The biopsy

I had been dreading this procedure but had managed to put it to the back of my mind until the night before. Yesterday morning soon arrived and it was time for breakfast, some last minute worries and a shower; I wanted to be sparklingly clean as this was going to be an up-close and personal experience. I drove our car to the local hospital and, to Sam’s concern, set myself the goal of driving back home.

Jo (an Advanced Nursing Practitioner) explained that she was going to carry out the procedure. She was supported by two nurses and a consultant urologist. I donned the hospital gown… there was little point in trying to preserve any dignity as they were about to “Tape my scrotum out of the way” and insert a frighteningly large CT probe up my bum. At least we exchanged a few words of small talk first.

I’m going to skip quickly through the procedure: Two injections of anaesthetic into the outer perineum (agony); two deeper injections into the prostate (worse agony); then some more clicking/snipping things inserted to take the samples (yep, more agony). The consultant popped in to have a feel about before the nurse released my balls back in to their vaguely correct position.

Did I mention the pain? This procedure was described as being “Uncomfortable but painless”. That was not my experience… if needed again then I will be asking for a general anaesthetic. As always, all of the NHS nurses and assistants whom I encountered were brilliant. A young nurse (Kelly) was particularly wonderful; she talked to me throughout and even offered to hold my hand. I asked the three nurses if this was what they’d dreamed of doing when they were little girls. They confirmed it was.

The discussion

Immediately after the procedure was completed the second urology consultant approached me and explained that the results of the biopsy would not be known for 2-4 weeks, but that he had now reviewed my previous CT scan and bone scan. He explained that the bone scan looked clear and he did not think the cancer had spread to my bones, but he was concerned about the CT scan (I’d previously been told that this “looked ok”). He reported that the prostate was much larger than it should be, “Like an orange rather than a walnut” and that the cancer had already spread to an inguenal lymph node. He went on to explain that I would be offered treatment to slow down the spread of the cancer.

I asked: “Is surgery to remove the prostate an option?”

Uro: “No. It won’t increase your life expectancy”

Me: “Well, how long is that?”

Uro: “We aren’t talking in months; we are looking at years”

Me: “How many years?”

Uro: “Maybe 5”

Fuck. It’s getting shorter! I went on to ask about likely progression but the rest of the conversation was a blur. Ah well, when you start to climb a mountain it’s always best to start at the bottom. I have an appointment with the consultant oncologist tomorrow so will try and get things clarified as much as possible then. Sam’s coming to help me remember things!

The aftermath

Walking down the hospital corridors was quite uncomfortable after this procedure. My head was spinning from the unpleasant experience and the consultant’s words. Nonetheless, some fresh air helped clear my mind a little and I achieved my goal of driving home 🙂

The rest of the day was spent mainly on the settee although I did get out for a potter in the garage. A fairly restless night followed although this morning the pain has almost gone. Time to get out for a walk then and prepare for what might come through the door next.

Here’s a link if anyone is interested in seeing the procedure (not actually mine of course). Ignore the pain scales, they are clearly lying. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUIpUXSSOs0