New & stressed

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New to the forum - just had the phone call with MRI results - told PIRADS 5 & biopsy next - PSA was 6.8 & GP referred due to one part of prostate larger than other.

Now totally stressed out thinking this probably means cancer but realise I shouldn't assume the worst at this stage.Pensive

  • Hi NSW, and a warm welcome to the forum, though I'm sorry you have to be here, you are indeed right about not thinking the worst, but I  can assure you it's perfectly normal, though a PIRADS 5, and an enlarged lobe, are suggestive of prostate cancer, its not certain at this time, and your low PSA, would indicate, if so, its been caught early, your biopsy will tell you one way or the other.

    But well done in joining the forum so early, something many of us wished we had, so feel free to ask the wonderful people on here any questions you may have, no question is stupid, we all start of with very little understanding of what is happening, but gain knowledge and understanding, which we are happy to share with everyone, my very best wishes for your biopsy results, and hope they bring good news, if not you will find lots of friends here to support you anyway we can 

    Eddie 

  • Many thanks for your kind words - it just seems a little surreal right now but I will try not to panic yetSlight smile

  • You are welcome my friend, its the worst time for us all, waiting for tests and results, the best advice is to keep busy, do things you enjoy, and if possible get away for a few days, if you want any advice regarding the biopsy, if you know which type your having, there will be plenty of guys and girls here to share their experiences, and a little note regarding prostate cancer, 98% of guys who get it do not die of it, PS, are you usually up at this time?.

    Eddie 

  • Yes - tend to stay up most nights - but probably not going to sleep easily tonightSlight smile

  • Hi my friend, if you join the cancer chat forum, there is the, awake all night thread. Luckily my sleepless nights are mostly behind me, I  hope you manage some sleep.

    Eddie 

  • Hello  and welcome from a wife. The first few weeks are the worst whilst you wait for scans and a biopsy, then the results and finally a plan but things do then settle down. There is a very good book which you can download for free explaining the process and more importantly what treatments are available. If caught early prostate cancer can either just be monitored as it is usually slow growing or be treated with curative intent so stay positive. Even if it is not curable it can still be treatable for a long time as is the case with my husband.

    Now that you are on the cancer pathway keep a note of dates, contact names and numbers and ask for copies of results.

    https://issuu.com/magazineproduction/docs/js_prostate_cancer_guide_for_patients_ezine

    Please try and avoid Google at the moment as you will find yourself going down a rabbit hole. There have been great strides in treatments for prostate cancer recently and a lot of the information on line refers to older techniques and protocols. As Eddie has said, distraction is good at the moment but ask any questions and you will get honest answers from those who have been there, done that and worn the T shirt.

  • Hi NSW

    Pirads 5 would indicate that it is cancer but u need a biopsy to confirm.

    However u have a lowish PSA  which 90% of the time would indicate early stage and therefore easy to treat and curable.

    one thing you could do is get a copy of the MRI report to see what it says about any possible tumour in terms of size and location in the gland.

    other than that wait for the biopsy results  and get the MRI results then.

    But yes , going back to your last sentence don't assume the worst , it may not be

    best wishes

    Steve

  • PIRAD5 also means they have a clear view of what is there.  With your relatively low PSA, the MRI is giving a very clear target for the biopsy.  This is good news (believe it or not) because PIRAD5 sounds bad but it simply refers to the clarity of the image and they can see something there .  My gut feeling is that this will be an early found cancer that is curable.  Stay with us for reassurance and we’ll hold your hand.  Don’t worry.  AW