Prostate Cancer

[Buckshot-73]

Prayers sent for healing

Cancer sux.

[Leverhunter]

You're in the right place at MD. 5 years ago had my first psa test, came back at 56. 6 months hormone therapy to shrink it then surgery and radiation 18 months ago. I was told one of the doctors there will do surgery after radiation but it's much more difficult. The robotic surgery is much easier on the patient, walking a few hours later and home the next day. Lot of different thoughts on radiation vs surgery but I wanted it all the bad tissue out that they could remove.

[Leverhunter]

Keep us posted on the insurance appeals for Proton Therapy. Cigna denied mine and I went with the more traditional method.

[Arrowsmith]

I am going to my urologist tomorrow for the results from the MRI that I had last Wednesday.

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[Geezy Rider]

Good luck.

[Chief Big Toe]

Prayers for you, and hope the insurance gets straightened out...

[1riot1ranger]

You're in the right place at MD. 5 years ago had my first psa test, came back at 56. 6 months hormone therapy to shrink it then surgery and radiation 18 months ago. I was told one of the doctors there will do surgery after radiation but it's much more difficult. The robotic surgery is much easier on the patient, walking a few hours later and home the next day. Lot of different thoughts on radiation vs surgery but I wanted it all the bad tissue out that they could remove.

Glad to hear you had a good experience and appreciate your comments. Working through the appeals process and will make some decisions after that. Will have to weigh the options and side effects depending on outcome of appeals. I agree about wanting it gone so, not a fan of "watchful waiting" or active surveillance although recognize that is the right choice for some.

[1riot1ranger]

Keep us posted on the insurance appeals for Proton Therapy. Cigna denied mine and I went with the more traditional method.

Will do. Did your appeals go through to the independent reviewer step? I think after the independent review the only option is a law suit or pick a different treatment. I've read that Medicare approves this treatment almost every time. Since I will be on Medicare at the end of this year my suspicion is that BCBS will simply deny or drag out until Medicare takes over.

[1riot1ranger]

Isn't great when Pen Pushers know more that Doctors.....

Yes! everyone's complaint. especially when they follow some questionable guideline and never personally see your case.

[Texas 1863]

I was 43 when I was diagnosed with a PSA over 7. Went and had a biopsy and confirmed cancer. Due to my age, I had it removed completely. Best decision I made. It was advanced in one nodule. Urologist discussed radiation, active monitoring, chemo, etc., but again, based on my age, it was best not to worry about it nor have it spread or come back. Been cancer free for 3 years.

[Leverhunter]

Will do. Did your appeals go through to the independent reviewer step? I think after the independent review the only option is a law suit or pick a different treatment. I've read that Medicare approves this treatment almost every time. Since I will be on Medicare at the end of this year my suspicion is that BCBS will simply deny or drag out until Medicare takes over.

The Proton Center in Dallas tried to get it approved through a couple appeals. They did say Medicare normally approves it but companies like Cigna don’t for prostate cancer. It is slow moving cancer so you have time to work through the process. PM me if you want all the details.

[1riot1ranger]

I was 43 when I was diagnosed with a PSA over 7. Went and had a biopsy and confirmed cancer. Due to my age, I had it removed completely. Best decision I made. It was advanced in one nodule. Urologist discussed radiation, active monitoring, chemo, etc., but again, based on my age, it was best not to worry about it nor have it spread or come back. Been cancer free for 3 years.

Thanks. I'm surprised by the number who elected surgery. That option bothered me the most due to potential side effects. I'd like to know more about quality of life experiences after surgery. Please feel free to pm.

[TX kyleboy]

You're in the right place at MD. 5 years ago had my first psa test, came back at 56. 6 months hormone therapy to shrink it then surgery and radiation 18 months ago. I was told one of the doctors there will do surgery after radiation but it's much more difficult. The robotic surgery is much easier on the patient, walking a few hours later and home the next day. Lot of different thoughts on radiation vs surgery but I wanted it all the bad tissue out that they could remove.

I was diagnosed with PC at 57. Chose same option as above. I am aware of three cases personally when the person chose to monitor the cancer. The cancer got out of the prostate then went to other organs and eventually killed them. Total removal was an easy decision for me. Dr John Ward at MD Anderson was highly recommended to me. Good luck and prayers

[1riot1ranger]

I was diagnosed with PC at 57. Chose same option as above. I am aware of three cases personally when the person chose to monitor the cancer. The cancer got out of the prostate then went to other organs and eventually killed them. Total removal was an easy decision for me. Dr John Ward at MD Anderson was highly recommended to me. Good luck and prayers

Wow. Good information and reinforces why active surveillance bothers me. I met Dr. Ward - he performed my latest biopsy - and impressed with him and all the MDA staff. Thanks for the prayers. Love how the green screen can always be counted on.

[Hart8]

Health insurance is a gigantic rip off..Sorry about your troubles.Prayers,and good luck sent!