Nervous about biopsy

[smallwolf]

Those here would know I'm a champion, but that does not make me special in any way. Like anyone or everyone here, I still have moments where anxiety sneaks in. Lately, I've had a lot on my mind, especially as Thursday approaches. So...

In two days, I'm heading to the hospital for a biopsy. While my MRI results were okay, my blood tests showed slightly elevated levels, which my doctor wants to investigate further. Prostate cancer runs in my family, so this adds to my concerns. I do take comfort in knowing that those in my family who faced it have come through it successfully.

This feels a bit more serious than what I’ve dealt with before—outside of an eye surgery a few years ago—but I’m trying to stay grounded. I just wanted to share this, not for pity or sympathy, but because it’s been on my mind and if you have been wondering why I have not been around ... tiredness, nervous, not sleeping. I hope you can forgive me.

[blondguy]

Hi Tim

The word biopsy is a  'spooky' word for many of us..I know it elevates my own anxiety levels and people who have never experienced anxiety before as well.

As a champion I have also posted thread topics about various personal/ family health issues too. You are and have always been strong Tim...

Im not sure if this is helpful yet I and many of my friends have showed elevated levels on on the blood test too, and the biopsy results came back negative Tim.

My experienced GP told me I had skin cancer on my lower leg and the biopsy came back negative......oops!

I hear you Tim and the anticipatory anxiety is understandable yet very common

always a bonus to see you Tim

my kindest always

Paul

[Eagle Ray]

Dear smallwolf,

Needing to have a biopsy can indeed feel worrying. I’ve just been through one myself for a breast tumour which fortunately turned out to be a benign tumour called a fibroadenoma. Initially I was given no info other than I needed a biopsy which created a fair bit of worry. But eventually I managed to extract more details from them that put me more at ease. So I think knowledge can be helpful and provide some clarity and reassurance, even if it doesn’t give you the outcome yet. So do ask any questions that you may have. I just read that 75% of prostrate biopsies are negative for cancer, so I hope maybe that gives a bit of encouragement. And even if it is a positive, it sounds like they are onto it early.

I think with those sorts of things I’ve found a mix of acceptance and letting go has helped. It’s knowing you can’t actually control the situation itself exactly, so accepting it is what it is, but you can have some control over things like self-care in the meantime and focussing on some things you enjoy. So I wonder if spending time with family doing some enjoyable activities that distract you may help. And perhaps some grounding exercises too which can centre you, whether that’s enjoying some time in nature or listening to some music you love.

Sending you much peace smallwolf. I remember once being in hospital for investigative surgery some years ago and I was there on my own waiting for it. I remember just having this peaceful moment of just letting go and I actually became at ease. I can’t quite explain it except it felt almost kind of spiritual. So if you have a spiritual orientation that may help too, just to centre you.

Take care,

ER

[smallwolf]

Thank you very much to you (and others for your support!).

I'm at home. 🙂 Yay!

Won't be going to work tomorrow - it's not recommended. I will just follow their orders. And I have things I can otherwise do.

As I said in the mindfulness section, I was mainly deep breathing as that shut out whatever else was happening around me as I was otherwise waiting. Actually, I was also chatting with a nurse while waiting to go into theatre - I'm guessing there was something in the prev op.. the nurse did go away to find out what was happening, but we had been chatting for 30min about ou children and stuff. Just tired now.

[blondguy]

Rest well ..you have earned it

my kindest always

(Hugs)

[Eagle Ray]

Dear smallwolf,

Rest well and really glad you were able to use the mindfulness and breathing. It’s great you had the nurse to chat to as well. Nurses often play such an important role beyond the medical tasks in that they are often interactive with patients and help them feel more at ease.

Take it easy and hugs to you,

ER

[Ggrand]

Hello Dear Tim,

🤗🩷🙏

Well done following your Drs. orders…

Thinking of you with kind thoughts..🙏🤗🩷

Grandy..

[smallwolf]

Been eating bland food today ...

... and feeling a little better.

[Eagle Ray]

That’s good smallwolf. Have a restful weekend ☺️

[smallwolf]

get the results tomorrow.

daughter asks me what I think the result will be. tough one to answer.

fingers crossed