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Anxiety - waiting

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Posted 9/25/2021 8:58 PM (GMT -5)
5 treatment sessions?
Posted 9/26/2021 11:33 AM (GMT -5)
As someone that did have the coil during my MRI, I'm glad to hear that you didn't have to endure that. Good luck on the biopsy!
Posted 9/26/2021 7:53 PM (GMT -5)
Geordi - I had the coil over the abdomen as well with the same thoughts about the rectal coil. about the only good surprise I remember from that period.

Yes, there are radiation treatments from one or two treatments (brachytherapy) to five treatments (SBRT) to 25 - 45 treatments (IMRT/IGRT) as well as combinations. If you do get a cancer diagnosis from your MRI/biopsy then certain treatment options may be appropriate for different levels of seriousness. In the less serious cases, almost all options are on the table including active surveillance which is watching and testing on a regular basis for mild cases.

I was 66 and retired for a month or so when my prostate adventure began so I share your time frame and the timing is terrible. That being said, the first couple of months are awful but things get better once you have all the data and the decisions are made as needed. The weeks before my surgery was the calmest I had felt in months so it will get a little easier when you get past this stage.
Posted 9/26/2021 9:32 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks Mumbo.
Posted 9/28/2021 6:24 PM (GMT -5)
So I was looking at my appointment for this Friday with the urologist and noted something on the appointment that said 10 PSA and then there was another PSA with a dash and then the city where his office is located. I wondered what that meant since my PSA tests were 8.8 and 8.6. So I left a message and was told that 10 PSA means they want me to get there 10 minutes early for a blood draw and PSA test on site and they were designating that location where the appointment is. I’m wondering is that a standard thing? The first two PSA tests were conducted by the primary care doctor’s lab. So the consultation on Friday is to review the MRI results and to discuss the next steps I assume regarding a biopsy.
Posted 9/28/2021 7:42 PM (GMT -5)
Geordi,

It's not uncommon for urologists to do PSA in their office--it gives them a baseline to use in the future, where they will also want your post-treatment tests done there. There are variations between the different manufacturers of equipment--and they like what they have on site.

It's not a big deal--get used to being poked, prodded, and jabbed. It's just something to live with.
Posted 9/28/2021 7:52 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks.
Posted 9/28/2021 7:58 PM (GMT -5)
When you're in this stage of the process, it's not so much the extra PSA tests that are a drag, as much as it is every doctor you see needing to stick their own finger up your rear.

Good luck on Friday.
Posted 9/28/2021 8:03 PM (GMT -5)
Funny. It definitely feels like a compromising position.
Posted 9/28/2021 10:38 PM (GMT -5)

halbert said...
Geordi,

It's not uncommon for urologists to do PSA in their office--it gives them a baseline to use in the future, where they will also want your post-treatment tests done there. There are variations between the different manufacturers of equipment--and they like what they have on site.

Could it be a free PSA test?
It's not a big deal--get used to being poked, prodded, and jabbed. It's just something to live with.

Posted 10/1/2021 5:21 PM (GMT -5)
MRI results today. Normal. In fact the urologist ordered another PSA test to confirm elevated levels. Still elevated. 10.5 today. Standard biopsy on 10/13/21. Did a swipe to match antibiotic to my specific flora/fauna.
Posted 10/1/2021 5:45 PM (GMT -5)
Well that's certainly a good thing. So a 12-core random biopsy on 10/13?
Posted 10/1/2021 5:54 PM (GMT -5)
Well, best of luck on your biopsy, but in this case I'm not sure what "good luck" looks like. If the cores are all negative, will you still feel anxious that there is something there that they missed? If they do find something, there is all the anxiety of dealing with treatment, but at least you won't have the unknown to worry about.
Posted 10/1/2021 6:16 PM (GMT -5)
The people on this forum have helped me to be less anxious. I am hoping for a positive outcome. Whether it’s. Pc or not. Thank you for your good wishes.
Posted 10/2/2021 4:53 AM (GMT -5)

Geordi L. said...
Funny. It definitely feels like a compromising position.

When visiting a new doc, I've learned to take a quick look at the glove rack in the exam room....if the most-used box is the "XL", I know I'm in trouble.
Posted 10/5/2021 11:15 AM (GMT -5)
Here is the result of the swab:

I wanted to update you that we received your pre-biopsy rectal swab results. The bacteria that were present ARE susceptible to ciprofloxacin, but resistant to ceftriaxone, which the Dr. had originally proposed having via injection on the date of the procedure. Normally, Dr. has patients take 2 tablets of cipro on the day of the procedure. However, with the above results, he is recommending doing a 3-day course of ciprofloxacin. You would start the day before the biopsy and take 1 tablet by mouth twice daily the day before, the day of, and the day following your prostate biopsy
Posted 10/5/2021 11:28 AM (GMT -5)
Knowledge is power and a great way to help control anxiety. Geordi…you’re becoming informed keep up the good work.
Posted 10/5/2021 1:51 PM (GMT -5)
Not all uros are this methodical and thorough--I think you're very fortunate to have him as your doc.
Posted 10/5/2021 2:30 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks Michael T. Part of it has been the ideas that were provided to me here. I asked the questions and made the request and I am fortunate that my doctor was open and responsive to these ideas.
Posted 10/14/2021 12:09 PM (GMT -5)
Standard truss 12 needle biopsy yesterday. It went well. The ultrasound didn’t show anything similar to my MRI. But I don’t think they are that specific at least the ultrasound to finding PC. Cold sit spas have been very helpful to reducing the inflammation associated with the biopsy. I’m taking three days of Cipro two per day 500 mg to reduce the risk of infection. Amazingly yesterday on the way to the urologist, I found a bite mark on my rib cage that looks a lot like a deer tick bite and to avoid Lymes disease A different anabiotic is in play.
Posted 10/14/2021 1:32 PM (GMT -5)
Wishing you the best re the biopsy! Keep us posted.
Posted 10/14/2021 1:52 PM (GMT -5)
Good luck for the biopsy!
Posted 10/14/2021 2:03 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks guys!
Posted 10/14/2021 4:28 PM (GMT -5)
Good luck Geo
Posted 10/14/2021 4:48 PM (GMT -5)
Hang in there now, the results will come when they come and will be what they will be.

Don’t be surprised if you have bloody semen for quite some time.
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