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Biopsy Complete (Not So Great Afterwards) - Waiting For Results
(Starting A New Thread From the "Enormous Prostate" Thread from a Few Weeks Ago)
I had my biopsy Wednesday afternoon, 3/5/2025. I guess it went as well as can be expected. The Urologist is a month from retirement and has been doing this for 35+ years. He seemed to think it went very well. There was a nurse assisting him, and she was nice. There was an Ultrasound Tech who kept to the corner of the room. She didn't say much. It was a bit embarrassing to endure the procedure, but I'm sure they've done a ton of these and didn't think much of it. I got an anti-biotic shot in the butt and a few minutes later it got started and, like I said, seemed to go by just fine. I only really felt 3-4 of the 12 needles, no worse than a pinch for a second or two.
After the procedure the nurse checked on me a few times and ensured that I felt fine. It was a good 20-25 minutes later and she set the follow up appointment for me for the next week, 7-days later. Hopefully, the results are back by then, of course!
My wife was waiting for me in the waiting area and we spent another few minutes waiting while she used the restroom, and then we walked to the car for the 25-minute drive home. I still felt fairly normal, though a bit traumatized mentally. I had some soreness in the pelvic region but no real pain, sharp or otherwise, to speak of. We drove for 4-5 minutes and I told her that I was suddenly feeling very nauseated. She asked if we needed to pull over and I told her I wasn't sure, but I was very nauseated. I started to see blackness filling my eyes and I don't remember anything after that until we got back to the ER at the medical building where my biopsy took place. So, I passed out.
My wife said I was as white as a bed sheet, sweated profusely, and was completely slumped over, totally non-responsive. She said she kept patting my hand, patting my cheeks, yelling my name. She pulled over to figure out how to get back to the ER, and frantically rushed me there. What I first remember is a good sternum rub on my chest and the sound of a nurse saying, "I don't have a carotid pulse, but his wrist has a thready pulse," or something to that effect. I was able to hazily look up and see a team at the passenger side of the car. “He’s waking up,” the nurse said after I had passed out for a second time for 30-40 seconds. Long story much shorter, they got me in, gave me an IV with fluids, a Gatorade and some chips and crackers, and about 90-minutes later after some bloodwork, an EKG, and a chest x-ray I was told everything looks great. I felt completely normal and went home. Apparently, being NPO since midnight the night before and the accompanying dehydration, the stress of the procedure, and the lateness of the day (procedure at 2:00 PM), caused me to simply shut down for about 10-15 minutes. Of course, my wife of nearly 30-years was a total wreck for a bit, but the team in the ER was amazing to us. We are very grateful for them.
Here's where it gets bad (or at least interesting) and where I confirm that I’m apparently not that bright. My instructions were to take it easy for a day or two and I could get back to my normal routine, so I took Thursday and rested the entire day. Friday I worked a few hours and didn’t do too much. (I’m the boss, and my team was fine without me.) Saturday morning – sigh - I was feeling a little frisky. I’ve always been the high libido type. Everything was in working order, so to speak, so my wife and I “played” a bit, and, after not seeing blood in my urine or stool the night before and that morning, I thought it would be interesting to see if there was blood in my semen. Well, sure enough, there was plenty of blood in my semen. And the same soreness I had on Wednesday and that had essentially vanished quickly returned, maybe even a little worse. I told my wife, “I think I screwed up! The instructions said I could get back to normal in a couple of days!” She just gave me the look I’ve been accustomed to seeing for 30-years when I do something bone headed. I then turned to Google, ChatGPT and Grok 3 and discovered that, while there isn’t much information on this sort of thing, the consensus seemed to be to wait 4-6 weeks for any “hanky-panky.” A couple of people said they were active after 3-weeks or so. I was terribly worried that I had ruined my prostate, but by today (Sunday), I am feeling fine, some 36-hours later, with no side-effects to speak of. I have seen a little bit of pink in my urine 1-2 times today out of several trips to pee, but nothing else. All of the blood in the semen and the resulting soreness makes me think I’m going to give it at least another 2-3 weeks before I try any “extra-curricular activity” again!
So, dumb me learned a lesson yesterday, but I don’t think that I punched the Dummy Card too hard. I’m hoping for good news this Wednesday that will confirm the “highly unlikely” result from the MRI from a few weeks ago and that cancer is not there. The doctor has a plan to treat this huge prostate that I hope will be successful to some degree. Oddly enough, my symptoms are still minimal. I was typically going several nights without having to get up to pee, 6-nights in a row of complete rest before the biopsy, and the other typical symptoms I rated 2 or 3 on a scale of 1-10. So, prayers up that I am good. I’ll be sure to come back and let you all know the results when I get them! Thanks for all of the replies, recommendations, and good wishes from the other thread! Best wishes to each of you!
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It sounds to me (as a layperson) that your body went into shock after the biopsy procedure. I'm glad you're OK now. Your wife did a great job rushing you back.
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2 Reactions@hoops0200
From your description of your biopsies I assume it was done transrectal. Where you given the option of transrectal or transpernial?
The discomfort transrectal adds, being awake, is why many of us on MCC chose transpernial. You are under anethesia and lot easier on body as not going through rectum.
I was told to take it easy for several weeks. The blood you mentioned in urine is common as there is going to be some bleeding in prostate that gets into urine.
The blood in your semen so close to your biopsies is not something I can comment on as I followed the advice of my R/Os. It was several months not weeks that I indulged in sex only to find I had dry orgasmans. That experience shocked me but found on MCC was also common. I think my uroglogist and R/Os did mentioned it but sex was not something I was thinking about during this time.
You write extremely well. Are you in the profession of writing?
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3 ReactionsShe is my shy, quiet, nerdy little brunette, and she has always been a warrior for me. What a ride it has been!
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2 ReactionsThanks! I was not given an option, so I did the transrectal by default, I guess. If I ever had to do it again, I would certainly ask about the other, as I have heard it is far easier to recuperate from! I'll get a new Urologist in April after my current guy retires.
Thanks for the compliment on writing well! I was a Communication (Speech, Journalism, Radio Broadcasting) major in college, but found it difficult to break into anything to earn serious money back then. So, I got into management. I have been published in magazines, newspapers, journals, etc, as a contributing writer, but nothing too serious. I love creative writing and have stacks of 3-ring binders full of content. Maybe my kids or grandkids will publish me posthumously one day. LOL! I know the 6-foot high stack of personal journals might keep them busy if my wife allows for others to read them!
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2 ReactionsWell, I JUST got my biopsy results back in MyChart! (Though I haven't spoken with my doctor yet—that's coming Wednesday!)
The report says: "BENIGN PROSTATE TISSUE. NO EVIDENCE OF MALIGNANCY."
And if that weren’t reassuring enough, there's even a little diagram of my prostate, neatly divided into 12 quadrants, each one proudly labeled: "benign."
After the "highly unlikely" MRI results and now this biopsy, I’m feeling confident that I can say it—cancer-free. And for that, I am profoundly grateful. Still, this journey isn’t over. The numbers tell their own story—170’s in volume, 11+ PSA—so there’s more to address. My doctor plans to start with medication and see how it responds. Time to start digging in… and no doubt achieving "WebMD Expert" status in record time! LOL.
I just want to take a moment to say how much this support group has meant to me. Your stories—the highs and lows, the wisdom and humor, the raw and real moments—have been a source of strength. My own path has been shorter than many here, but because of all of you, the road ahead feels a little wider, a little less daunting.
I look forward to walking it alongside you. Blessings to each of you, and may your own journeys be smooth and steady.
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7 ReactionsCareful. Stay very vigilant on the PSA's. You can also order them online yourself as low as $26+$8 for blood draw.. Example: 01/2023 first poke and hope biopsy (basic) showed cancer 3+3=6 (PSA 4.4) -surveillance . PSA's climbed and or stayed high 10.5 - 11.5 til 14 months later, second poke and hope biopsy showed BENIGN. Then, 9 months later high PSA's 11.5 MRI w/wo contrast then (12/2024), URONAV Fusion 3D biopsy - cancer 4+3= 7 aggressive. Then PET scan to confirm localized. Chosen prostatectomy 04/2025. Now on Casodex to prevent any flares and decrease aggression until removal.
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2 ReactionsYes! Thanks, Edutron. I had discussed this possibility with the doctor and my wife, and we will remain vigilant. There is a plan to continue monitoring the situation, but we hope we never get the result we fear! I'm going to hope for the best with an eye on the future! Thanks for the reminder!
Yes, probably a good idea to test your PSA every 6 months from now on instead of every year, especially since it's so cheap and easy to do. That will give you a head start if (deity forbid!) cancer starts up some day. The earlier you catch it, the more likely it's fully curable.
Hi. Just curious how much stock you would put into the math of this. For example my prostate volume is 95ml and density is 0.082 and PSA 7.8. So does the enlarged prostate explain the elevated PSA?
@hoops0200 A caution with a question . What was your RADS Scoore on your MRI ?
A 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 RADS 1 , 2 , 3 cancer finding at Biopsy - UNLIKELY . RADS 4 High , and RADS 5 90% chance of finding cancer .
CAUTION . Do not put 100 % faith in your Biopsy results . My 1st Transperineal MRI Fusion Biopsy was also negative ( Benign ) . My RADS 5 was in conflict with this result . I , not my Urologist , who is the Head of Urology at a Major Hospital , persued a 2nd Biopsy suppported with a recent 2nd MRI .. Six cores came back Gleason 6 . I then followed with a 2nd & 3rd opinion of these results . First to all 6 cores Gleason 3 + 4 = 7 and Second to : 4 Cores G6 and 2 Cores Gleason 3 + 4 = 7
I recommend , if you have not studied the book by Dr. Patrick Walsh " Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer " to purchase it . It will be the best money you will ever buy and is highly recommended by others on this forum . Also follow Dr. Mark Scholz U Tube Videos on prostate cancer .
With respect to your large prostate . Did your doctor ever discuss BPH with you . Typically he will put you on Flowmax or a similar medication . I was on Flowmax and later on Dutasteride for the past 5 years . A FURTHER CAUTION : If you are ever on Dutasteride for a lengthly period . " You double your LAB PSA to get your true PSA ." My GP or Pharamcy did not advise me of this critical fact . I'm convinced my GP was unaware of it . He contributed my rising PSA to my BPH and only referred mr to a Urologist , again at my request. When my PSA reached 7.3 , it had gone as high as 8.4 but this was a minor infection treated with antibotics.
GOOD LUCK - EDUCATE YOURSELF ON PROSTATE CANCER . All the tests which include Biomarkers plus the emerging treatments in Radiation , Surgery and Focal Therapies . AI is moving medicine at warp speed .
Knowledge affords you the opportunity to become your own best health advocate
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