@robertov
With so much information out there and getting different perspectives it can be hard. My first consultation was at Mayo Jacksonville and could only offer photon. My Mayo PCP asked me to consider getting a second opinion at UFHPTI which has been doing proton radiation treatments for almost 20 years.

PCP was at Mayo had been doing a lot of research on prostate treaments so he could be knowledable recommend to his patients. I decided on proton thinking if I could do anything to help lesson the damage to surrounding organs and tissues (proton) I was going to do it. My PCP concurred best decision for me.

There has been a lot of research on photon and proton radiation. UFHPTI was given a 25 milliion dollar federal grant to study this long term. I am part of that research program.

Photon radiation treatmens have been advanced and are excellent. The success rate for both radiation treatments are bascially the same.

My UFHPTI R/O did not like to do the high dose saying his research was showing increased degree of side affects. My Mayo PCP said the same with his research. It make sense since higher dosage more damage but then it gets over quicker and healing process would start sooner.

I got 30 rounds of proton radation that was given to me over a 7 week period. UFHPTI went through a complete upgrade of all there gantries and equipment. It was like going to star wars. I can say they are outstanding professionals, courtesy, and the staff is great.

They offer a great information packet free for asking. It contains tons of research on photon and proton radiation, two books you see mentioned (one is the Walsh Book), and thier complete treatments plans. Absolutely no pressure to come there. They are all State employees and are salaried.

They get so many referrals from other medical facilities (Mayo Jacksonville is one) especially for children when very specific radation area must be treated. One side of the complex is for children only with great rooms for them to play, recover and wait.

Everyone is going to be different in how the respond to radiation. Some will have minor side affects and others will have significant. Pros and cons. It is the long term damage done to other tissues and organs that is the difference between the two. With proton it is not going to continue through body like photon. Some of long term studies will show if there is significant risk of additional cancers and damage from side affects of photon versus proton.

My Mayo R/O, UFHPTI R/O and my Mayo PCP that the success rate of both are the same.