From Diagnosis to Hope: Bob’s Prostate Cancer Journey
When Bob Palmer received his prostate cancer diagnosis, he was shocked—but he wasn’t unprepared. Having lost his father to the disease in 2009, Bob had made a habit of regular screenings. Yet, like many others, his access to care was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, delaying routine checkups. By the time he got tested again, his PSA levels had risen, and the diagnosis was clear.
“It was just shock, really. I’d been diligent, but there it was. I had prostate cancer.”
At first, doctors recommended the standard treatments—robotic prostatectomy and radiation therapy. Bob, however, wasn’t ready to accept those as his only options. He began researching alternatives, looking for a treatment that didn’t just aim to cure the disease but also promised fewer potential complications.
“To be honest, none of the treatments really seemed sympathetic to what a man goes through when they hear the words, ‘You have prostate cancer.’ I had to consider the potential side effects and the recovery time. Society sees prostate cancer as curable, but it doesn’t always consider what that cure costs in quality of life.”
Just two weeks before his scheduled prostatectomy surgery, a friend mentioned a new option: the TULSA-PRO procedure, an ultrasound procedure guided by MRI that is minimally invasive and doesn’t require incisions.
“My friend said, ‘I’m not a doctor, but you’ve got to look into this.’ And that conversation changed everything.”
After researching TULSA-PRO, Bob found himself at ease.
“It was a relief. The idea that there was something noninvasive, outpatient, and precise—it just made sense. I actually looked forward to figuring out how to make it happen.”
He underwent the procedure in July 2023, and he reports the experience was efficient and surprisingly seamless.
“I was in treatment for about an hour and a half and out that same afternoon. I even went to dinner with friends and family that night.”
He noted there was discomfort associated with the catheter he had for about a week, but compared to a lengthy hospital stay and possible long-term complications, Bob calls it a minor inconvenience.
“Within 10 days, I was back in the gym and on vacation with my kids.”
Now cancer free for over a year, Bob has become a passionate advocate for TULSA. He has shared his experience with friends, family, and even policymakers, participating in the Foundation’s Capitol Hill fly-in event which raised awareness about the benefits of focused ultrasound and other incisionless treatments for conditions like prostate disease.
“It’s a labor of love. People need to know there are options beyond surgery and radiation. This technology is like something out of Star Trek—a noninvasive, precise treatment with minimal downtime. And if cancer ever comes back, I can have the same procedure again. That’s not true for surgery or radiation.”
His message to other men is clear: “Be proactive about your health. Get your screenings. And if you hear those words—‘You’ve got prostate cancer’—I encourage you to see if ultrasound therapies could be your answer.”
Bob appeared on the Foundation’s Curing with Sound podcast in January 2025 and discussed his story alongside a patient advocate from Profound Medical in a June 2025 podcast.
All patient stories featured on the Curing with Sound podcast and the Focused Ultrasound Foundation’s website are personal accounts of an individual’s experience with focused ultrasound treatment. Please be aware that each patient’s situation is unique, and outcomes may vary. The information provided in this story should not be considered as medical advice or a guarantee of specific results. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to discuss your condition and determine the best treatment options for you. The Focused Ultrasound Foundation does not endorse any specific treatment or medical procedure and encourages all patients to seek professional medical guidance tailored to their individual needs.