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Posted 10/9/2020 9:00 PM (GMT -5)
Hello
I am very pleased to find this forum, as feeling a bit desperate right now.
I had a DRE almost 2 years ago, and nodules were felt. TRUS was done but I never heard anything and didn't follow up. I just saw my doc last week and he felt the nodules, at which time I asked about the ultra sound of almost 2 years ago. He said there were two nodules, one 13cm, the second 6. My PSA is 3.7. I am 72, in excellent physical shape, weight lifting, rowing and bike riding, 151lbs. Enlarged prostate that I have had for years, with the usual sx of slow flow and all the old man stuff
My doc gave me the option of another scan and urologist, but went out of his way to tell me the horror I could face if there is a diagnosis via another scan, biopsy, etc. I now have an appointment for the US and it will take "months" for an appointment with our ONE urologist. Since then, I have been trying to find enough info that gives me good enough odds for me to cancel the scan, because quite frankly, I am afraid of the results and having to go through a biopsy. Its amazing how little info there is available re nodules and the odds of or against cancer. Any reassurance and thoughts would be greatly appreciated......I really am sorry I ever had the original DRE. Thanks very much
Posted 10/9/2020 9:32 PM (GMT -5)
A prostate biopsy is not pleasant, but it's far from terrible. Like many things medical, thinking about what they will do to you is the worst part. Be sure to take the anti-biotic pill in advance, and you'll be fine. Shame on your doctor for terrifying you!
Posted 10/9/2020 10:03 PM (GMT -5)
I suggest that you should already be having regular visits with a urologist. Statistically, about 50% of nodules are malignant. I had 9 (negative) biopsies over 20+ years because of BPH and a slowly rising PSA. I never had an infection.

My last (positive) biopsy was triggered by a PSA slightly higher than expected plus my uro's having felt a nodule. Two of the 14 cores taken found cancer; however, the nodule itself was benign. You could say it was a blessing in disguise, since it led to early diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer.

If a urologist recommends a biopsy, I strongly suggest you have it. IMO you need a baseline investigation. A biopsy is a few minutes of discomfort that I would sum up as no big deal.

The only possible "horror" I see may result from having a non-specialist monitor your multiple prostate issues when what you need is diagnosis and, possibly, treatment.

Djin
Posted 10/9/2020 10:37 PM (GMT -5)

Hello, RichardWayne ---

We welcome you here as a comrade and brother ...

All of us here have stood in your shoes ... perhaps reluctant to make an appointment, or have a procedure done.

So --- above all else, we are here to encourage you. We want what's best for you. It's important to follow up on health matters.

A personal reflection --- from "one brother to another" ---- are you certain this doctor is your best choice, in terms of personal encouragement, follow-up, and support? Your post raised a couple of red flags for me, in that regard.

We just want the very BEST for you. I had a new doctor added to my team this year --- after three appointments with him, which I found to be increasingly unsatisfactory --- I then switched to a different doctor, and am extremely pleased that I sought out a better doctor for my case.

My lesson learned? Don't settle for second best!

You are healthy and active --- you want to ensure that that narrative continues.

You are already taking great care of yourself, and these appointments and procedures are just part of that ongoing endeavor.

We're here for you --- and it's great that you have posted!

You will find a ready welcome here!

Keep us posted!
CYCLONE - # Iowa State University
Posted 10/10/2020 4:21 AM (GMT -5)
My journey started off with a FREE Saturday morning Health Screening for Men. DRE was done and nodules were found.

I was told the nodules "could be" calcium build up but that the only way to know for sure is to get a biopsy....

The scary part was what if I hadn't gone to the screening....OR I did go out and find a new family doctor... He was a small guy and couldn't feel the nodules...... Had I gone to him first - there's no telling if or when my cancer would have been found... My PSA never got over 1.3 .
Posted 10/10/2020 5:54 AM (GMT -5)
Welcome to the forum, Richard. My first advice is to relax and learn. There are great sources and I suggest you start with the Prostate Cancer Foundation at www.pcf.org. They have a guide that will provide you with great information.

Next, get to a qualified urologist that can see you and do it relatively soon. Where are you located? Must be in a small town with only one urologist. How close are you to an area where you will have choices. Sounds like a couple of day trips or overnight trips would be worthwhile.

As we age the probability of having prostate cancer roughly mirrors age. So you are at the point that about 70% of men have some PCa. Thankfully the vast majority is very low grade and doesn’t require treatment. But, you may be in the group that does, and it won’t get better or go away just because you don’t know about it.

Search the nearby cities for urologists and make contact. Don’t wait months for the only one in your town. Let us know where you are located and someone will surely have some suggestions. We have several very rural located members that have had great results by traveling a few hours to get the best care.
Posted 10/10/2020 9:14 AM (GMT -5)
Richard, welcome to the forum.
Looks like DjinTonic has provided you with the statistic you are looking for, or maybe the one you were hoping not to get.
I concur with Cyclone. Time for a specialist. And a biopsy.
It sounds like your current Doctor is actually driving you away from taking action, with fear, which I’ve never seen before. If that’s the case, he is doing you a great injustice.

If you get the biopsy done, and it’s negative it will be a great relief. If it turns out to be positive, these things don’t get better with time,
So seriously, get thee to a qualified urologist

BTW, It would be helpful if you posted your PSA history, that could be more important of a clue than the nodules. 3.7 is not particularly alarming fir a 72 year old with an enlarged prostate. But the trend over the years is what’s more important. Post the PSA history, or better, put it in a signature so that it appears in all your posts. To do that, go to your profile page and choose “edit signature”
Posted 10/10/2020 4:48 PM (GMT -5)
Richard - My Dad started a similar path in his early 70’s and finally had a biopsy which was positive and treated the cancer at 75-76 with brachytherapy (low dose seeding). He is 93 now and will most likely die from something else although it is still there based on his current PSA.

You may want to consider what it takes to live a long time and address the potential issue now. There are lots of good treatments that can halt the cancer progression if it is not allowed to get too far along.

Good luck and hope you find a good place to get evaluated and treated if necessary.
Posted 10/10/2020 7:58 PM (GMT -5)
Welcome to the forum
You have already gotten good advice
So ill just say my stats were similar to youres. A nodule with a PSA of 4.3. Biopsy showed low risk G6 PCA and on active surveillance(monitoring with PSA, MRI and biopsy). And may never need treatment. So if anything is found you may fit in this category but if you do need tratment many good options available
Biopsy sounds scary(i was initially scared of the procedure) but only found it just uncomfortable and a bit annoying. Have since had 2 more done
So ya should get it done to adress any problems early
Best bnb of luck
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