"Brotherhood of the Balloon" I concluded 2.5 months of weekday mornings of proton radiation at Loma Linda Hospital in Loma Linda, California late May of 2010. The procedure included a full body cast for exactness in directing the proton beam from the overhead proton "beam machine:. but, just prior to the alignment, the nurse proceeded to place a balloon in one's rectum, expanding the balloon to better position for exactness. I believe the procedure has changed since that time.

There was a "reunion" of sorts with over 125 men who had undergone proton radiation therapy at Loma Linda calling the reunion "THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE BALLOON". At the last meeting with the staff, I was given the paper "fit for framing" of my acceptance and entry into this unique club.

Loma Linda was the pioneer in proton radiation, initially for children with brain cancer. Targeted radiation with beamed exactness minimized trauma to the other aspects of the child's brain.

Lastly, I came to meet a number of patients in the morning prior to the procedure. The majority of the patients were doctors from Southern California and beyond. That fact reinforced my singular decision to undergo proton radiation therapy. Gleason 3+3; PSA: 6.47. Slow growth prostate cancer. Each morning the cost was $3300. per "beam day", not including the other expenses prior to the actual beam therapy. Expense for housing and such was to each. I stayed at March AFB during almost three months. So, economics can play a significant metric in the decision on what therapy to use. RH/Florida