What to ask urologist surgeon after prostate MRI

[Adam10]

What questions should I ask my urologist surgeon at a forthcoming telephone consultation following my MRI scan?

In mid 2018 I had a biopsy which found PCa focal lesion Gleason 3+4 PCa in right side of my prostate. In late 2018 I had HIFU which ablated right side of my prostate. Subsequent MRI scans in 2019, 2020, and in June 2021 have not found any further PCa.

PSA test before my 2018 biopsy was 6.8. After HIFU my PSA test in early 2019 was 5.9 which reduced to 3.45 in late 2019, 2.9 in November 2020 and 1.98 in July 2021.

I have not yet seen the recent MRI scan report. The surgeon will discuss it with me by telephone shortly.

My best wishes to all on this forum and wishing good outcomes. Grateful for any comments on the above.

[Canoehead]

Without knowing the results, it’s hard to know what to ask. Sounds from your numbers like you are doing great.

I got my first MRI results by a “my charts” email right before leaving work, and my only question to the doc was “why didn’t you call me to tell me I had stage 4 cancer?” I’m still here, so all’s well, but I was pissed and scared when I read that report.

Keep up the great results, and please tell us how you get insurance to pay for all these MRIs?

[Adam10 in reply to Canoehead]

Thanks canoehead. I know how you must’ve felt when you received your MRI report. I had the same experience when I first learned that I had PCA. I guess that’s why the medical imaging clinic send the MRI reports to the surgeon. You’re right though, I need to see the MRI report first before the consultation with my surgeon. I pay for the MRIs out of my own pocket. It’s extremely expensive in London where I had the last MRI. £1200 would you believe! The surgeon says this MRI clinic know how to take the MRIs. Previous MRI scan taken in Middle East where I was working did not take a proper scan or left areas gray and fuzzy which the MRI radiologist could not accurately assess. So I just paid the price as it’s so important.The MRIs done in the Middle East cost were much lower at £500 and I only had to pay half of that under my health insurance. Now I’m retired I don’t have the health insurance so the cost is heavier still. I’m trying to find a reasonable MRI price in UK which will meet the surgeon’s standards but nothing found yet. Also the wait list in UK at the moment will be unacceptable.

[Tall_Allen]

MRIs are very hard to read after hifu. Suggest 2nd opinion from a rockstar radiologist. You may want a biopsy anyway.

[Adam10 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks Tall Allen. I didn’t know that and hadn’t thought about those points. So that’s why the Middle Eastern MRI scans weren’t considered sufficient by the expert radiologist in London. And that’s why the Harley street MRI scan and MRI radiologist charges £1200! It is beginning to fit into place now. Slightly shocked that another biopsy might be needed. But grateful to know this. I will discuss all this with the surgeon shortly. Many thanks for your comments.