I had my biopsy done this last Monday and today is Friday. Yesterday I started my walks again and got in 9 miles with no problems.
Today I did a 5 mile walk and then I started back on my weight lifting.
I experienced some fatigue while doing my weightlifting but I don't know if it was caused by the procedure or the heat/humidity or a combination of everything.
Other than the fatigue, I have experienced no ill effects caused by the biopsy and for the most part, I escaped the procedure pain free...except for a bit on the day of the actual procedure and the morning after.
I decided not to push things too much and have opted out of my usual 4 mile walk this afternoon.
The heat index is way up there...around 110 degrees f. With everything going so well from the biopsy, the worst thing I could do is push everything and cause an unneeded issue.
I will take it one day at a time and slowly build up to where I was prior to the biopsy.
The only thing left that is biopsy related is to get the results of the biopsy.
Showing posts with label Prostate biopsy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prostate biopsy. Show all posts
The Day After
Last night I had some pain from my Prostate Biopsy. The level of pain was what I would call moderate.
I was fine after taking a pain pill and had no problems throughout the course of the night.
Since having the biopsy procedure completed, I have urinated several times and I have had one bowel movement.
Of course these major earth shattering events are not usually something that is considered blog worthy, at least on this blog. I mention it only to let inquiring minds know that I observed no blood in my urine and no blood has been observed in my bowel movement. I was kind of pleasantly surprised with no blood being visible at all. Truly a reason to celebrate...WOO HOO!!!!!!!
Now that the celebrating is done....today very minimal pain. I seem to be getting more pain from the issues caused by my back than those that might be caused by the biopsy and those back and leg pains are a daily issue with me.
As soon as I get the all clear from the results of this biopsy and get the radiologist official results from my most recent round of back x rays, I will be contacting a local chiropracter/spine type of doctor and start getting my back and legs issues resolved.
I plan on taking it easy today.
No long walks and definitely no lifting.
I will probably make a post office run and then I might clean our bedroom.
Depending on how I feel tomorrow I might try to go for a walk.
I will have to wait and see but so far so good..
I was fine after taking a pain pill and had no problems throughout the course of the night.
Since having the biopsy procedure completed, I have urinated several times and I have had one bowel movement.
Of course these major earth shattering events are not usually something that is considered blog worthy, at least on this blog. I mention it only to let inquiring minds know that I observed no blood in my urine and no blood has been observed in my bowel movement. I was kind of pleasantly surprised with no blood being visible at all. Truly a reason to celebrate...WOO HOO!!!!!!!
Now that the celebrating is done....today very minimal pain. I seem to be getting more pain from the issues caused by my back than those that might be caused by the biopsy and those back and leg pains are a daily issue with me.
As soon as I get the all clear from the results of this biopsy and get the radiologist official results from my most recent round of back x rays, I will be contacting a local chiropracter/spine type of doctor and start getting my back and legs issues resolved.
I plan on taking it easy today.
No long walks and definitely no lifting.
I will probably make a post office run and then I might clean our bedroom.
Depending on how I feel tomorrow I might try to go for a walk.
I will have to wait and see but so far so good..
The Day In The Life Of A Prostate Gland
Last night I spent about 2 hours dealing with a Fleet enema.
The enema was needed to clean out the lower part of my bowel so that the chances of infection would be less after my prostate biopsy.
As a result of the enema and because my anxiety level for this procedure was rising quickly, I did not end up getting to sleep until around 11.30PM.
Unfortunately our alarm clock started chirping around 5AM.
Let me tell you...life does not get any better than getting up at 5AM, laying on the cold bathroom floor with a couple of bath towels beneath you and waking up to a nice warm Fleet enema.
I doubt if Jimmy Buffett has it this good.
Because of my concern about getting cleaned out well...I ended up doing the enema about 5 times.
I wonder if they have a word for someone that has a phobia about getting an infection in their bowel or prostate...at least a word other than crazy or lunatic.
I was originally planning on doing the one enema and then getting back in bed for a few additional minutes of sleep.
Obviously that plan went out the window after the 5 fill up.
It was then shower time.
Before I knew it, Veronica was up and in the bathroom getting ready for our 2 hour drive into Virginia Beach.
I asked her what time it was and she said it was around 6:15-6:20. We had planned on leaving around 6:45. Man times flies when you are having several enemas.
Thought #1 guys...give yourself plenty of time for preparation for the biopsy. Those enemas take time and you want to make sure that it all gets out of you before you do any traveling to your doctors office or the procedural location.
Last thing you will want is an accident.
Thought #2..bring a change of clothes anyways. You know that old saying that 'shit happens"...well nothing is worse or more embarrassing than it happening all over yourself while you are in a vehicle and your wife or significant other is driving.
Veronica and I arrived in Virginia Beach just a little early. This allowed us some time to run just a few errands before heading to the hospital where the biopsy was to occur. Thought #3...keep busy and occupied so that your mind will hopefully be on other things besides the upcoming procedure.
We arrived at the hospital with plenty of time to spare. I signed and initialed the usual medical paperwork, got my official medical wristband and had a seat in the small waiting room.
So here I was with Veronica, sitting in the waiting room getting more and more anxious and nervous as the moments went by.
I ended up playing Slingo on Veronica's Ipod.
Here is a 56 year old male with a medical wristband who is awaiting his Prostate Biopsy and he is playing Slingo. Quite the sight to see but like I said in thought #3 guys...keep yourself busy and mentally occupied.
Unfortunately they were running a little behind...no prostate biopsy pun intended.
It was around 10:20 that I got my official call and welcoming in to room number 2, which is where my biopsy took place.
The nurse that took my vital signs was very compassionate and friendly and took my prostate biopsy humor in style.
I was told to remove everything from my waist down but I was told that I could leave my boxers and shorts around my ankles if I wanted. Because that is not really my fashion style, I decided not to go that route and removed those items completely reverting back to my true fashion style...caveman. I did leave my socks on...must have been one of the security blanky things.
I was then told to lay on my left hip with my hiney sticking out just over the side of this procedural table/bed and was given one of those paper gowns just to lightly place over my body.
The nurse then took quite a bit of time going though everything that would be occurring in a step by step fashion. She showed me the wand that would be inserted, the biopsy needle unit that slides into the wand unit, the actual noise that the biopsy needle unit makes when taking a biopsy sample,..a clicking sound the syringe and long thin tube that the lidocaine goes through when giving me the local. The syringe unit also slides into the wand that is inserted into the rectum.
Now for the wand. It is approximately 1 - 1 1/2 inch in diameter and is tapered.
After being lubed up well, this wand was inserted approximately 4 inches into my rectum.
My doctor was great. He kept talking to me and was explaining each and every move that was going on so that I would be more relaxed...which was not really happening during the procedure.
I forgot to mention that I had taken 1/2 of a xanax pill about 1/2 hour prior to the procedure and it seemed to be enough to take my anxiety down a notch or two but didn't know me out not make me so groggy that the doctor might be reluctant in doing the procedure.
Thought #4...drugs react to each person differently so if you are taking something to relax you, be careful not to go overboard. Nothing worse than going through all of the preparation work, along with all of the stress and anxiety involved that leads up to the actual procedure and then have the doctor cancel and re-schedule your procedure because you self medicated too much. Believe me...you don't want that to happen.
I noticed that it was rather cool in the room but I felt really warm...almost to the point of breaking out in a sweat.
After taking the time to explain the whole procedure to me and taking my vitals, first nurse left and then the doctors nursing assistant arrived in the room. She would be the one staying in the room during that actual procedure.
My doctor arrived in the room in short order and he also took the time to explain everything to me.
He also advised me that he would do a countdown from the number 3 each time that he would be taking a biopsy sample and I would hear a click and feel a pressurized type of sticking feeling each time a biopsy sample was being taken.
After inserting the wand into my rectum, he started to move it around a bit which felt like pressure on my prostate. I was equating what he was doing as getting a "lay of the land". He was looking on a ultra sound type of television screen which showed him live images of my prostate and surrounding areas.
The doctor told me that I my prostate was rather large. Actually he stated that it was a "citation" prostate. Anyone in Virginia that catches a fish that is over a specified and official size get what they call a citation...a certificate that honors the person that caught the fish and the large size of said fish that was caught.
I asked the doctor that because my prostate was rather large, if the results turned out negative for prostate cancer, would it be wise to get some medication that would shrink my prostate. He told me that unless I was having difficulty urinating or that I was urinating very frequently during the night, shrinking my prostate would not be all that necessary.
I do have problems urinating at times...not a constant thing and I do get up usually once and sometimes twice a night to urinate. The night time urination is most likely due to the amount of liquids that I drink right up until my time top go to sleep.
After getting a good look around via the inserted wand, it was time for my local to get administered.
I was given 2 "shots" of lidocaine which was delivered via the syringe and long thin tubular device that had been inserted into the wand.
I was given the official countdown from the number 3 and felt a pin prick type of brief sting as the lidocaine was administered. The doctor the moved the wand around to another location of the prostate and another countdown was given for the next shot of lidocaine.
It was at this time that something happened that gave me a bit of a scare.
After giving me the 2 locals, I got this flush feeling coming over me and all of a sudden my face and especially my mouth area started getting numb. I verbalized what was going on to the doctor and I am sure that he could read the concern in my facial expressions.
I actually thought that I was going to black out for a minute there.
It was a feeling that I have never felt before. I have felt flush before but this was a lot different and that why I got somewhat concerned.
My doctor told me that this type of reaction occurs with a few patients.
As time passed this feeling slowly subsided.
It also should be noted that once the wand is initially inserted into the rectum, it stays there until the procedure is completed, which was probably around 10-12 minutes for the whole procedure from start to finish.
Prior to getting this procedure done, I had thought that they would take 6 biopsy samples all at one time...with one click of the biopsy needle until and then another click for the other 6 biopsy samples.
As it turns out, each sample gets taken on its own and comes with the countdown and accompanying clicking sound coming from the biopsy sample unit.
After taking a biopsy sample, the doctor moved the wand around to another on the prostate for the next sample to be taken.
After several minutes, which seemed a lot longer, my doctor stated that this would be the last sample taken and with that final click coming from the biopsy sample unit, my prostate biopsy procedure was completed.
The doctor left the wand inserted and was putting pressure on various areas on my prostate, where the samples were taken. He kept the pressure on my prostate for several minutes. This was done to stop or slow any internal bleeding that might be occurring because of trauma to the prostate.
I was allowed to sit up on the table after a few minutes of relaxing, then allowed to stand up and get dressed.
Before leaving the area my doctor told me that we would have the biopsy results in about a week or so but if I did not hear back from him in 2 weeks, that I should give his office a phone call.
My doctor also told me that if the results were good and nothing bad noted, that I could go back and see him in about 6 months but if something bad showed up in the samples, then he would give me a referral to see one of his compatriots that deal with those that have prostate cancer.
I was also given details as far as what to expect after having this procedure done.
It is possible that I could have some rectal bleeding and that there could be some blood in my urine.
If this bleeding continued for several days and/or is really heavy, I should get back with my doctor or if I get a fever/chills and other signs of an infection, I might be told to go to the hospital if needed.
I am to continue taking my Cipro to fight off the chance of infection but only take it for another day or so.
The aforementioned issues, along with any pain or discomfort that I might feel, should go away in a matter of days...3-5 with 7 being the most...at least usually. I have read that these issues usually only last a couple of days.
I will let everyone know how these issues are going as the days go by.
Another issue that would most likely occur would be some blood in my semen/ejaculate. I was told that it would start off being red in color and as time goes on, the color could turn to brown.
The doctor told me that this was not harmful to neither myself nor my partner should I be sexually active.
Thought #5...out of thoughtfulness and caring for your sexual partners emotional well being, I would strongly advise that you get a package of condoms to use when you become sexually active again after this procedure and continue using them until everything in this issue returns to a normal color. Last thing you need is to put your significant other in an emotional state where the discoloration is something that is embedded in their memory banks especially if you want to have future sexual interactions with this person.
After I returned home, I stayed up for a little bit and then went to bed and slept for a while.
Tomorrow I will be taking it easy too.
On Wed, depending on how I am feeling, I might try to take a walk. I might have to build up the number of miles I can do depending on how I am feeling.
I definitely do not want to push things to far to fast. The sooner I heal up, the sooner I can get back to my "normal' life routine.
Right now the pain level is not too bad but I am taking some pain medication and will over the next few days until everything settles down a bit.
After I get through the healing process on this, I will need to find a local spine doctor to help me out with my back issues.
I have noticed that after I had that bout of extreme leg pain while Veronica and I were in Orlando, the inside of my upper right leg from the inside groin/thigh area down to almost my knee, is about 65% numb. the numbness runs in an area about 3-4 inches wide. Not sure what is going on but seems logical that there was some type of nerve damage done during that really painful event while we were at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando.
More info will follow over the next couple of days.
Guys...got a question about an upcoming Prostate Biopsy...drop me an email and I will give you honest and straight forward answers.
The enema was needed to clean out the lower part of my bowel so that the chances of infection would be less after my prostate biopsy.
As a result of the enema and because my anxiety level for this procedure was rising quickly, I did not end up getting to sleep until around 11.30PM.
Unfortunately our alarm clock started chirping around 5AM.
Let me tell you...life does not get any better than getting up at 5AM, laying on the cold bathroom floor with a couple of bath towels beneath you and waking up to a nice warm Fleet enema.
I doubt if Jimmy Buffett has it this good.
Because of my concern about getting cleaned out well...I ended up doing the enema about 5 times.
I wonder if they have a word for someone that has a phobia about getting an infection in their bowel or prostate...at least a word other than crazy or lunatic.
I was originally planning on doing the one enema and then getting back in bed for a few additional minutes of sleep.
Obviously that plan went out the window after the 5 fill up.
It was then shower time.
Before I knew it, Veronica was up and in the bathroom getting ready for our 2 hour drive into Virginia Beach.
I asked her what time it was and she said it was around 6:15-6:20. We had planned on leaving around 6:45. Man times flies when you are having several enemas.
Thought #1 guys...give yourself plenty of time for preparation for the biopsy. Those enemas take time and you want to make sure that it all gets out of you before you do any traveling to your doctors office or the procedural location.
Last thing you will want is an accident.
Thought #2..bring a change of clothes anyways. You know that old saying that 'shit happens"...well nothing is worse or more embarrassing than it happening all over yourself while you are in a vehicle and your wife or significant other is driving.
Veronica and I arrived in Virginia Beach just a little early. This allowed us some time to run just a few errands before heading to the hospital where the biopsy was to occur. Thought #3...keep busy and occupied so that your mind will hopefully be on other things besides the upcoming procedure.
We arrived at the hospital with plenty of time to spare. I signed and initialed the usual medical paperwork, got my official medical wristband and had a seat in the small waiting room.
So here I was with Veronica, sitting in the waiting room getting more and more anxious and nervous as the moments went by.
I ended up playing Slingo on Veronica's Ipod.
Here is a 56 year old male with a medical wristband who is awaiting his Prostate Biopsy and he is playing Slingo. Quite the sight to see but like I said in thought #3 guys...keep yourself busy and mentally occupied.
Unfortunately they were running a little behind...no prostate biopsy pun intended.
It was around 10:20 that I got my official call and welcoming in to room number 2, which is where my biopsy took place.
The nurse that took my vital signs was very compassionate and friendly and took my prostate biopsy humor in style.
I was told to remove everything from my waist down but I was told that I could leave my boxers and shorts around my ankles if I wanted. Because that is not really my fashion style, I decided not to go that route and removed those items completely reverting back to my true fashion style...caveman. I did leave my socks on...must have been one of the security blanky things.
I was then told to lay on my left hip with my hiney sticking out just over the side of this procedural table/bed and was given one of those paper gowns just to lightly place over my body.
The nurse then took quite a bit of time going though everything that would be occurring in a step by step fashion. She showed me the wand that would be inserted, the biopsy needle unit that slides into the wand unit, the actual noise that the biopsy needle unit makes when taking a biopsy sample,..a clicking sound the syringe and long thin tube that the lidocaine goes through when giving me the local. The syringe unit also slides into the wand that is inserted into the rectum.
Now for the wand. It is approximately 1 - 1 1/2 inch in diameter and is tapered.
After being lubed up well, this wand was inserted approximately 4 inches into my rectum.
My doctor was great. He kept talking to me and was explaining each and every move that was going on so that I would be more relaxed...which was not really happening during the procedure.
I forgot to mention that I had taken 1/2 of a xanax pill about 1/2 hour prior to the procedure and it seemed to be enough to take my anxiety down a notch or two but didn't know me out not make me so groggy that the doctor might be reluctant in doing the procedure.
Thought #4...drugs react to each person differently so if you are taking something to relax you, be careful not to go overboard. Nothing worse than going through all of the preparation work, along with all of the stress and anxiety involved that leads up to the actual procedure and then have the doctor cancel and re-schedule your procedure because you self medicated too much. Believe me...you don't want that to happen.
I noticed that it was rather cool in the room but I felt really warm...almost to the point of breaking out in a sweat.
After taking the time to explain the whole procedure to me and taking my vitals, first nurse left and then the doctors nursing assistant arrived in the room. She would be the one staying in the room during that actual procedure.
My doctor arrived in the room in short order and he also took the time to explain everything to me.
He also advised me that he would do a countdown from the number 3 each time that he would be taking a biopsy sample and I would hear a click and feel a pressurized type of sticking feeling each time a biopsy sample was being taken.
After inserting the wand into my rectum, he started to move it around a bit which felt like pressure on my prostate. I was equating what he was doing as getting a "lay of the land". He was looking on a ultra sound type of television screen which showed him live images of my prostate and surrounding areas.
The doctor told me that I my prostate was rather large. Actually he stated that it was a "citation" prostate. Anyone in Virginia that catches a fish that is over a specified and official size get what they call a citation...a certificate that honors the person that caught the fish and the large size of said fish that was caught.
I asked the doctor that because my prostate was rather large, if the results turned out negative for prostate cancer, would it be wise to get some medication that would shrink my prostate. He told me that unless I was having difficulty urinating or that I was urinating very frequently during the night, shrinking my prostate would not be all that necessary.
I do have problems urinating at times...not a constant thing and I do get up usually once and sometimes twice a night to urinate. The night time urination is most likely due to the amount of liquids that I drink right up until my time top go to sleep.
After getting a good look around via the inserted wand, it was time for my local to get administered.
I was given 2 "shots" of lidocaine which was delivered via the syringe and long thin tubular device that had been inserted into the wand.
I was given the official countdown from the number 3 and felt a pin prick type of brief sting as the lidocaine was administered. The doctor the moved the wand around to another location of the prostate and another countdown was given for the next shot of lidocaine.
It was at this time that something happened that gave me a bit of a scare.
After giving me the 2 locals, I got this flush feeling coming over me and all of a sudden my face and especially my mouth area started getting numb. I verbalized what was going on to the doctor and I am sure that he could read the concern in my facial expressions.
I actually thought that I was going to black out for a minute there.
It was a feeling that I have never felt before. I have felt flush before but this was a lot different and that why I got somewhat concerned.
My doctor told me that this type of reaction occurs with a few patients.
As time passed this feeling slowly subsided.
It also should be noted that once the wand is initially inserted into the rectum, it stays there until the procedure is completed, which was probably around 10-12 minutes for the whole procedure from start to finish.
Prior to getting this procedure done, I had thought that they would take 6 biopsy samples all at one time...with one click of the biopsy needle until and then another click for the other 6 biopsy samples.
As it turns out, each sample gets taken on its own and comes with the countdown and accompanying clicking sound coming from the biopsy sample unit.
After taking a biopsy sample, the doctor moved the wand around to another on the prostate for the next sample to be taken.
After several minutes, which seemed a lot longer, my doctor stated that this would be the last sample taken and with that final click coming from the biopsy sample unit, my prostate biopsy procedure was completed.
The doctor left the wand inserted and was putting pressure on various areas on my prostate, where the samples were taken. He kept the pressure on my prostate for several minutes. This was done to stop or slow any internal bleeding that might be occurring because of trauma to the prostate.
I was allowed to sit up on the table after a few minutes of relaxing, then allowed to stand up and get dressed.
Before leaving the area my doctor told me that we would have the biopsy results in about a week or so but if I did not hear back from him in 2 weeks, that I should give his office a phone call.
My doctor also told me that if the results were good and nothing bad noted, that I could go back and see him in about 6 months but if something bad showed up in the samples, then he would give me a referral to see one of his compatriots that deal with those that have prostate cancer.
I was also given details as far as what to expect after having this procedure done.
It is possible that I could have some rectal bleeding and that there could be some blood in my urine.
If this bleeding continued for several days and/or is really heavy, I should get back with my doctor or if I get a fever/chills and other signs of an infection, I might be told to go to the hospital if needed.
I am to continue taking my Cipro to fight off the chance of infection but only take it for another day or so.
The aforementioned issues, along with any pain or discomfort that I might feel, should go away in a matter of days...3-5 with 7 being the most...at least usually. I have read that these issues usually only last a couple of days.
I will let everyone know how these issues are going as the days go by.
Another issue that would most likely occur would be some blood in my semen/ejaculate. I was told that it would start off being red in color and as time goes on, the color could turn to brown.
The doctor told me that this was not harmful to neither myself nor my partner should I be sexually active.
Thought #5...out of thoughtfulness and caring for your sexual partners emotional well being, I would strongly advise that you get a package of condoms to use when you become sexually active again after this procedure and continue using them until everything in this issue returns to a normal color. Last thing you need is to put your significant other in an emotional state where the discoloration is something that is embedded in their memory banks especially if you want to have future sexual interactions with this person.
After I returned home, I stayed up for a little bit and then went to bed and slept for a while.
Tomorrow I will be taking it easy too.
On Wed, depending on how I am feeling, I might try to take a walk. I might have to build up the number of miles I can do depending on how I am feeling.
I definitely do not want to push things to far to fast. The sooner I heal up, the sooner I can get back to my "normal' life routine.
Right now the pain level is not too bad but I am taking some pain medication and will over the next few days until everything settles down a bit.
After I get through the healing process on this, I will need to find a local spine doctor to help me out with my back issues.
I have noticed that after I had that bout of extreme leg pain while Veronica and I were in Orlando, the inside of my upper right leg from the inside groin/thigh area down to almost my knee, is about 65% numb. the numbness runs in an area about 3-4 inches wide. Not sure what is going on but seems logical that there was some type of nerve damage done during that really painful event while we were at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando.
More info will follow over the next couple of days.
Guys...got a question about an upcoming Prostate Biopsy...drop me an email and I will give you honest and straight forward answers.
Preparation For My Prostate Biopsy Has Begun
Well ...."that" day is almost upon me.
"That" day being the day of my Prostate Biopsy and is officially tomorrow at 10AM.
Yesterday I started taking my Cipro, which which is to combat any chances of infection from the procedure.
I was told to start the Cipro on the day of the procedure but I figured that it couldn't hurt to get a head start on the medication.
I am supposed to do a Fleet enema in the morning prior to us leaving for the 2 hour drive to the location where the procedure will occur.
I have decided to do a Fleet enema tonight and then another one around 6 AM tomorrow morning. I am doing an extra one not because I enjoy such things but because I would rather be as clean as possible in the bowel area the procedure will be taking place. At least that is my thought process. I am doing everything possible so hopefully I won't get any type of infection from the procedure.
I will be taking a change of clothes with me too. Not that I expect any accidents to happen on our way home but I would rather be safe than sorry.
Because the doctor does not give his patients anything to relax them prior to the procedure, I will be self medicating about 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the procedure. My relaxation drug of choice will most likely be Xanax. My other possible choice would be Valium. Even though Xanax would be used for the stress relief and to calm me down, the Valium would be for the pain during the procedure. Because I will be getting a local during the procedure, I shouldn't need any pain medication until after the procedure, if any is needed at all.
I am not sure that I will take a whole pill. I mainly want to take just enough to relax me and take the nervous edge off of the situation. So I figure a half a pill will do.
I am glad that there is not a lot of prep work needed for this procedure.
It is quite different from the prep work that I went through for my colonoscopy.
I can even have a light breakfast if I choose to.
So my biopsy journey and story officially has begun and I will give step by step details for those who might be facing the same procedure as I am.
"That" day being the day of my Prostate Biopsy and is officially tomorrow at 10AM.
Yesterday I started taking my Cipro, which which is to combat any chances of infection from the procedure.
I was told to start the Cipro on the day of the procedure but I figured that it couldn't hurt to get a head start on the medication.
I am supposed to do a Fleet enema in the morning prior to us leaving for the 2 hour drive to the location where the procedure will occur.
I have decided to do a Fleet enema tonight and then another one around 6 AM tomorrow morning. I am doing an extra one not because I enjoy such things but because I would rather be as clean as possible in the bowel area the procedure will be taking place. At least that is my thought process. I am doing everything possible so hopefully I won't get any type of infection from the procedure.
I will be taking a change of clothes with me too. Not that I expect any accidents to happen on our way home but I would rather be safe than sorry.
Because the doctor does not give his patients anything to relax them prior to the procedure, I will be self medicating about 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the procedure. My relaxation drug of choice will most likely be Xanax. My other possible choice would be Valium. Even though Xanax would be used for the stress relief and to calm me down, the Valium would be for the pain during the procedure. Because I will be getting a local during the procedure, I shouldn't need any pain medication until after the procedure, if any is needed at all.
I am not sure that I will take a whole pill. I mainly want to take just enough to relax me and take the nervous edge off of the situation. So I figure a half a pill will do.
I am glad that there is not a lot of prep work needed for this procedure.
It is quite different from the prep work that I went through for my colonoscopy.
I can even have a light breakfast if I choose to.
So my biopsy journey and story officially has begun and I will give step by step details for those who might be facing the same procedure as I am.
The Ins And Outs Of A Prostate Biopsy....No Pun Intended
I was planning on writing a blog entry about all of the information about a Prostate Biopsy that I obtained from my Urologist.
My Urologist gave me a pamphlet explaining the Prostate Biopsy procedure, so I figured that it would be easier just to put the whole pamphlet into my blog entry.
Additional information and clarification of the ins and outs of this procedure are as follows:
You can eat a light breakfast or lunch before and after the procedure.
You will need to use a Fleet enema a couple of hours before the procedure.
Antibiotics will most likely be prescribed to you and should be taken from a day or two prior to the procedure through a day or two after the procedure.
My Urologist does not prescribe anything before the procedure to relax you nor will he give me anything like the type of anesthesia that I had for my colonoscopy. I was given something intravenously that for the most part allowed me to sleep through that procedure and I could not remember a thing when it was over with.
My Urologist is willing to do general anesthesia but I would have to be in the hospital to have that done and he felt that there was no need for me to do that.
My Urologist does not prescribe anything for pain after the procedure either. He told me that whatever pain and discomfort that I might have after the procedure, should normally only last a couple of days. Each person is different as to the lingering effects of the procedure and each Urologist is different as far as what medication is given. There are some Urologist out there that might be willing to put you close to a general anesthesia..what I would call conscious sedation but you will have to go searching for these doctors
Luckily I have some leftover relaxation pills and some leftover pain medication from previous assorted medical issues, that I should be all set should I need any of them.
The only other thing that I should mention is that the probe that is inserted approximately 4 inches into the rectum has the capacity to deliver the local anesthesia where it is needed and that the probe takes 12 samples via small biopsy needles.
6 samples are taken on each side of the prostate and they are usually taken where prostate cancer is most likely found on the prostate, if there is any cancer there.
Unfortunately because the biopsy samples are only taken from a rather small portion of the prostate compared to the overall size of the prostate, that there is always a chance that the biopsy needles could totally miss a cancerous area, if there is one on the prostate.
This whole type procedure is not an exact science to say the least but unfortunately it is the best that is available at this time.
Here is the pamphlet. You can click on the picture to get it larger for easier reading:
My Urologist gave me a pamphlet explaining the Prostate Biopsy procedure, so I figured that it would be easier just to put the whole pamphlet into my blog entry.
Additional information and clarification of the ins and outs of this procedure are as follows:
You can eat a light breakfast or lunch before and after the procedure.
You will need to use a Fleet enema a couple of hours before the procedure.
Antibiotics will most likely be prescribed to you and should be taken from a day or two prior to the procedure through a day or two after the procedure.
My Urologist does not prescribe anything before the procedure to relax you nor will he give me anything like the type of anesthesia that I had for my colonoscopy. I was given something intravenously that for the most part allowed me to sleep through that procedure and I could not remember a thing when it was over with.
My Urologist is willing to do general anesthesia but I would have to be in the hospital to have that done and he felt that there was no need for me to do that.
My Urologist does not prescribe anything for pain after the procedure either. He told me that whatever pain and discomfort that I might have after the procedure, should normally only last a couple of days. Each person is different as to the lingering effects of the procedure and each Urologist is different as far as what medication is given. There are some Urologist out there that might be willing to put you close to a general anesthesia..what I would call conscious sedation but you will have to go searching for these doctors
Luckily I have some leftover relaxation pills and some leftover pain medication from previous assorted medical issues, that I should be all set should I need any of them.
The only other thing that I should mention is that the probe that is inserted approximately 4 inches into the rectum has the capacity to deliver the local anesthesia where it is needed and that the probe takes 12 samples via small biopsy needles.
6 samples are taken on each side of the prostate and they are usually taken where prostate cancer is most likely found on the prostate, if there is any cancer there.
Unfortunately because the biopsy samples are only taken from a rather small portion of the prostate compared to the overall size of the prostate, that there is always a chance that the biopsy needles could totally miss a cancerous area, if there is one on the prostate.
This whole type procedure is not an exact science to say the least but unfortunately it is the best that is available at this time.
Here is the pamphlet. You can click on the picture to get it larger for easier reading:
Medical Update
Veronica and I got up early again this morning and headed up to Norfolk, VA.
I had an appointment to see my Oncologist, so that we could get the results of the last 2 procedures that I had done along with the results of several blood test and a urine test.
All of my test came back as either being normal or no change since the last test or procedure was done. There is no bone cancer nor metastasis in my body.
I ended up giving some more blood so that they could run an additional PSA test.
With these recent findings, my Oncologist strongly suggested that I have a Prostate Biopsy done to get a more definitive answer as to what is occurring in my body. This test should be able to tell me whether I have prostate cancer, prostatitis or if my Mast Cell disease is effecting my Prostate. Depending on what the biopsy findings are will dictate what direction I need to go from that point.
My Oncologist gave me the name of 3 of his top rated Urologists in the area. I will be reviewing their medical history and background and from there I will make a decision as to whom I will be allowing to perform the Prostate Biopsy on me. Not something I am looking forward to at all, but this is unfortunately the only way we will know with any level of certainty what I have.
I really hate being backed into a corner with no viable options other than to have this procedure done.
I could decide not to do it but if something is going on and I wait until years later to find out about it, it could very well be too late to take care of it with the outcome being on a positive note.
I will have to decide by Monday as to which Urologist I decide upon and then make contact with him, so that I will feel comfortable with him doing the procedure. Plus I want to make sure that whoever does it will not just use a local anesthesia compared to what I want, which is a general anesthesia. Not doing general anesthesia as I want would be a deal breaker.
More info to follow.
I had an appointment to see my Oncologist, so that we could get the results of the last 2 procedures that I had done along with the results of several blood test and a urine test.
All of my test came back as either being normal or no change since the last test or procedure was done. There is no bone cancer nor metastasis in my body.
I ended up giving some more blood so that they could run an additional PSA test.
With these recent findings, my Oncologist strongly suggested that I have a Prostate Biopsy done to get a more definitive answer as to what is occurring in my body. This test should be able to tell me whether I have prostate cancer, prostatitis or if my Mast Cell disease is effecting my Prostate. Depending on what the biopsy findings are will dictate what direction I need to go from that point.
My Oncologist gave me the name of 3 of his top rated Urologists in the area. I will be reviewing their medical history and background and from there I will make a decision as to whom I will be allowing to perform the Prostate Biopsy on me. Not something I am looking forward to at all, but this is unfortunately the only way we will know with any level of certainty what I have.
I really hate being backed into a corner with no viable options other than to have this procedure done.
I could decide not to do it but if something is going on and I wait until years later to find out about it, it could very well be too late to take care of it with the outcome being on a positive note.
I will have to decide by Monday as to which Urologist I decide upon and then make contact with him, so that I will feel comfortable with him doing the procedure. Plus I want to make sure that whoever does it will not just use a local anesthesia compared to what I want, which is a general anesthesia. Not doing general anesthesia as I want would be a deal breaker.
More info to follow.
Hopefully A Step In The Right Direction
Veronica and I left early this morning to head to Norfolk, VA for an important Oncology appointment with my original Oncology doctor. He is the doctor that performed the tests that showed that I had Mast Cell Disease in the first place.
Before going to the doctors office, we stopped off at a Super Walmart that they have in that area.
We have a local Walmart where we live but it is a lot more expensive than the ones in Virginia. We can usually save at least 10% by shopping at the Virginia Walmarts.
My doctors appointment was at 11:45. It was really great to see him again. I feel that I get excellent medical care from him and feel extremely comfortable discussing issues with him.
I caught him up on my medical history since it had been a little over a year since I had last seen him.
After a discussion and brief physical exam, we came up with a direction and game plan for me.
Although he did not have any definitive answers as far as what was going on in me, it was decided that this next upcoming Thursday, I will be returning to Virginia and have 2 different test performed.
The first will be an Ultra Sound exam on my Prostate and that general area. About 1/2 hour after that test/exam, I will be having a CT Scan taken of my entire abdominal area.
For that test I was given 2 plastic bottles full of a contrast medium type of chalky liquid. I have to drink one bottle 3 hours before the CT Scan and the 2nd bottle 45 minutes before the start of the CT Scan.
The next day I will call my Oncologist and let him know that the tests were completed and he will contact the reading radiologist and discuss the test findings with him.
I will then return to see my Oncologist on 5/5. We will discuss the findings at that time.
My Oncologist also mentioned that the only real way to know whether or not that the Mast Cell has effected my Prostate or that I have Prostate Cancer, would be to do a Prostate Biopsy.
This most likely will be the next step in getting to the bottom of this issue. I will take the advice of my Oncologist as far as which Urologist he would recommend for this procedure.
I am supposed to continue taking the rest of my Cipro, which I have about 2 1/2 weeks worth left.
As of now, I still have no new knowledge of what is going on inside of me but I still feel better knowing that we have a plan and that I have a doctor that I really feel good about and trust. That alone is a big part of the battle.
Before going to the doctors office, we stopped off at a Super Walmart that they have in that area.
We have a local Walmart where we live but it is a lot more expensive than the ones in Virginia. We can usually save at least 10% by shopping at the Virginia Walmarts.
My doctors appointment was at 11:45. It was really great to see him again. I feel that I get excellent medical care from him and feel extremely comfortable discussing issues with him.
I caught him up on my medical history since it had been a little over a year since I had last seen him.
After a discussion and brief physical exam, we came up with a direction and game plan for me.
Although he did not have any definitive answers as far as what was going on in me, it was decided that this next upcoming Thursday, I will be returning to Virginia and have 2 different test performed.
The first will be an Ultra Sound exam on my Prostate and that general area. About 1/2 hour after that test/exam, I will be having a CT Scan taken of my entire abdominal area.
For that test I was given 2 plastic bottles full of a contrast medium type of chalky liquid. I have to drink one bottle 3 hours before the CT Scan and the 2nd bottle 45 minutes before the start of the CT Scan.
The next day I will call my Oncologist and let him know that the tests were completed and he will contact the reading radiologist and discuss the test findings with him.
I will then return to see my Oncologist on 5/5. We will discuss the findings at that time.
My Oncologist also mentioned that the only real way to know whether or not that the Mast Cell has effected my Prostate or that I have Prostate Cancer, would be to do a Prostate Biopsy.
This most likely will be the next step in getting to the bottom of this issue. I will take the advice of my Oncologist as far as which Urologist he would recommend for this procedure.
I am supposed to continue taking the rest of my Cipro, which I have about 2 1/2 weeks worth left.
As of now, I still have no new knowledge of what is going on inside of me but I still feel better knowing that we have a plan and that I have a doctor that I really feel good about and trust. That alone is a big part of the battle.
WTF - Also Known As Another Day Another Medical Issue
This morning I went to my Chiropractor in an attempt to get my back to feeling better.
I arranged to have a copy of the MRI that I had taken on my hip faxed to him.
When I got there for my appointment, he sat me down and was obviously somewhat confused.
He asked me to go over what tests had been done on me and what doctors I have seen and he wanted it in a chronological order.
I did the best I could to fill him in.
He then discussed the findings that were on the MRI.
I kind of knew what was on there based on what my family doctor had discussed with me.
What I could not remember is if my local Oncologist had discussed these findings with me. As hard as I tried, I could not remember him ever discussing the results of an MRI that he prescribed for me, after I complained about the pain that I was experiencing in my upper right leg and hip.
The first time that I can remember anyone discussing the results with me was when my family doctor talked to me about the findings during an office visit 5 weeks after the MRI was done. My family doctor suggested that I go to an Urologist for followup.
I finally got a copy of this report from my Chiropractor and I was rather alarmed at what I read.
I am really perplexed as to why my Oncologist never reviewed the results with me.
Because I was not happy with this Oncologist, even prior to these findings coming to light, I had already made a change so that I could go back and see my old Oncologist that I had been seeing for years, prior to moving to the Outer Banks.
I suppose that it is possible that I somehow "fell through the cracks" after I switched back over to my old Oncologist.
But I would also think that a doctor that sees these types of results,would have at least made telephone contact with me even if I had switch him for a different doctor.
After discussing the MRI findings with my Chiropractor, he promptly faxed the findings to my Oncologist in Virginia and also made a telephone call to them to let them know that the MRI had been faxed to them.
After leaving the Chiropractors office, I went to the Regional Medical Center where I have had all MRIs and X-Rays done since we moved to the Outer Banks.
I will be picking up copies of everything that they have on file for me on Monday.
I will either take those files with me personally or have them shipped overnight to my Oncologists office.
I wanted him to have them before I go to see him, which is this next Thursday. I am hoping that if I get them to him early enough, he can have one of his radiologists read the MRI and X-Rays because they are more experienced with seeing and understanding what Mast Cell Disease looks like on the MRIs and X-Rays.
Other than that, there is not much more that I can do. Unfortunately I might have lost some valuable time depending on the outcome of the Radiologist readings and interpretations of the MRI and X-Rays.
I also just started taking my 30 day supply of Cipro treatment today.
So to say that things are all up in the air and that I have even less answers than I did before, that would be a great understatement.
Good news...I got the ok to start back into my weight lifting workouts as long as I watch the type of movements and lifting that I do, so that I don't further aggravate my lower back.
I will start my weight lifting routine up again tomorrow. It will give me something to keep me busy and to focus on other than all of this other medical stuff. But for today, I think that I will try to relax as much as possible and just let everything sink in.
Below is a copy of the MRI results that I finally got to see. To enlarge it, just click on it:
I arranged to have a copy of the MRI that I had taken on my hip faxed to him.
When I got there for my appointment, he sat me down and was obviously somewhat confused.
He asked me to go over what tests had been done on me and what doctors I have seen and he wanted it in a chronological order.
I did the best I could to fill him in.
He then discussed the findings that were on the MRI.
I kind of knew what was on there based on what my family doctor had discussed with me.
What I could not remember is if my local Oncologist had discussed these findings with me. As hard as I tried, I could not remember him ever discussing the results of an MRI that he prescribed for me, after I complained about the pain that I was experiencing in my upper right leg and hip.
The first time that I can remember anyone discussing the results with me was when my family doctor talked to me about the findings during an office visit 5 weeks after the MRI was done. My family doctor suggested that I go to an Urologist for followup.
I finally got a copy of this report from my Chiropractor and I was rather alarmed at what I read.
I am really perplexed as to why my Oncologist never reviewed the results with me.
Because I was not happy with this Oncologist, even prior to these findings coming to light, I had already made a change so that I could go back and see my old Oncologist that I had been seeing for years, prior to moving to the Outer Banks.
I suppose that it is possible that I somehow "fell through the cracks" after I switched back over to my old Oncologist.
But I would also think that a doctor that sees these types of results,would have at least made telephone contact with me even if I had switch him for a different doctor.
After discussing the MRI findings with my Chiropractor, he promptly faxed the findings to my Oncologist in Virginia and also made a telephone call to them to let them know that the MRI had been faxed to them.
After leaving the Chiropractors office, I went to the Regional Medical Center where I have had all MRIs and X-Rays done since we moved to the Outer Banks.
I will be picking up copies of everything that they have on file for me on Monday.
I will either take those files with me personally or have them shipped overnight to my Oncologists office.
I wanted him to have them before I go to see him, which is this next Thursday. I am hoping that if I get them to him early enough, he can have one of his radiologists read the MRI and X-Rays because they are more experienced with seeing and understanding what Mast Cell Disease looks like on the MRIs and X-Rays.
Other than that, there is not much more that I can do. Unfortunately I might have lost some valuable time depending on the outcome of the Radiologist readings and interpretations of the MRI and X-Rays.
I also just started taking my 30 day supply of Cipro treatment today.
So to say that things are all up in the air and that I have even less answers than I did before, that would be a great understatement.
Good news...I got the ok to start back into my weight lifting workouts as long as I watch the type of movements and lifting that I do, so that I don't further aggravate my lower back.
I will start my weight lifting routine up again tomorrow. It will give me something to keep me busy and to focus on other than all of this other medical stuff. But for today, I think that I will try to relax as much as possible and just let everything sink in.
Below is a copy of the MRI results that I finally got to see. To enlarge it, just click on it:
What To Do
Let me refresh everyones memory about some recent prostate issues that I have been dealing with.
The last time that I discussed my prostate issues and concerns was when my last PSA test came out with a score of 6.7ng/mL This was an elevated level compared to the PSA test that I had prior to this one and I should mention that there was not a long time period that had gone by between those 2 PSA tests.
I also had a DRE...Digital Rectal Exam done by my Urologist and he could find nothing out of the ordinary at all.
Due to the speed that my PSA had elevated to its current level, my Urologist decided that I should be put on Cipro for a month. Cipro is an antibiotic that is used to treat Prostatitis.
Prostatitis is swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland, a walnut-sized gland located directly below the bladder in men.
Prostatitis can be caused by a number of different things. If it's caused by a bacterial infection, it can usually be treated successfully. However, sometimes prostatitis isn't caused by a bacterial infection or a cause is never identified.
After my 30 day treatment period on Cipro, I went back and got another PSA test performed.
I got a telephone call the other day and was given the results of that PSA test.
My PSA level had dropped from a 6.7ng/mL to a 5.2ng/mL.
I was somewhat disappointed that my PSA had not dropped more but after discussing it with my family doctor, it appears that what I had originally expected the Cipro to do was not really realistic and that the drop in numbers that I had was actually good.
So it appeared that the Cipro had an effect on whatever was going on with my prostate.
The next thing to be done was to wait for my Urologist to get a copy of this PSA test and decide what to do next.
Today I got a call from the Urologists' nurse. I was not really prepared for what she had to say. As it turns out, the Urologist wanted to schedule me for a prostate biopsy.
So what is a prostate biopsy and how is it done you might ask. Here is that information straight from a John Hopkins Prostate informational literature that I purchased and downloaded:
cancer is present.
The last time that I discussed my prostate issues and concerns was when my last PSA test came out with a score of 6.7ng/mL This was an elevated level compared to the PSA test that I had prior to this one and I should mention that there was not a long time period that had gone by between those 2 PSA tests.
I also had a DRE...Digital Rectal Exam done by my Urologist and he could find nothing out of the ordinary at all.
Due to the speed that my PSA had elevated to its current level, my Urologist decided that I should be put on Cipro for a month. Cipro is an antibiotic that is used to treat Prostatitis.
Prostatitis is swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland, a walnut-sized gland located directly below the bladder in men.
Prostatitis can be caused by a number of different things. If it's caused by a bacterial infection, it can usually be treated successfully. However, sometimes prostatitis isn't caused by a bacterial infection or a cause is never identified.
After my 30 day treatment period on Cipro, I went back and got another PSA test performed.
I got a telephone call the other day and was given the results of that PSA test.
My PSA level had dropped from a 6.7ng/mL to a 5.2ng/mL.
I was somewhat disappointed that my PSA had not dropped more but after discussing it with my family doctor, it appears that what I had originally expected the Cipro to do was not really realistic and that the drop in numbers that I had was actually good.
So it appeared that the Cipro had an effect on whatever was going on with my prostate.
The next thing to be done was to wait for my Urologist to get a copy of this PSA test and decide what to do next.
Today I got a call from the Urologists' nurse. I was not really prepared for what she had to say. As it turns out, the Urologist wanted to schedule me for a prostate biopsy.
So what is a prostate biopsy and how is it done you might ask. Here is that information straight from a John Hopkins Prostate informational literature that I purchased and downloaded:
Transrectal Ultrasound and Prostate Biopsy
If the results of a digital rectal exam, PSA test, or both suggest cancer, transrectal ultrasound is performed to determine the size of the prostate and to identify areas of possible cancer. Ultrasound also is used to direct the needles used for prostate biopsy. A prostate biopsy typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. Most doctors use a local anesthetic such as lidocaine (Xylocaine) to reduce discomfort during the procedure. ( just wanted to interject that I would not get this procedure done unless they could make me semi-conscious). The ultrasound examination is performed with the man lying on his side. An ultrasound probe (about the size of a finger) is gently inserted 3 to 4 inches into the rectum. The probe emits sound waves that are converted into video images corresponding to the different prostate zones. Small prostate cancers are usually not detectable by ultrasound
examination. Fitted to the ultrasound probe is a biopsy gun with a needle that is fired through the wall of the rectum. The needle extracts small pieces of prostate tissue in less than a second. Ideally, at least 10 to 12 tissue samples (“cores”) are taken from the prostate. A pathologist examines the samples under a microscope to determine whethercancer is present.
A prostate biopsy usually causes only minor discomfort. Common side effects include minor rectal bleeding; blood in the stool, urine, or semen; and soreness in the biopsied area. All of these side effects disappear with time.
I have had a bone marrow biopsy done in the past and that wasn't something that I would put in the fun category. And then there was the tongue biopsy that showed a precancerous growth and the subsequent cutting out of said growth.....really truly not fun at all...actually downright miserable. I have also had a colonoscopy which when I look back on it...the preparation of the body for that exam was much worse than the exam itself. Of course that is easy for me to say that because I asked them to basically knock me and have me in a semi conscious state and I was "semi" enough that I could not remember a thing after I woke up.
But this prostate biopsy has a different feel to it and I am not getting "good vibes" from the possibility of having to get it done. There are always chances that things can go wrong or the healing process doesn't always go as planned and with my luck the way it is, I am just not sure that I want to take any chances. It really is beginning to be a tough decision...do the prostate biopsy and live with however the results turn out and deal with whatever problems that might result after having it done....or...not worry about it because even if I did have cancer, nothing is being felt on my prostate now so it could be a very slow growing problem...slow enough that I would die from natural causes and old age long before the cancer became any real issue for me to have to deal with.
Definitely a roll of the dice. I guess there is a reason that they call it "craps".
I was able to talk the Urologist into one more month of being on the Cipro. My logical line of thinking is that if this last month of being on the Cipro dropped my PSA level down 1.5ng/mL then it shows that Cipro had a direct effect on whatever is going on with my prostate issues and it would be possible that after this next 30 days on Cipro, my results could drop another 1.5ng/mL and that would bring my PSA level back down to a more respectable 3.7ng/mL.
And if this newest upcoming round of Cipro has no effect on my PSA levels......
then I am back to making that tough decision again....what to do?????
If anyone out there has gone through the prostate biopsy, please let me know what to expect...both good and/or bad...I need to know both sides of the coin to make a good sound decision.
Dodging Bullets And Living Lucky
I waited a day to post this until I had a chance to talk to Veronica about the news from my Urologist appointment. She is currently in Toronto Canada on a business trip and I spoke to her last night.
Yesterday I had my first consultation with my new Urologist.
I liked this Urologist and felt very comfortable talking to him.
The Urologist had all of my previous PSA test results along with a lot of other background medical information on me.
This Urologist ran a urine test which came back clean.
He also did an extensive DRE (Digital Rectal Exam) and believe it or not, he could feel no nodule anywhere in, around or near my prostate. Recently another Urologist and my Family doctor had felt a very small nodule on the right side of my prostate.
Had I stuck with that other Urologist, I would have been having a prostate biopsy by this time.
Sometimes it really pays to have a 3rd or 4th opinion about things, especially when it comes to your health issues.
Because my PSA test numbers had been jumping up over a relatively short period of time, I was put on Cipro, an antibiotic, because family doctor felt that I might have a prostate infection.
This Urologist agreed to that line of treatment.
So where I am at right now is that I will finish taking the Cipro...about 2 more weeks worth at 2x a day and then return to my family doctor for another followup PSA test.
Everyone will confer and hopefully that will be the end to this recent scare.
The only missing piece of the puzzle is the findings from an MRI that I recently had done due to the pain in my right hip and right upper leg. In the MRI findings, there was some mention of my prostate and something was written about prostate concern and having some followup on what was seen on that MRI. Neither this Urologist nor I had the actual findings present during this visit, so he will be obtaining those results.
Although I vaguely remember that something about my prostate was mentioned in those MRI findings, I could not remember in what context those concerns were stated.
Hopefully it won't be anything to worry about and upon doing this next PSA test, my PSA levels will have dropped down to a more normal level and Veronica and I can put an end to this chapter of medical issues.
I consider myself a very lucky person right now.
I have had 3 cancer scares in the last 3-4 years or so.
The first was when I was still smoking cigarettes and a pre-cancerous growth was found on my tongue. I had a biopsy and then after the results, had a portion of my tongue removed. I wrote extensive blog entries as I was going through that rather scary and painful period of time.
The next time was right before Veronica and I went on our Baltic Capitals cruise last year.
I had got an X-Ray done on my right leg and hip...once again due to pain that I was feeling in that area on a daily basis.
I received a telephone call from my family doctor back in Virginia. He was the one that requested the X-ray be done on my leg.
That doctor called and told me that I needed to get with my Oncologist in the near future because the radiologist that had read my hip/leg x-rays felt that I might have bone cancer. These were the words that my doctor was using.
Veronica and I ended up going on our cruise vacation thinking that I might have bone cancer.
Upon returning home from our vacation, I visited my Oncologist and was told that I did not have bone cancer and what the Radiologist had seen on the x-rays was actually the Mast Cell Disease that I had already been diagnosed with a couple of years prior. The Mast Cekll Disease has somewhat of an appearance as bone cancer on the x-rays. My Mast Cell Disease is actually in my bone marrow. This is also why I was seeing an Oncologist to begin with.
And of course the latest scare is with my prostate.
All of these worries and near misses on such medical issues can sure wear a person out..medically, physically and emotionally. And that is not even beginning to mention what loved ones go through during all of this. It can make things tough on everybody.
From where I am sitting, dodging bullets and living lucky are real understatements.
Time to count my blessings.
Yesterday I had my first consultation with my new Urologist.
I liked this Urologist and felt very comfortable talking to him.
The Urologist had all of my previous PSA test results along with a lot of other background medical information on me.
This Urologist ran a urine test which came back clean.
He also did an extensive DRE (Digital Rectal Exam) and believe it or not, he could feel no nodule anywhere in, around or near my prostate. Recently another Urologist and my Family doctor had felt a very small nodule on the right side of my prostate.
Had I stuck with that other Urologist, I would have been having a prostate biopsy by this time.
Sometimes it really pays to have a 3rd or 4th opinion about things, especially when it comes to your health issues.
Because my PSA test numbers had been jumping up over a relatively short period of time, I was put on Cipro, an antibiotic, because family doctor felt that I might have a prostate infection.
This Urologist agreed to that line of treatment.
So where I am at right now is that I will finish taking the Cipro...about 2 more weeks worth at 2x a day and then return to my family doctor for another followup PSA test.
Everyone will confer and hopefully that will be the end to this recent scare.
The only missing piece of the puzzle is the findings from an MRI that I recently had done due to the pain in my right hip and right upper leg. In the MRI findings, there was some mention of my prostate and something was written about prostate concern and having some followup on what was seen on that MRI. Neither this Urologist nor I had the actual findings present during this visit, so he will be obtaining those results.
Although I vaguely remember that something about my prostate was mentioned in those MRI findings, I could not remember in what context those concerns were stated.
Hopefully it won't be anything to worry about and upon doing this next PSA test, my PSA levels will have dropped down to a more normal level and Veronica and I can put an end to this chapter of medical issues.
I consider myself a very lucky person right now.
I have had 3 cancer scares in the last 3-4 years or so.
The first was when I was still smoking cigarettes and a pre-cancerous growth was found on my tongue. I had a biopsy and then after the results, had a portion of my tongue removed. I wrote extensive blog entries as I was going through that rather scary and painful period of time.
The next time was right before Veronica and I went on our Baltic Capitals cruise last year.
I had got an X-Ray done on my right leg and hip...once again due to pain that I was feeling in that area on a daily basis.
I received a telephone call from my family doctor back in Virginia. He was the one that requested the X-ray be done on my leg.
That doctor called and told me that I needed to get with my Oncologist in the near future because the radiologist that had read my hip/leg x-rays felt that I might have bone cancer. These were the words that my doctor was using.
Veronica and I ended up going on our cruise vacation thinking that I might have bone cancer.
Upon returning home from our vacation, I visited my Oncologist and was told that I did not have bone cancer and what the Radiologist had seen on the x-rays was actually the Mast Cell Disease that I had already been diagnosed with a couple of years prior. The Mast Cekll Disease has somewhat of an appearance as bone cancer on the x-rays. My Mast Cell Disease is actually in my bone marrow. This is also why I was seeing an Oncologist to begin with.
And of course the latest scare is with my prostate.
All of these worries and near misses on such medical issues can sure wear a person out..medically, physically and emotionally. And that is not even beginning to mention what loved ones go through during all of this. It can make things tough on everybody.
From where I am sitting, dodging bullets and living lucky are real understatements.
Time to count my blessings.
A New Battle Arises
I have been deliberately withholding the writing of this entry until I had a little more information to share.
I think that the time might be right to put out there, what is going on here.
Over the last few years I have had my PSA taken at irregular intervals but there was enough of a pattern building to look a little more in depth at what my numbers were trying to tell me.
About 2 or 3 years ago, I remember going to a Urologist and discussing my PSA test scores...Prostate Specific Antigen. For info on what a PSA test is all about, click here.... PSA
Back then my score was around a 3.2 Because this particular Urologist felt that my PSA was higher than what he would have liked to see, he wanted to jump right in and do a Prostate biopsy on me, even though he did a DRE (Digital Rectal Exam) and found nothing.
This sort of brazen devil may care attitude did not set well with me, especially since he was so eagerly wanting to invade MY body parts.
That visit to the doctor really had an effect on the way I looked at a Urologist and the overall taking of PSA tests by yours truly.
So over the next couple of years, I shied away from a majority of PSA test and those much dreaded DREs.
I has a few PSA tests done here and there along the way but anytime a DRE was mentioned, I poo pooed it off as being totally unnecessary.
That is the way it was until I moved here. Once I got hooked up with a very good and talented local doctor, I stated to get my PSA taken at regular intervals. I have probably had more PSA tests done in the last 12 months than I have had over the last 5 years.
One things that was becoming apparent from all of these PSA tests was that my PSA score was on the rise.
A year or two ago it was around a 3.2 or so. I had another one taken about 3 weeks ago and it was a 5.2.
After having that score in the books, I was referred to a local Urologist. This was the first time that I had been to this doctors office. During this visit, he decided that I would go through one of those dreaded DREs.
So with drawers down and me grabbing my old knees, this Urologist went for pay dirt.
After doing what felt like figure 8s and spending just a little more time that what I was comfortable with his finger up my rectum, he withdrew his digit and told me that everything felt normal except...(insert long artistic pause here).......that I had a small hard spot or nodule on the right side of my prostate.
In my lifetime, I have heard this word mentioned a few times but never really had much of an idea what this prostate thing was and what usefulness it served.
Because I am not a doctor and a little tired, I will not bore you with my attempts of describing what the prostate is, what is does nor where it is located. I will provide you a link that can better explain it than I could... The Prostate- What Is It? and for the male readers in the group, you might want to take note of what you are reading because it could be you in the same position that i find myself in and I am not just talking about the position with my drawers down and my hands on my knees.
With the knowledge of what he found inside me and the ever increasing PSA test numbers, this Urologist wanted to do a prostate biopsy on my. What is it with these guys...they all seem so anxious to prod and probe you and take pieces from your body. Its no wonder why I really tried to stay away from them.
I told him that there was no way that I was going to have a biopsy done on my prostate. He wanted to know why and I politely informed him that I had read some horror stories about the pain involved and how it screwed up ones sex life.
He stated something to the effect that wouldn't I want to get it done if it would keep me from dying.
Nice guy...throwing out the death card at me.
We left things in this fashion...that I would get another PSA test done in a couple of weeks and then return to see him and discuss this biopsy thing further. I left knowing that I most likely would not be seeing him again, which is exactly how that will be playing out. I just was not comfortable with this guy.
So I made an appointment with my local family doctor and discussed what had happened and what should I do next.
I really like my family doctor and have complete faith in her. She decided that i should have another PSA test taken and we discussed her doing a DRE on me to confirm what the other Urologist had told me.
When it was all said and done, she did find the smallest of nodules on the right side of my prostate. She said it was extremely small and she wasn't positive that it was a nodule but with my PSA scores where they were, that we should probably figure out some sort of game plan.
First she wanted to give me another PSA test.
I just got a call from her a little while ago and my PSA was up to 6.7....yikes...it was just 5.2 a couple of weks ago. I found it to be an alarmingly quick jump in numbers.
My doctor told me that it could be some type of bacterial infection in my prostate and that she would suggest that I take Cipro and another drug for a period of a month. For information about Cipro
I am hoping that my body will tolerate this drug. I have had some problems in the past with my body able to handle certain medication.
After being on the Cipro for a month, I will have another PSA test performed and see if the Cipro brings the numbers down. Even if it does, there still is the fact that I have this little itty bitty nodule on my prostate.
Trusting my doctor the way I do, she recommended a Urologist that she trusts, that would be able to perform the prostate biopsy on me. Because my doctor trust this doctor, the Urologist was "grandfathered" and included under my umbrella of trustworthiness.
When and if the time comes, I would see this Urologist locally here one time. He only comes to this area once every 2 weeks. I would then travel to his location, about 55 miles away and have the procedure done there and then all followups would be done locally every two weeks.
I haven't even touched on what would happen should the biopsy results show a high Gleason Score. Yes...yet another new word to throw in your vocabulary to impress others. What is a Gleason Score?
I have read some articles on how they perform these prostate biopsies and guys, let me tell you, it is one of those things that while you are reading it you will start to close your legs and butt cheeks together in almost a death grip and you will probably find yourself grimacing at the thought of it while little beads of sweat trickle down from your forehead and down your face. It is one of the EEeewwww!!! and YIKES!!! moments.
Needless to say, I am not looking forward to any of this happening but once again I find myself preparing for battle.
I will let you know how things are going as time goes by but first I must take the meds for 30 days and who knows, maybe everything will totally disappear and my PSA will come back a 1.5 and I won't have to concern myself with having prostate cancer.
Ok...so I did some mind altering drugs before writing that last sentence. You can't really blame me can you?
I think that the time might be right to put out there, what is going on here.
Over the last few years I have had my PSA taken at irregular intervals but there was enough of a pattern building to look a little more in depth at what my numbers were trying to tell me.
About 2 or 3 years ago, I remember going to a Urologist and discussing my PSA test scores...Prostate Specific Antigen. For info on what a PSA test is all about, click here.... PSA
Back then my score was around a 3.2 Because this particular Urologist felt that my PSA was higher than what he would have liked to see, he wanted to jump right in and do a Prostate biopsy on me, even though he did a DRE (Digital Rectal Exam) and found nothing.
This sort of brazen devil may care attitude did not set well with me, especially since he was so eagerly wanting to invade MY body parts.
That visit to the doctor really had an effect on the way I looked at a Urologist and the overall taking of PSA tests by yours truly.
So over the next couple of years, I shied away from a majority of PSA test and those much dreaded DREs.
I has a few PSA tests done here and there along the way but anytime a DRE was mentioned, I poo pooed it off as being totally unnecessary.
That is the way it was until I moved here. Once I got hooked up with a very good and talented local doctor, I stated to get my PSA taken at regular intervals. I have probably had more PSA tests done in the last 12 months than I have had over the last 5 years.
One things that was becoming apparent from all of these PSA tests was that my PSA score was on the rise.
A year or two ago it was around a 3.2 or so. I had another one taken about 3 weeks ago and it was a 5.2.
After having that score in the books, I was referred to a local Urologist. This was the first time that I had been to this doctors office. During this visit, he decided that I would go through one of those dreaded DREs.
So with drawers down and me grabbing my old knees, this Urologist went for pay dirt.
After doing what felt like figure 8s and spending just a little more time that what I was comfortable with his finger up my rectum, he withdrew his digit and told me that everything felt normal except...(insert long artistic pause here).......that I had a small hard spot or nodule on the right side of my prostate.
In my lifetime, I have heard this word mentioned a few times but never really had much of an idea what this prostate thing was and what usefulness it served.
Because I am not a doctor and a little tired, I will not bore you with my attempts of describing what the prostate is, what is does nor where it is located. I will provide you a link that can better explain it than I could... The Prostate- What Is It? and for the male readers in the group, you might want to take note of what you are reading because it could be you in the same position that i find myself in and I am not just talking about the position with my drawers down and my hands on my knees.
With the knowledge of what he found inside me and the ever increasing PSA test numbers, this Urologist wanted to do a prostate biopsy on my. What is it with these guys...they all seem so anxious to prod and probe you and take pieces from your body. Its no wonder why I really tried to stay away from them.
I told him that there was no way that I was going to have a biopsy done on my prostate. He wanted to know why and I politely informed him that I had read some horror stories about the pain involved and how it screwed up ones sex life.
He stated something to the effect that wouldn't I want to get it done if it would keep me from dying.
Nice guy...throwing out the death card at me.
We left things in this fashion...that I would get another PSA test done in a couple of weeks and then return to see him and discuss this biopsy thing further. I left knowing that I most likely would not be seeing him again, which is exactly how that will be playing out. I just was not comfortable with this guy.
So I made an appointment with my local family doctor and discussed what had happened and what should I do next.
I really like my family doctor and have complete faith in her. She decided that i should have another PSA test taken and we discussed her doing a DRE on me to confirm what the other Urologist had told me.
When it was all said and done, she did find the smallest of nodules on the right side of my prostate. She said it was extremely small and she wasn't positive that it was a nodule but with my PSA scores where they were, that we should probably figure out some sort of game plan.
First she wanted to give me another PSA test.
I just got a call from her a little while ago and my PSA was up to 6.7....yikes...it was just 5.2 a couple of weks ago. I found it to be an alarmingly quick jump in numbers.
My doctor told me that it could be some type of bacterial infection in my prostate and that she would suggest that I take Cipro and another drug for a period of a month. For information about Cipro
I am hoping that my body will tolerate this drug. I have had some problems in the past with my body able to handle certain medication.
After being on the Cipro for a month, I will have another PSA test performed and see if the Cipro brings the numbers down. Even if it does, there still is the fact that I have this little itty bitty nodule on my prostate.
Trusting my doctor the way I do, she recommended a Urologist that she trusts, that would be able to perform the prostate biopsy on me. Because my doctor trust this doctor, the Urologist was "grandfathered" and included under my umbrella of trustworthiness.
When and if the time comes, I would see this Urologist locally here one time. He only comes to this area once every 2 weeks. I would then travel to his location, about 55 miles away and have the procedure done there and then all followups would be done locally every two weeks.
I haven't even touched on what would happen should the biopsy results show a high Gleason Score. Yes...yet another new word to throw in your vocabulary to impress others. What is a Gleason Score?
I have read some articles on how they perform these prostate biopsies and guys, let me tell you, it is one of those things that while you are reading it you will start to close your legs and butt cheeks together in almost a death grip and you will probably find yourself grimacing at the thought of it while little beads of sweat trickle down from your forehead and down your face. It is one of the EEeewwww!!! and YIKES!!! moments.
Needless to say, I am not looking forward to any of this happening but once again I find myself preparing for battle.
I will let you know how things are going as time goes by but first I must take the meds for 30 days and who knows, maybe everything will totally disappear and my PSA will come back a 1.5 and I won't have to concern myself with having prostate cancer.
Ok...so I did some mind altering drugs before writing that last sentence. You can't really blame me can you?
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