Just diagnosed

My Psa was 4.88 but the size of the thing is worrying me.1 cm seems huge. Being dead doesn't worry me too much because I am a lifelong Goth and I have chosen a real Goth Coffin, dark and ornate. Its the side effects and being able to get to the treatment that worries me as my nerves shred if I get to far away from home plus at 69 I am no longer able to drive or afford a car anyway. Thank you for all your kind posts it is quite overwhelming.

Kind regards James.

Hi James

For your age a PSA of 4.88 is low. The size of the cancer isn't an issue as long as it's slow growing, which it looks like with the low PSA.. A biopsy will give you something called a Gleason Score which will tell you how fast it's likely to grow. You just need it to stay within the prostate gland.

I love the bit about being a Goth - each to his own and I respect your choice - I have a vision of you listening to rock music dressed in black, sat back in a rocking chair!!

The one thing about Prostate Cancer is don't worry about the treatment. Apart from the biopsy (I know!!) the most pain I have had is the nurse taking my blood for a PSA test!! The other one is treatment,  I am sure your local MacMillan centre will be able to organise or at least point you in the direction of transport to any appointments you may have.

As I always say, we as a community are all in the same boat and are always about to help or just have a chat.

I have been on my personal prostate cancer journey for 19 months and if you click on the icon of the beach you can follow my journey. I have had a few "hiccups" on the way but hey - ho - tha'ts life!!

Kind Regards

Brian.

Hi James

Just take a step back and don’t overthink things, one step at a time, very hard when you suffer from OCD as you tend to want to plan ahead and be in control.  As Millibob says your PSA is not that high and he is right it doesn’t matter about the size. It may well be totally contained and you can discuss your options with your Surgeon or Oncologist.  I know transport can be a problem but if you discuss this when planning any treatment I am sure you could arrange or sort out times to suit. I have to say your whole Goth coffin sounds very intriguing BUT you are far from ready to be thinking about that yet! Just deal with one appointment and one decision at a time and keep focus and you can do this, for sure!  On a lighter note, Brian (Millibob) made me smile with his vision of you rocking* away dressed in black, see we all need to keep on smiling in the face of adversity and you are not facing this alone, not with all the lovely people on here on your side.

one, day, one step at a time 

 Linda 

Thanks Brian and Linda. The one thing that worries me is the Biopsy because apparently this can cause infection or even Sepsis. Being a retired teacher I was only permitted to wear full goth clothing or black nail varnish if I was on stage. I used to run the school rock bands over many years.

Kind regards James.

Hi, I’ve had 3 Template Biopsies followyMRI scans, and absolutely no issues at all . 
Norman

Hi James,

My husband was the same, the one test that worried him was the biopsy but he said the thought of it was worse than actually getting it done and it was all over in 10 minutes.  He got a small local anaesthetic and he said it was more uncomfortable than painful and was over quickly.  You are normally given antibiotics to guard against infection and I would not worry about sepsis from a biopsy as everything is done in a clinical setting, albeit as an outpatient.  I am sure the guys in here who have had it done can offer reassurance but just remember James the benefits of getting it done so that you have a firm idea of what your dealing with far outweigh any negatives.  I promise you my husband was so uptight about it I thought he might decide he couldn't  go through with it and yet afterwards he said worrying about it was worse than the actual biopsy. You got this!

Linda

Hi James

Honest opinion, yes I worried about the biopsy and I need not have done.

The surgeon who did mine was amazing, he took me through the procedure and told me exactly what to expect. He said "this will hurt a little" and then said can Mr xxxxx do the procedure under my supervision, well you have to start at the bottom!! (I know I know!!!).

I am aware any procedure can cause infection etc and being invasive yes there is a chance, but all was well with mine. I was fine 15 minuets after they had finished, and at least I knew then I would have a full diagnosis.

You will have to leave me with my vision of you -I am full of admiration for anyone who follows their feelings.

I hope the above eases your fears.

Kind Regards

Brian.

Thanks Brian and Linda. My only problem is I am allergic to some antibiotics and have problems when taking them by mouth.

Kind regards James.

Don’t worry, just let them know, there are always alternatives James.  Try and be mindful of your OCD and just deal with each thing as it comes along and hopefully you won’t them become too overwhelmed.  

Linda

Thank you Linda. I have read that theTransperineal prostate biopsy is less risky but I bet this is not available in the UK.

Kind regardsJames