Hi all, I've just joined this community group as I have an elevated PSA at 7.8 with an unknown body in my bladder. Results were last Thursday and they have given me a biopsy appt for this Thursday. My employer has asked me if the date is flexible and I'm wondering how to reply. Is it ok to change the date or is the biopsy something that should have been done yesterday?
Hello Jeremy (Jeremy1)
A warm welcome to the online Community although I am so sorry to find you joining us.
The Community is divided into cancer specific groups and to "meet" with others in the same or similar situation I would advise you to join these two groups:
Once you click on the links I have provided and the page opens up, click on "join" on the black banner at the bottom of the page. You can then introduce yourself in the "New Here - Say Hello" section of the group. You can copy and paste the post above or start a new post.
I have Prostate Cancer and the biopsy is an important part of the diagnostic journey and I would urge you to take the first appointment you can to speed up your diagnosis.
If you require any help in navigating the Community - please do come back to me.
I look forward to meeting you again on the Prostate group.
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
Hello Jeremy (Jeremy1 )
The diagnostic stage of the cancer journey is the hardest part of the entire process. Here's a link to help you through the biopsy (it's where you dignity leaves the building!)
Once you have a cancer diagnosis your employer must treat it as a disability. Up to that point it's time off for medical appointments.
Once you join us on the Prostate Group you will find us a great group of men and partners - all travelling on our own personal journey. Some of us - me included have documented our journey to help others. You can read a members journey/profile by clicking on our names of avatars - if you are reading mine make a brew first - it's 4.5 years long!
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
Hi Jeremy1
My father in law cancelled his prostate biopsy as it was Christmas time! It took months to get another appointment and subsequent diagnosis, which turned out to out to be separate bladder and prostate cancers.
I’d personally say keep to your appointment as it may take time to get another one. Your health is your priority!
Sarah xx
I don’t think it was appropriate either for your employer to suggest moving a date for something so important. No-one is indispensable in the workplace unfortunately, and other plans can be made for cover for you as you’ve mentioned.
My father in law is retired but chose to cancel his appointment because it was scheduled for 3 days before Christmas and he was cooking the Christmas dinner! Even worse was the fact that he had cancelled a previous biopsy appointment in the September because he is carer for his wife who has dementia and she had fallen downstairs and broken her wrist.
So all told there was a huge delay in him getting treatment-almost a year. By the time he came to have surgery he was almost at the point of it being inoperable, in terms of his bladder cancer and indeed his heart stopped on the operating table. Luckily he survived to tell the tale, but it was a close shave and he’s still with us.
Brian is correct in saying that if you have a diagnosis of cancer, your employer must treat it as a disability and act accordingly as you are protected in law.
Your biopsy appointment is very quick after your results, and you’ve been advised it’s urgent, so please stick to your guns and keep it. I hope it goes as smoothly as these things can for you.
Having had cancer myself and many procedures and surgeries I will also agree with Brian that you leave your dignity at the door, but it’s really important that you find out what’s happening.
Sarah xx
