Just diagnosed

Hi James, I’ve had two different biopsy’s, the first was transrectal followed 18 months later with transperineal both conducted without GA which was interesting to say the least, if you’ve scabs I take it you had the transperineal procedure! I didn’t have any scabbing at all so I’d be tempted to keep the area exceptionally clean and any sign of them causing issues get in touch with your GP.

Regarding worries, we all deal with these issues differently, those that are within my control that I can make changes to influence I manage well, those beyond my control that lay firmly in the hands of others are a different kettle of fish, “BUT” in this case what better hands could I wish my fate to be with other than the wonderful NHS staff looking after my welfare and of course the big man upstairs! who has looked after me well thus far…,.good look. 

Hi again James. My husband had transrectal biopsies so cannot comment from a personal point of view. I am sure someone else will chip in if they also had scabs but would expect that this is a normal healing reaction. Provided the scab remains dry then everything should be Ok. To be extra careful why not gently dab an antiseptic wet wipe over the area each time you use the toilet but don't throw them down the pan. If you start to feel unwell or have a high or low temperature then seek urgent medical help.

I know you state that you have clear urine but were you warned about the possibility of blood in the semen. We were told to check this after a few days and not to panic if it is a rusty colour. All this is doing is clearing the tubes and can help with the healing process.

Have a restful afternoon, don't try and do too much too soon.

Thanks for your input. The scabs have dropped off and I now have two tiny lumps where the needles went in. I am not worried about the Semen as that bit of me does not really function now.

Kind regards James.

Hello James

Thanks for the update - just ensure it's clean and you will be fine. It's great to see all the support you have and that people are following your progress and wishing you well.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi James,

Hope everything is going well for you. 

I am in a similar situation just a little further down the road.  I have had umpteen scans and samples taken. Just had my first radiotherapy appointment. I assure you  that I was terrified but it  was one of the easiest things I have done. I also underwent the TURP procedure which was supposed make urinating easier, it does. 

This maybe of help for you if you are planning any holidays.  I eventually got travel insurance with Avanti. I had booked  a holiday before I  was diagnosed. I had travel insurance for Europe but was going to the States for a treat  with my wife. It was due to run out a week or two after booking, so I thought I would just go online and get the best deal. Oh well the benefits of foresight.

The specialists all said go your holiday never mentioned how hard getting insurance would be and because it was the States.

As I mentioned I got cover from Avanti, no cover for  my cancer.

My wife  and I had a great holiday not having to worry about insurance.

Hope this little thoughts help you. 

Eric 

Thanks Brian and Eric for replying. I stopped holidays a long time ago because my nervous system panics going as far as Oldham. That is the longest distance from home I have travelled for 20 years. This is one thing that worries me about the treatment. Our area has specialist hospitals which only do certain things so you could end up going anywhere within a Twenty odd mile radius of home. Plus all treatments have side effects and I would find it impossible to cope with these.

Kind regards. James.

Hello James.

One step at a time. Let's get your results from your biopsy first.

I don't normally let my husband know what is being posted as I know he will worry and start to panic but I have read yours to him as I know that it has helped him verbalise his fears. He has had strokes which makes it difficult for him to express himself at times and I know that when gobbledegook comes out he is struggling to find the words to deal with his anxiety. We have just completed 6 cycles of chemotherapy at a hospital a 4 hour drive away. Nightmare for him but the medical team were so understanding and helpful that he achieved it, although he couldn't wait to get back to his "safe place" at home. Your posts have mirrored how he feels and ressured him that he is not alone so thank you for being so strong to express them here.

Please keep reaching out and the many wonderful people on the forum will help you get through.

Hello James

First of all just let me echo Alwayshope

Alwayshope said:

One step at a time. Let's get your results from your biopsy first.

You never know - you may well be fine but better safe than sorry. Once you get your results we can take it from there and work "our" yes "our" way through the results because you aren't alone here - remember I am "just around the corner" and am happy to have a chat with you over a brew to try and put to bed any fears you have : BUT first let's take it slowly and wait for your results.

We are a "team" here and you are on it. .

Best wishes - Brian

Thanks Alwayshope and Brian for your kind words and encouragement. At the moment I have all my phones off or disconnected. I know my Consultant is in Bury on Wednesdays so I could get a phone call today which is a week after my Biopsy. I feel sure I will get a result that shows the Cancer is agressive and I could not cope with this at the moment. This is the odd way my OCD works with the intrusive thoughts. I am not sure if I want to be a survivor at my age of something truly dreadful.

Kind regards James.

Hello James

I know where you are at - however - do you not think it would be a good idea to find out what the biopsy results are?

At this point "we" - again "we"  - that's me you and the Community can help you going forward - if you don't want to have treatment - that's fine and I respect your choice.

I don't want to push you at all - I do - as a "Champ" have plenty of resources at my beck and call - would it help if I was able to get you some - additional help - no pressure and I know you are a very private person - if you wish you can send me a private message - my mailbox is open.

On a personal note - I nearly died on 25/12/2021 and following on from that moment - I realised that life is amazing - with the help of people from this Community I understood where I was and that whatever it takes - you can go on to live a very fruitful life - I am doing what I do to help others - and I am here for you.

OCD is not the best - one of my children (she's in her 40's has it) and I understand it - so I am with you every step of the way.

Don't give up now - we are almost there. 

Best wishes - Brian.