Proton radiation 2010 at Loma Linda Hospital..one of the first to treat prostate cancer with proton radiation. From what I have learned over the years, the issue of radiation or surgery depends on the level of cancer. I had Gleason 3 plus 3 and PSA: 6.47 I notice the PSA increased 2 points over one year; biopsy and confirmation of localized slow growth prostate cancer. Even today, many physicans are not well informed at to proton radiaiton thereapy, so "you" must do your homework and ask the correct questions which means "you" must be educated on all metrics of this disease. Always get a sccond opinion..even perhaps a third. Many insitutions who provide proton radiation like Mayo do not accept Medicare Advantage. I have TriCare for Life which paid the entire bill which was nearly $100K. This did ot include the rental car and accommodation for the 2 1/2 months at Loma Linda. Now the treatment is much shorter..and that depends on the gravity of the cancer. Lastly, each morning, I would meet with various men who were awaitng their turn..breif convesations would commence. I recall that over 60% of the clients were physicans. This validated my decision to forgo surgery and elect proton radiation as a life decision. Again, measure all the metrics, obtain different opinion and give some weight to the comments on this site. Cheers!