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

Posted by paulcalif @paulcalif, Jan 31 10:07am

Question to you who have been through radiation treatment for prostate cancer or have knowledge of the proceedure.
I'm considering some type of radiation treatment for my cancer. My main question is, will I be able to drive myself to and from?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

jc76 | @jc76 | Feb 3 9:19am
In reply to @michael219 "Hello Paulcalif, Yes, UF Proton in Jacksonville, FL uses the SpaceOAR (hydrogel). The process itself was..." + (show)
@michael219

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.

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I also had my 30 rounds of proton radiation at UFPTI Jacksonville.

Medicare does pay for proton radiation.

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toolbelt | @toolbelt | Feb 3 10:11am

Not only can you drive yourself, but one month after finishing SBRT we went on a two week SCUBA trip which ends today.
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1 reply
gently | @gently | Feb 3 10:12am
In reply to @paulcalif "From the research I've done so far, I'm with you, Proton therapy seems like one of..." + (show)
@paulcalif

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?

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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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paulcalif | @paulcalif | Feb 3 10:14am

So many options, even just between the different types of radiation. So easy to find accolades for a particular proceedure from the manufacturers of their device. That's why posts from men who have actually gone through treatment are so insightful and much appreciated. I wish there were more reports from men being treated with FLA (FOCAL LASER ABLATION). It Appears to have almost no permanent side effects. Still studying....

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paulcalif | @paulcalif | Feb 3 10:17am

Gently: I saw your post come in after my last post. I'll definitely check them out. Thank you

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saxman911 | @saxman911 | Feb 3 10:47am
In reply to @bens1 "I finished my 5 mridian linac built in MRI and narrow margin radiation in February 2023...." + (show)
@bens1

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.

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Ask your Dr about alfuzosin I think you'll get better results as far as sexual function goes.

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paulcalif | @paulcalif | Feb 3 11:04am

I've posted my status on other threads but not here so here it is 🙂
My last PSA was 5.1 (Sept 23)
My Gleason is 7.
5 of 12 samples positive for cancer.
2 sites 3+3
3 sites 3+4
My biopsy was guided by ultrasound and ordered due to my elevated PSA.
My doctor has ordered a PSMA PetScan/CT
I have not had an MRI
I have an appointment scheduled with RadNet for the PetScan on Feb 20th. but still waiting for insurance approval.
Insurance is Blue Shield CA. Network provider is Optum Care Corona.
Any advice or insight greatly appreciated.

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gently | @gently | Feb 3 5:56pm
In reply to @paulcalif "So many options, even just between the different types of radiation. So easy to find accolades..." + (show)
@paulcalif

So many options, even just between the different types of radiation. So easy to find accolades for a particular proceedure from the manufacturers of their device. That's why posts from men who have actually gone through treatment are so insightful and much appreciated. I wish there were more reports from men being treated with FLA (FOCAL LASER ABLATION). It Appears to have almost no permanent side effects. Still studying....

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paulcalif, stuck between 28 proton fraction, 5 proton fractions and 5 MRgRT fractions. I can't tell which would cause the fewest side effects. If your studying yields any convictions, let me know.

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paulcalif | @paulcalif | Feb 3 6:45pm

Not sure, but I would look into a rectal barrier. I'm taking a break for a few days. Let us know what you find out.

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toolbelt | @toolbelt | Feb 3 9:33pm
In reply to @toolbelt "Not only can you drive yourself, but one month after finishing SBRT we went on a..." + (show)
@toolbelt

Not only can you drive yourself, but one month after finishing SBRT we went on a two week SCUBA trip which ends today.

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And..... apparently, if needed you can run through the DFW airport like you own a white Ford Bronco........

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