Three Time Cancer Survivor Benefits from High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Prostate Cancer

Ray Poshadlo of Dearborn has faced cancer three times, yet he considers himself lucky for a variety of professional and personal reasons. As a computer simulation consultant, he delves into intriguing projects helping organizations improve their productivity. “I consider myself to be one of the luckiest engineers to have been involved in so many interesting projects.” When he’s not working as a consultant, his haven of books and hobbies keeps him entertained at home. “My home is basically a museum filled with books, computers since the birth of that industry and for additional fun, a professional Gold Crown pool table and a 1964 jukebox filled with 45 records.”

Cancer diagnosed twice in 2018

After being diagnosed with atypical carcinoid lung tumor, the bottom lobe of his left lung was successfully removed. Ray explains the Pet Scan ordered before the operation, showed the cancer had not spread, however, thyroid cancer showed up on the scan and follow-up biopsy. A few months after his lung surgery procedure in 2018, he also had successful thyroid surgery by Rupen Shah, MD, Henry Ford surgical oncologist.

His positive experiences with the Henry Ford medical team left an indelible impression.

“As an engineer, I especially value the state-of-the-art life-saving diagnostic and treatment equipment that Henry Ford offers (including those that saved my life). Combined with the expert team of doctors, nurses and technicians; Henry Ford is world class!”

High PSA test warrants further review

A few years later, during a routine checkup, his family physician ordered blood tests including a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test to measure the level of PSA in the blood. “After the test came back abnormal, my family physician suggested I follow up with a urologist based on the tests results. Since I really respect Henry Ford Hospital, I made an appointment with Dr. Craig Rogers,” noted Ray.

Ray benefits from new prostate cancer technology

Dr. Rogers, chair of Urology at Henry Ford Health, explains Ray was able to benefit from new advances in prostate cancer treatment including high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) available at Henry Ford Health.

“After undergoing an image guided targeted biopsy to help diagnose the tumor, Mr. Poshadlo was a good candidate for the image guided HIFU procedure that we perform at Henry Ford,” explains Dr. Rogers. “This targeted approach to treating prostate cancer uses focused ultrasound waves creating heat at the site of the tumor to destroy cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue, minimizing the chance of side effects including impotence and urinary incontinence,” he adds.

Advice from Ray on HIFU

For others contemplating whether they should try the HIFU procedure for prostate cancer treatment, Ray advises it.

“If you’re lucky enough to be a candidate, go for it”, he says. “At best you are all set without being cut into. At worst you may have to remove your prostate in the future.

Ray had the procedure in March of 2022, and he remains optimistic.

“So far it appears that HIFU got all the cancer out.”

For further information visit Prostate Cancer Ultrasound Technology.