Numerous biopsies

[FellowSurvivors]

My husband and I were both told our PSA numbers had gone up at around the same time last November. His urologist immediately did a biopsy and found three suspicious areas and wanted further testing. Of those biopsies. His doctor never did an MRI prior to the biopsies.

Gleason 3÷3 = 6 He was told they would do active surveillance and check hiis PSA every 3 months. .First score in November 5.0, Last week 4.7. Doctor seemed okay with that number but they want to do another biopsy ASAP. My concern is that there are risks with any procedure. Have any of you gone through the same protocol? As far as my cancer is concerned. My numbers were higher. My Gleason score was 7. I have about a week before I start my radiation through CyberKnife. One thing my urologist did was an MRI before doing any biopsies and I felt very comfortable with that. I'm uncertain why my husband's doctor did not do an MRI before his first biopsy. And why they're doing another biopsy when his PSA numbers came back lower this week.

[Tall_Allen]

He should have an mpMRI to help target his next biopsy. A confirmation biopsy is required for active surveillance within a year of his initial biopsy. His PSA really has little to do with it - as long as it doesn't go up markedly. An mpMRI is only as good as the radiologist who reads it - it's not a job for amateurs.

I had SBRT myself.

[FellowSurvivors in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thank you Tall_Allen. There was never a MRI done for my husband's first biopsy either. He also sees a female PA when they discuss his results. I have no problems with a PA. We see one for our yearly dermatology exam. I want a highly trained doctor when dealing with things such as cancer. I'm going to discuss the option of seeing my urologist who is very thorough and I'm extremely comfortable with. Thanks again.

[Tall_Allen in reply to FellowSurvivors]

The evidence for it is more equivocal on a first biopsy, but as long as he gets one for his confirmation biopsy, it's all good.

[Ram17]

I think your husband should look into changing doctors. Biopsies are normally very uncomfortable to painful. The also have chances of creating an infection sight which can be dangerous. Most doctors go with noninvasive testing first to get an idea of location and how large. Then they can target the tumor for testing.

They sound old school and with this crap you want the latest and greatest. There are many new ways to treat this. Hopefully I am wrong, but I almost feel that his urologist has an issue and it's being taken out on your husband. I am sorry, but I don't care who or what you are but this diagnosis is bad enough as it is and to go with outdated painful procedures is wrong. The latest methods need to be used as well as great compassion.

Good luck to both of you.

[FellowSurvivors in reply to Ram17]

Thanks Ram17. I agree. I'm going to see if he can get in to see my urologist. I feel like my doctor took all the steps when I was diagnosed and is very compassionate and sensitive to who we are as gay men. Trust him completely.

[Frankie112233]

Hi

I don’t know your ages etc why do a blind biopsy of course a guided mri biopsy would be the way to go, to see the area and prostrate this take a highly skilled Radiologist no a basic mri center you want one that reads prostrate mri daily Why have another biopsy, we know you have cancer need all the info off biopsy report T? Numbers etc

This can be a very serious area, not for a PA, PA are great but not for this you need a professional Urologist that can help you make a decision

Do not Delay, if your 75+ years old, Delay away but if not don’t wait a long time to change doctors

[FellowSurvivors in reply to Frankie112233]

Thank you Frankie112233. I have just recently started my CyberKnife radiation. It's only five treatments. I am 68 years old. My husband is 57. Just today I was able to get him in to see my urologist next month. My concern with him is that there is uterine and breast cancer in the family. He also carries the marker. So surveillance. Is a little scary. In his case

[Frankie112233 in reply to FellowSurvivors]

Hi

That’s great news he is going to your Doctor Don’t rely on PSA numbers alone I have found how fast the number goes up within 6 months and MRI but he knows he has cancer why have another biopsy, a new MRI to compare but acting is not acting you want the cancer in the pouch before it’s outside the prostrate

Kind regards

[FellowSurvivors in reply to Frankie112233]

Frankie112233 Absolutely. Thanks