this is a symptom or my hemmroids are acting up from the two digital exams I've had. I spoke to my neighbor who has prostate issues but no cancer and he said he gets rectial pain.

Can anyone tell me if this is normal? And if it is my hemmroids will the biopsy cause more problems?

Thanks

Jack

I'll be thinking about you tomorrow Jack. Take it from me, I'm a "weenie" and I survived it. It is really not bad. You will be relieved when it is over and fine within a day or so.

Do take it a little easy afterward and you will be back to normal in a few days.

I had a biopsy in late-June this year and, afterwards, developed a serious case of sepsis - partial shock - and was hospitalzed or three days. The result of my biopsy wasn't wasn't what I wanted to hear - positive for some of the samples - and I'll undergo the da Vinci procedure at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago in September.

Jack Z said...
Hi:

Well today is my biopsy at 2PM and while nervous the kind words of encourgement from everyone has made me more comfortable about the biopsy. Just in case I'm going to take 10mg of Valium an hour before the biopsy and that should take the edge off!

Now the waiting. But with a 12. PAS and a hard prostate I am fairly sure I'll be joining the club here!

Thanks again,

Jack

Jack,

Don't count yourself out yet! I was certain that I would be diagnosed with PCa and SURPRISE the pathology was negative.

The Valium is a fine idea. I would endorse that option.

I'll be thinking of you at 2 PM.


Jim