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Should I get a biopsy?

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Posted 11/5/2010 9:32 PM (GMT -5)

about 8 months ago I started having urinating problems and couldn't empty my blotter. My PSA goes up and down. I take testosterone shots every 2 or 3 weeks for the last couple of years. It was 42 last week but took it about 5 hours after I got up and will have another one done in a couple of days. My last PSA was high and the doctor told me I had a 16 to 25% chance of having prostate cancer and ask if I wanted a biopsy. I don't know because it can cause infection and bloody stool. I had my testosterone shot about a week ago. Over the last month I have been having problems urinating and the last couple of days were more difficult. So should I wait 3 more months before I have another PSA test and see if I need a biopsy which would be January 31th or should I have one done as soon as possible?

Posted 11/5/2010 9:59 PM (GMT -5)
dear Lost:

Lots of more knowledgeable folks will soon jump in. But just for starters:

Sounds to me that your problem is not prostate cancer at all but just an enlarged gland called "BPH".

What is your PSA reading?

If you do go to a biopsy, don't sweat it. It is a little uncomfortable but not that bad.

Sure you will have a little bloody pee and ejaculate and maybe a few drops in the stool but no worse than a bloody nose.

I'll leave the rest to the experts here...

Don K.

Posted 11/5/2010 11:04 PM (GMT -5)
Was your last PSA test 42? or 4.2 or what?? I would lay off the testosterone until you find out what is going on...Are you seeing a urologist?
Posted 11/5/2010 11:08 PM (GMT -5)
Hi lostsoul62

My first question: Is your doctor a urologist ?

My next observance is that prostate cancer usually lives on testosterone and yours, at 42, doesn't have to go much lower to be at castrate level. Hardly an environment for prostate cancer, but not impossible.

Don K's suggestion it might be BPH is not without merit.

If the doctor of which you speak is not a urologist, I suggest you get one. If he is a urologist, I suggest you find another one who is knowledgeable of prostates and prostate cancer.

Dave
Posted 11/5/2010 11:34 PM (GMT -5)
If you have a trusting relationship with your internist and he recommends a urologist and the two of them, the internist and the urologist, recommend a course of action, no matter what that 'course of action is' ... I think you should either follow their advice or find yourself two new advisors.  None of us reading this knows you, your medical history or the current situation.  This is a matter to be resolved between you and your physicians after careful thought.  Don't try to self-diagnose or medicate.  Go with the professional advice.  That's the same circumstance I was faced with and my trust in my advisors saved my life.  Of that I am convinced.  Best wishes for a successful resolution of your problems.
Posted 11/6/2010 1:28 AM (GMT -5)
Hi Lost ~ 

Did your doctor put you on Cipro or some other antibotic?  This was given to my husband for 16 days.   Unfortunately, he ended up having prostate cancer.  You have another PSA test coming up soon?  Maybe that will be more of a guideline for you.  Yes, the biopsy procedure may be uncomfortable, but wouldn't you want to know what you're dealing with?

I would lay off the testosterone until you find out what is going on...Are you seeing a urologist?

 

Fairwind brings up a GOOD point.  Ron's PSA was normal for years.  Then he started with the testosterone shots for about 8 months and his PSA rose.  In our conversation with the urologist, I asked if those shots could have caused the cancer to grow?  His response was something like, "In some cases yes,  but we don't know for sure if this was true in Ron's case."  I felt that was a cop out, as I think it may have.

It bothers me that sometime in the future the doctor may give Ron the testosterone shots again.  I am most fearful of the outcome. 

Lost, in the end you may seek the advice of an urologist.  I know this can cause anxiety.  Please reread Mavica's advice.  I wish you the best!

Aimzee  


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