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Questions about radiation for prostate cancer: Can I drive myself?
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Mar 19 7:43am | Replies (121)Comment receiving replies
From the research I've done so far, I'm with you, Proton therapy seems like one of the best options. I live close to Loma Linda in Southern California where they offer Proton. I've already experienced some bias from my Urologist, pushing surgery. My only problem with Proton is whether my Medicare Advantage insurance is going to cover it. I called Loma Linda with that question. They told me to call Blue Shield. Blue Shield told me to contact my network provider. When I called them, they were amused that Blue Shield wanted me to call them. Not easy to get the insurance question answered.
Thanks for your input, I'm glad you're doing well. Oh, and did they use some type of rectum barrier for you?
Replies to "From the research I've done so far, I'm with you, Proton therapy seems like one of..."
2010 for 10 weeks of proton radiation therapy at Loma Linda. I understand currently, the time frame is much less due to better targeting and "mapping" of the prostate cancer. I had absolutely no post issues. Each day after radiation, I played racquetball at the March AFB gym..where I stayed for 10 weeks.
Proton radiation was initially invented to cure brain cancer in children with precision and less issues with post standard (then) radiation options. According to the physician who I met and who remains there today, proton radiation for prostate cancer was a logical followon for treatment. Every morning about 0800 five or six of use would be awaiting a call to take the proton radiation and I recall about 75% of those I met were doctors...which reinforce my decision making process initially. Do your homework..don't accept singular opinions and consider all options. RH/LTC, US Army (ps: My TriCare for Life insurance paid the entire bill)
paul, you are closer to Loma Linda, but you might call CA Proton. When I was there five years ago, there were patients succeeding in getting their recalcitrant advantage medicare to pay. They were, in the end, all successful. CA Proton is pretty amazing. Many of the oncologists trained at Loma Linda. The doctor that who places the oar does a couple of hundred a year. The office has to be more helpful than the office at Loma Linda. Rossi's experience with prostate cancer is unmatched world wide. 858.828.4256 They are giving a tour Feb 9 that I can recommend.
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Hello Paulcalif,
Yes, UF Proton in Jacksonville, FL uses the SpaceOAR (hydrogel). The process itself was fine and I had zero discomfort/issues after the fact. I wish you the best as you work through the insurance issues, it certainly is no fun when it seems they are all pointing to the others.