Questions about radiation for prostate cancer: Can I drive myself?

In my opinion, you should definitely be able to drive yourself. I underwent 29 Proton radiation treatments and was fully able to drive myself - even when my better half was with me I drove. If you haven't yet researched Proton vs. Photon, please do so to educate yourself on the (big) differences. We met with several top-level cancer centers and were given multiple options from 5 SBRT sessions, 20-30 Photon, and 29 Proton sessions (or zaps as we called them. I came away confused as the experts were offering different options, willing to modify if I wanted and it was "us" who ultimately needed to do the research. We also saw the Inherent built-in medical bias as cancer centers that did not offer Proton offered reasons why it was not appropriate.......yet this was because they currently did not offer Proton and wouldn't for several years (sell what you have, not what is coming in a few years).
I came away extremely pleased with my decision to go with Proton (early 2023), I had zero side effects, other than some brief fatigue. It was the ADT that kicked my butt!

I wish you all the best as you research and make this important decision!

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?

I finished my 5 mridian linac built in MRI and narrow margin radiation in February 2023. Someplaces are still using the machine but the manufacturer, Viewray, is no longer around. Margins are important. The narrower the mapping around the prostate, the less healthy tissue gets exposed and the fewer the side effects. My margins were 2 mm but most radiation machines are 3-6 mm. You might also want to consider Elekta.com: MRI/Radiation machine combination unit which is Similar to the Mridian or Mevian.com: Proton therapy radiation machine manufacturer. I had spaceoar to separate the prostate from the rectum to reduce healthy tissue exposure as well. The FDA last year approved BioProtect which is supposed to protect an even larger area.

I used Flomax after the 3rd session to help open up the urination flow. No other radiation symptoms for me.

I had a Barrigel spacer which seems to be easier for the Dr to get optimal results.

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.

In answer to your question, I was able to drive but you might want to carry a container to urinate in and have your doctor prescribe Flomax before your treatment. The radiation did affect how quickly I needed to go.

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)

I've had 20 sessions of Tomotherapy and I used to drive myself to and fro from the hospital (a total of 60 kms), with a smile. If you enjoy driving, just do it. 🙂

Every time one of you guys posts a reply I feel better educated and more confident in my journey. I still have questions but it's great to hear all of the positive outcomes most of you have experienced.
Thanks!!

@paulcalif
You have come to the right platform for prostrate cancer information.

For me I had 30 rounds of proton radiation and drove myself every day. I am not sure what has been told to you prior to the postings here but radiation treatments are painless and there are no after feelings after treatments.

You will get some side affects as you get into the treatments but they are no pain or anything that keeps you from driving. My trip was hour there and hour back for a 10 minute treatment. So if driving is your concern take that off your worry list.

You don't mention your Gleason score or other information. What type radiation are you considering? Hope you have a experience provider doing it. I wish you well and don't hesitate to asked for help and advise as we have all been through this and I can tell you from my own experience with MCC that it is a great forum for information and the experience of others.