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They just found a palpitated nodule on my prostate. I need advice
Hi!
I just saw a nurse in Urology at Sutter in San Carlos, CA. I will be getting an MRI on my prostate and an abdominal MRI to see if anything has spread at Sutter in Burlingame. After that, I am told they will do a biopsy. They will use the MRI and a ultrasound "fusing" I think through the anus.
I have reached out to Stanford. The earliest appointment they have is 3/4/25 to be seen. by a urology nurse. I am reaching out to UCSF and Mayo clinic in AZ for an appt.
1)If you were me, what would you do?
2) Is an anal biopsy the way to go or through the perineum? Would you recommend general anesthesia? I hate pain
3) I am willing to spend money to get the best treatment. I also have Anthem Blue Cross PPO. Where is the best place at this stage?
4) Any other advice? I am 57. My PSA is 0.2. I am healthy. No abnormal white blood cells in my labs.
Thank you so much and God Bless you for taking the time to help me!
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I had the rectal biopsy done over 2 years ago and, while not the most pleasant experience, it was generally pain free. I was awake the whole time, which was under 20 minutes,
start to finish and there were no complications afterwards and recovery was fast (pretty much back to normal the next day).
Absolutely follow through and don't ignore. Caught early, if indeed the biopsy indicates cancer, the earlier it's caught, the better the outcome.
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1 ReactionThank you!
A PSA of 0.2 is promising.
I appreciate your kindness!
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1 ReactionI think that a 4 month wait is 2 months too long and I would search for an excellent facility that can see you sooner, maybe UCLA , something in Newport beach and someplace that should you need additional treatment it is with 90 minute drive. The rectal biopsy is no stress easy Good luck
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1 ReactionIf you do the perennial biopsy, there is much lower chance of infection. Somebody posted in this forum about being infected From an anal biopsy just yesterday, no fun.
With a PSA that low it’s almost definitely something else other than prostate cancer. You may just end up on an antibiotic.
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3 ReactionsMuch respect! Thanks!
Hello. Question for you. Why are you going straight to MRI with a PSA of 0.2 because a nurse supposedly felt a nodule? Have you had a urologist or other primary care doc do a DRE where they also felt something? Just curious. Seems odd.
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1 Reaction.2 PSA seems odd to me. My normal PSA ten years before cancer was .9 to 1.2 on my yearly physical. Maybe my normal was not normal.
I went to Mayo Phoenix earlier this year and was very happy with the care I received. I met with a urologist there who ordered a reading of my MRI (done elsewhere) by their radiologist. Based on their radiologist reading of my MRI they then decided a Fusion MRI biopsy was warranted, which they then performed about 6 weeks later. I had the Fusion MRI biopsy through the perineum with general anesthesia and 2 anal biopsies 25 years ago while awake. No comparison. The Fusion MRI biopsy gives you confidence they actually sample the areas of concern and being under anesthesia was way better than being awake for the anal biopsy. I believe UCSF and Stanford are also first rate institutions, so I'd be happy to go to any of those 3. With the holidays I kind of doubt you'll get in anywhere much before 3/4 unless they just happen to have a cancellation, but it never hurts to try. Best wishes.
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