Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

New symptoms

Anthony5
  • 1 reply
  • 36 subscribers
  • 181 views

Hi there, I’ve seen a consultant as my PSA was 77.7 and DRE was smooth on one side and hard/firm on the other. Next is an MRI and then prostate biopsy. The consultant seen me a week ago and he asked me if I have any pains in my body, which I replied no. However in the last few days my ribs are sore, and I’m really in a panic. My emotions seem to have built up over the last few weeks to this point and I’m struggling to keep control. It’s just my wife and me, and I have to be careful what I say to her as she gets very upset, and then I’m annoyed at myself, especially if I’m just thinking out loud without any sense to it. This is one giant emotional roller coaster. How can I stay positive when every thought is negative?

  • Hi Anthony5 ,

    Thanks for getting intouch and welcome to our online community. I notice you have joined some of our forums. We hope you are going to find this a helpful and supportive space . My name is Barbara and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists .

    It is understandable that you will be feeling panicky and anxious at this time as you await to have an MRI and a prostate biopsy.

    At Macmillan we don’t have access to your medical records, and we are separate to the NHS.

    However, when someone mentions a new symptom like this, we would always recommend that you contact your GP or NHS 111 so that you can be medically assessed and given support with your symptoms.

    If pain becomes severe, we encourage you to go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department.

     If you think it may be helpful why not give our support line a call and have a chat with one of our nurses, to discuss this in a little more detail.

    Please know that we are here to support you through the tests you are having to see if you have prostate cancer. We have a booklet Having tests for prostate cancer which you may find helps explain the tests you are having.

    You are not alone many people feel anxious while they are waiting for tests, and everyone has different ways of coping. Patient info have some useful tips on how to  ease worry when waiting for medical results . If you feel you need some support with how you are feeling, we have an emotional support team on the support line.

    I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.

    The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.We are  also on webchat and email.

    Take care ,

    Barbara S

    Cancer Information Nurse specialist

    Ref BS/JH

Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007