Biopsy concerns

Hi, I had this done about 3 months ago.

I would say it was more unpleasant than painful, I had 19 samples taken and only really felt one of them.

was a little sore down below for a few days but just took some paracetamol.

Anticipating it is worse than the procedure.

Welcome to this group, which I am pretty sure you didn’t want to join. I think you will be glad you did.

In some ways all we can do is go along with you right now.

As you say, you MAY have cancer. Also, you might not. The biopsy will settle that.

Again, until you have the results of the biopsy you will not be clear on what is actually happening about how aggressive it is.  Once you do, though, there will be more clarity. There might also be more scans to double check the results of the MRI.

You do not say whether the consultant mentioned any possible spread outside the gland. Assuming there isn’t then you stand a VERY good chance of being cured. Even if it has just begun to escape, that is still true. It is also my journey.

This time, while you are waiting for results, is the worst period.

Do as much research as you can, preferably using UK web offerings such as Macmillan, Prostate Cancer UK and Cancer Research. You will find that cancer that is local to the gland can possibly be cured. All of them can be treated, regularly with great success.

Nothing much anyone can say will remove the worry. It will help to restore balance.

As some of the less good football commentators say too often “It’s all to play for”.

Thanks, Steve. No, the consultant didn’t mention any spread. Just a highly suspicious area on the left side. Yes, it’s the waiting that’s the worst. All the best with your journey. 

Hi Greyboy45    Welcome to our group.

Embarrassment is probably the thing that all men experience with this procedure however, it's now well over three years since I had my biopsy and can report that apart from the application of the local anaesthetic it was painless.
I'm not the sort to be embarrassed by the situation so I was able to share a joke or two with the young nurse (they are all 'young' when you are in your seventies) who held my hand during the procedure.

There was a 'sting in the tail' literally as they sealed the places of entry with some sort of glue the removal of which a couple of days later was possibly the most painful part of the whole experience.

I hope that your procedure goes off just as easily as mine did, remembering that we are all different.

Good luck with everything.

Hi, I had the local, 18 samples. Nothing to it, the worst part was waiting for my turn as I was 4th in the queue !

Good luck with the outcome. 

Hi Gray..I've had two biopsies the second was with general anaesthetic which was definitely the best option for me as the first was very painful..

Hello Greyboy45 

Another warm welcome to the group from me.

Here's a link to our notes to the biopsy:

Transperineal biopsy.

I can't comment on this as I had the older TRUS biopsy where they access your prostate via your backside - the Transperineal biopsy looks to be "a walk in the park" compared to mine!

I wish you well with it and the results.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thanks and best wishes 

Thanks for your honest opinion and take care. 

Hi there,

I've had four if these over a period of 16 years. There's some discomfort...maybe one up from teeth cleaning....and blood in your ejaculate for a while afterwards which is annoying but not painful. The embarrassment is probably the worst part and that's a bit silly as you're with professionals who do this all the time.

Good luck with it. It'll be over before you know it.