What we wish we knew before the biopsy

I don't know how many people had a biopsy like Kurt.  The doc took his multiple samples and put them into 2 vials, 1 left and 1 right.  His results were PCa on both sides.  At the time, we didn't know any different.  It wasn't until the day before his surgery, that the surgeon said "that is the cheap way to do a biopsy". And that labs charge per vial.  Who Cares!!!!!  His surgeon went in blind, not knowing where the cancer actually was.  Kurt's dad had the 12 vial biopsy.  We know exactly where his PCa is.  In Kurt's case, the doc had to remove parts of nerves as to make sure he didn't leave cancer behind.  Kurt is very adiment about getting the warning out to others about to have the biopsy.  Don't let your doc do the "cheap" kind.  Insist on more vials!!!!  Doesn't mean more samples, just seperated better!  Good luck to all!  Courtney

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Kurt & Courtney

47 year old

Great Health prior to dx

Dx on 1/29/07

PSA 4.1

Gleason 3+3=6, both lobes

Stage T2c, I believe

Tumor involves 20% of cores, both lobes

Live in OK

Da Vinci scheduled 3-14-07 in Austin

Post-Op  Gleason 6, Stage t2c nx mx  YAAAAA HOOOOOO! 

1st PSA Post OP  Undetectable!!!!!!  OFF THE CHART

2nd CT scan, to recheck enlarged lymph nodes not related to PCa NO CHANGE relook in 6 months

These posts indicate one of the problems with PCa, if a needle does not contact cancer during the biopsy there is no cancer. 

zippy had 3 or 12 with cancel the first one and then only one of 45 with cancer. 

I had 2 negative biopsys and some feel I have had cancer for years (Gleason 9) and that the samples just did not find the PCa.

I have come to believe that the more samples taken over a wider area of the prostate the better.  With the newer methods (lots less discomfort) more samples would be my request to my urologist.  I agree there should be nothing done on the 'cheap'.

Keep 

 

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Retired USAF Richard & Debbie on The Shores of Toledo Bend Lake Louisiana

Neg Bios 1997 & 2000 PSA within considered normal range

11/06 PSA 1.9 PSA 11/07 was 4.9 PSA 12/07 was 7.7 MDA 2/12/08 3.3 On Proscar so shud double

Biospy 1/10/08 Gleason score (4+5)9, Stage T1C  8 of 12 samples positive 

Bone scan 1/17/08 hot spot on ribs, CT shows rib enjury CT CHest 1/30/08 Clear

M.D. Anderson appt 2/12/08 CT Abdomin & Pelvis Clear Recommended Hormone&Radiation

2/19/08 Dr Fagin, Austin, TX did not recommend surgery based on medical history

2/22/08 Contacted U of Florida Proton Therapy Institute - Appt 3/13/08 awaiting acceptance

Turn Stumbling Blocks into Steping Stones and Keep Smiling

Kziz,

I saw you did your surgery in Austin. Was it done by Dr Fagin? If so what's your opinion of the Dr and the facility. I have an appointment to see Dr Fagin on April 2 but I would like to know your input since you went through the experience.

Thanks

KrisP

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Diagnosed 3/2008 at Age 54; with Prostate Cancer with PSA of 1.9
Biopsy done 3/2008; with Gleason 6
Pathology report - Gleason 6 (3+3), involving left lobe (T2b)
DRE=15gm with indurated left base and mid prostate
Cores positive: left base medial, left base lateral, left mid medial and left mid lateral
Clinical stage t2b.
Prostate Carcinorna 185
Urologist recommended no bone scan or other test is needed at this time.
In process of evaluating all options.