1. < Prostate Cancer

Going for Tulsa Pro Jan. 7th

Posted by paulcalif @paulcalif, Dec 29, 2024

I've posted here a few times over the last year and have read most of the posts from others. I was diagnosed in January 2024 through an ultrasound biopsy (it should have been MRI guided), followed by a PSA test CT scan, MRI, and Decipher test. My cancer is not aggressive, but there are three growths in my prostate. My doctors recommended a full ablation, and I’ve decided to go with the Tulsa Procedure at UCLA with Dr. Steven Raman.

I’ve waited until now because I believe Medicare will begin covering the procedure on the 1st. of 2025. Earlier this year, I switched from a Medicare HMO plan (Blue Shield) to Original Medicare with a supplemental plan, where Medicare covers 80% and the supplemental plan pays the remaining 20%. It’s been incredibly difficult to determine whether Medicare will actually cover the procedure, as I’ve received conflicting information. However, I think they will.

I considered going back to an HMO with United Health Plans, which includes UCLA physicians as in-network, but no one could guarantee that they’d cover the procedure either.

Anyway, I thought I’d document this journey. It begins on January 5th, when I’ll check into an Airbnb hotel near the procedure location. This is two days before the procedure. I’ll have to fast those 2 days and completely empty my stomach (I’ll spare you the details). In the best-case scenario, I’ll wake up with a catheter and a “burned out” prostate. I’ll need to wear the catheter for at least two weeks. Hopefully, they'll get it all 🙂

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

heavyphil | @heavyphil | 5 days ago
In reply to @jcf58 "Kyle13: Here was my description: Prostate, Index Lesion x 5 Left ant TZ mid, needle core..." + (show)
@jcf58

Kyle13: Here was my description: Prostate, Index Lesion x 5 Left ant TZ mid, needle core biopsy:
Adenocarcinoma, GRADE GROUP 3, Gleason grade 4+3 (score 7) (estimated 70 % grade 4)
4 of 5 needle cores are positive
70 % tissue involvement.

All 12 of the other cores were negative.

I had 30% my prostate ablated. I started sex 1 week after and have had no issues. I told my doctor that I actually think it’s better than before, but I think it’s just that I’m so happy that things didn’t change.😉

Jump to this post

Hey jcf, Glad you are doing well. A buddy of mine was just diagnosed Gleason 4+3 unfavorable; the tumor is very close to the rectum.
He’s consulted with RO’s and surgeons; he has consult next week at Sloan for some sort of focal therapy. I told him to look into TulsaPro since you and others seem pleased with your results.
He’s in NY and would have to travel to Mayo Jacksonville; any particular doctor he should arrange a consult with? The position of the tumor seems to be the wild card in all this. Many Thanks!
Phil

REPLY
1 reply
jcf58 | @jcf58 | 5 days ago

I did mine at Mayo Rochester with Dr. Woodrum. Not sure if that location of tumor is an issue. They do put a cooling tool in your rectum during TULSA to protect the rectum from excess heat.

REPLY
1 reply
bjroc | @bjroc | 5 days ago
In reply to @heavyphil "Hey jcf, Glad you are doing well. A buddy of mine was just diagnosed Gleason 4+3..." + (show)
@heavyphil

Hey jcf, Glad you are doing well. A buddy of mine was just diagnosed Gleason 4+3 unfavorable; the tumor is very close to the rectum.
He’s consulted with RO’s and surgeons; he has consult next week at Sloan for some sort of focal therapy. I told him to look into TulsaPro since you and others seem pleased with your results.
He’s in NY and would have to travel to Mayo Jacksonville; any particular doctor he should arrange a consult with? The position of the tumor seems to be the wild card in all this. Many Thanks!
Phil

Jump to this post

When it is near the rectum, HIFU is an alternative option that uses the same technology as Tulsa, so that person can look up HIFU providers plus Tulsa providers. Only trouble is if they have significant BPH they won't use HIFU. But HIFU would be the additional option when lesion is near rectum.

REPLY
1 reply
heavyphil | @heavyphil | 5 days ago
In reply to @bjroc "When it is near the rectum, HIFU is an alternative option that uses the same technology..." + (show)
@bjroc

When it is near the rectum, HIFU is an alternative option that uses the same technology as Tulsa, so that person can look up HIFU providers plus Tulsa providers. Only trouble is if they have significant BPH they won't use HIFU. But HIFU would be the additional option when lesion is near rectum.

Jump to this post

Thank you - will pass it on!

REPLY
heavyphil | @heavyphil | 4 days ago
In reply to @jcf58 "I did mine at Mayo Rochester with Dr. Woodrum. Not sure if that location of tumor..." + (show)
@jcf58

I did mine at Mayo Rochester with Dr. Woodrum. Not sure if that location of tumor is an issue. They do put a cooling tool in your rectum during TULSA to protect the rectum from excess heat.

Jump to this post

Thanks so much!
Phil

REPLY
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