Just had PAE at UNC

Bagla uses a magellan robot does he not? My procedure took 3 hours (though it felt like 10 minutes) I'd be curious as to if my radiation exposure would have been less if it was done with robotic assist.

Hi Chris, I guess I didn't think about PAE using radiation. Of course it's not intended to reduce the size of the prostate, just to guide the doctor while he does the PAE. I wonder how much radiation is safe for the patient (and Doctor).

Bagla doesn't use a magellan robot...I'm here now and im having a PAE in 15 mins...I'll keep you posted.

It costs $6500. You can pay 20% down and do the rest interest free over 3 years if u need to.

http://news.unchealthcare.org/heartandvascular/pae

His info is at the bottom.

Nope no ED although I'm hoping I'll get some added benefit in that department, which some people report. My issues were all urinary frequency and Nocturia. Never had a PSA reading cuz of my age and it's also falling out of fashion cuz it gives too many false positives.

Hi. Insurance won't help you as its not covered. They have a great payment plan though. 6500 total with 20% down and the rest financed for free over 3 years. No credit check.

As far as I'm concerned PAE is the only right procedure, but everyone is different.

I wanted to do PAE and was making arrangements when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Now have to do something more extreme. Looking into HIFU. I have talked to Dr. Issacson and although others can do this procedure, I would travel to have him do the procedure.

Just a quick word of warning...The PAE procedure is thought to cause a non-aggressive cancer to become aggressive. So if there is any doubt, get screened for cancer before doing the PAE.

BTW, I don't live in St. Louis anymore but "I bleed blue" (since 1969)..maybe next year.

If you could tell me about your research on the proceedure I would appreciate it. What sold you on the procedure. I hear about HoLep Surgery, Rezum,Urolift, Bipolar Turp, all confusing. I'm lucky to have come across this forum. Everyone is helpful and trying to help. You being 35 yrs old is amazing that you have BPH. I'm 74 and probably Medicare will cover it. 

Thanks again and good luck.

I'm so sorry about the cancer. Good luck.

I am from oregon btw

I too am sorry to hear about the Cancer. Our prayers are with you.

I was sold on the reported effectiveness and lack of side effects. I would never consider any procedure that comes with any risk whatsoever of sexual side effects. I chose UNC because they are one of a few places in the country with the most experience. I was told that to date they have done it 105 times. Also the price is right. Just for comparison, Rio endovascular in Colorado, who isn't even involved in a clinical study, charges 13k, and they require it all up front. UNC is 6500 and they do free financing.

Thanks so much for your input. Much appreciated. I'm still watching and researching. My condition is not serious...yet.  However I know it's just around the corner so I want to be forwarned and forarmed. I guess that's how it's said. Anyway, you and everyone else on this forum has been a godsend.

Thanks again.

Dubby 

No worries good news is by the time you get it done it will likely be covered by all insurance.

what is the source of this info the PAE is causing non aggressive cancer to become aggresive?, and o how  do you deal with this situation, I am Gleason 6 with only 10% in one core and on the active survellance and I am considering PA, but also concern about hight doze of radiotaion that may preclude any furure radiation treatment for cancer if I ever need one

Andrze,

It was a while ago on this forum that someone posted the info as a reply to me. I could try to find it but might take a while. Basically the theory is cutting off the oxygen causes the tumors to go into a survival mode and start reproducing aggressively. (I am not a doctor or scientists so I may not be relaying the information correctly). When I told Dr. Isaacson I had just been diagnosed with cancer he said they would not do the PAE on me for concern it could make my Cancer become aggressive.

I will not do radiation therapy (with the possible exception of "Proton" therapy, but only as a last resort) and also trying to avoid a prostatectomy. The best procedure that I have found (For me) is HIFU. There is no radiation and the procedure can be repeated (if necessary) down the road. Does not disqualify me from any other procedures if needed and is even able to be performed on patients who's cancer has come back after radiation treatment. Also, there does not seem to be any long-term side effects. (Although they only have results for a little over 12 years).

ES28567,

I wonder if others like Bagla and Pisco feel the same on treating cancer patients? If PAE not for you what are your alternatives? I am currently not planning any cancer treatment as I am v.low risk, at least for time being, but if need to will consider FLA

I can not speak for the doctors you mention. All I can say is if there is a chance PAE can cause cancer to become aggressive, then I will avoid it. I am in a similar situation as you and can delay cancer treatment but keep in mind that cancer is easier to treat in the earlier stages, you have more options for treatment, and the cure rate is higher in the earlier stages. Also, if you do active surveillance, then it is recommended that you have a biopsy about every 18 months...NO Thanks!

As I mentioned in my earlier post, I feel the best option for me is the HIFU procedure.