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Frustration with biopsy scheduling due oi MRI issues
I have to vent. I was scheduled to have my fusion biopsy today and yesterday they cancelled on me and told me that the next available is August. I had my MRI 3/12 due to rising PSA over a 3 month period. It came back with a Pi-Rads 4 due to an ill defined lesion in the peripheral zone and positive DCE (meaning angio genesis is already underway. Every other parameter also point to aggressive disease.
As requested I took my MRI disc to my urologist appointment on 4/16 and scheduled me for a fusion biopsy for today (6/2) and was going to get me in earlier if possible due to the alarming MRI report.
Now for the problem. My MRI was performed in South Carolina (where I have a second home). I received a call one week before my biopsy from my urologist in Delaware telling me that the hospital was unable to read my MRI disc required for the fusion biopsy. Fortunately I was in SC and was able to have them burn a second one and drove 11 hours the next day to get it to them. The hospital radiology dept. could not read the second disc either. They then had the SC hospital upload the MRI file directly to them. Again they could not read it. They said that they would work on it, and I received an email confirming my procedure today so I thought all was good. Yesterday the doctor's office called and cancelled and had me bring the disc back to them so that they could send it to MSU in Mass. where they thought they could read it.
Now I am at their mercy trying to schedule my biopsy with them telling me the next available slot isn't until some time in August! I asked if I couldn't just get another MRI in DE but they said that insurance wouldn't cover the second MRI. I am so frustrated knowing that I have an aggressive cancer that could metastasize and that time is of the essence.
I have reached out to Johns Hopkins for a second opinion since they are a center of excellence but they want the MRI and biopsy info before they schedule it.
It is so discouraging. I don't know what to do. I can't sleep and this is so stressful.
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If you have a home in S.C. have you reached out for Mayo Jacksonville? You are not far (driving) from Mayo Jacksonville as Mayo is in north Florida.
I had my MRI at Mayo Jacksonville and the MRI fusion there. Most urologist do a lot of procedures but Mayo Jacksonville is an excellent and experience facility. Would not hurt to reach out to them. I was referred to urology by my primary care provider.
Good luck and hang in there. I remember going through all this test and procedure. It does take time to do all and know that most of us have gone through it and what you are feeling and worry is normal even though not good as I felt the same way you did waiting for procedures on my way to finally getting proton radiation for my PC.
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2 ReactionsI know. I'm just concerned that a delay of this magnitude may have an impact on possible treatment options. I was hoping that a focal treatment might be possible but that might even be a stretch now since a don't have a well defined lesion. Just crossing my fingers that it doesn't progress significantly until I can get a treatment plan. If I can't get the biopsy until August then I'll have another 4-6 weeks before I can get surgery or radiation, then recuperate from that. I'm planning on selling my DE house this summer but am now in limbo. I'm also supposed to officiate my grandson's wedding in PA early Nov. You're right about Mayo-Jacksonville, not a bad trip from Hilton Head. I probably should have started down that path in the first place, but all my health care providers (cardiologist, neurologist, etc.) are up north.
Sorry for your frustration.
Two days after reviewing my initial 2025 MRI/Biopsy performed by local Urologist/Hospital, I called City of Hope in Newnan, Ga for a 2nd opinion.
After this initial phone call, I have had the greatest service, medical care, without any frustrations.
Obtaining Appointments, followup tests, answers to questions/concerns, and everything else has been incredible.
I have a friend with Prostate cancer who stated Radiation in 2021, followed by ADT, and now Chemo. He had been to three different medical centers over the years due to Doctors retiring, centers changing, etc.
Two weeks ago, he went for his 1st consult at City of Hope and he called me in amazement. He said, I have never had such peace in a facility. Everything is done to make the patient have the best experience possible.
Nothing is perfect. My only recommendation is to call around, ask friends for recommendations, get recommendations here, etc.
Finding good Doctors (Both Radiation Oncology, Surgeon, and test facilities is more important than when the biopsy is performed (in most cases).
You may need the initial biopsy performed at a non-cancer center (before they accept you as a patient at a cancer center).
Finding the best Doctors and treatment centers is most important. Treatment timing is a distant 2nd, most of the time.
Best Wishes on finding great medical resources.
@keithl56 How fast is your PSA rising? That will give you an indication of what will occur with the delay. If it has been a few months since the last test get another one. PSA tests are cheap and there are lots of sites where you can schedule one if your doctors are not willing.
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3 Reactionsthanks!