Cancer Research UK main site

Waiting for prostrate biopsy results

Snowsty
Offline

Just playing the waiting game. Husband had biopsy 12 days ago but we were told results could take 4-6 weeks. He’s finding the wait unbearable, I was very upset at first but seem to be able to put it out of my mind mostly. 
A friend told me that if it was very serious we’d hear sooner but I don’t believe this. We are in Gloucestershire - is this long wait typical as doctor said something about under promising and over delivering?

Also is it normal to lose interest in sex. He’s not sure if it’s physical, psychological or both!?  

  • Offline

    Hi Snowsty, and a warm welcome to the forum, though I'm sorry you have to be here. Your friend is right, a serious result would be red flagged by the pathologist, though 4 - 6 weeks does seem a little long, I would be chasing them up, first thing on Monday, and I would think your husbands stress and worry are behind his loss of sex drive, I remember how difficult it was waiting for results at the beginning, and also the emotional release intimacy gave, which when I wasn't really interested, my partner would find ways to help, we also used to go on long walks which also helped. my best wishes for your results.

    Eddie

  • Offline in reply to eddiel

    Thank you Eddie. That’s really helpful. I will do what you say re intimacy. My husband is an introvert and quite often retreats if something is bothering him.

    I am going to wait 3 weeks before I chase but I wasn’t planning to chase at all & you’ve made be think I will do so. Maybe I just feel like it won’t make a difference given pressures on NHS.

    thanks again. 

  • Offline in reply to Snowsty

    Your wrong Snowsty, YOU can make a difference, and chasing up results, tests/scans and appointments helps, as does offering to fill in, should someone else cancel theirs, Preparing questions for all appointments, making notes during them and asking for copies of all their notes and scans including times and the names of everyone who was at them, and getting contact details for support - especially your cancer nurse specialist CNS, and consultants secretary. I agree the NHS is under pressure, so being nice to the staff, call them by their names, compliment them on good work and a little gift or two all make a difference. good luck.

    Eddie

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.