← Return to Starting Proton Treatments for Prostate Cancer: Any experiences?

Discussion
Comment receiving replies
Profile picture for bigtoe @bigtoe

I'm 67 had proton radiation, 5 treatments only at Mayo Rochester last October. I believe one of the few places that have it down to 5 treatments. Gleason score was 4 + 3 = 7 psa 6.3 now .3. No side effects at all. Fyi stayed at the Hope Lodge in Rochester free which was an unbelievable place. Good Luck !!!!

Jump to this post


Replies to "I'm 67 had proton radiation, 5 treatments only at Mayo Rochester last October. I believe one..."

Am I understanding it correctly, that by "proton radiation, 5 treatments only" -- you mean no ADT? Regardless of whether your treatment was with ADT or not, I'm happy & wish to congratulate for your los PSA now.
I had SBRT photon radiation in mid-April, with ADT/Orgovyx from late March continuing for at least 8 months up to a year, oncologist daid.m. I noticed some mucus & blood in my stool for a few days post-SBRT. I suspect due to some healthy cells' damage due to no gel spacer between the prostate - rectal area, I'll never know.

@bigtoe
Most all the major prosate treatment centers are now offering the high dose less treatments along with low dose extended treatments.

The limited research (since the new 5 high dose) is fairly new showing both having about same success rate on treatments.

My PCP at Mayo (not my statistic or research) told me the research is showing an increase in side affects with the high dose treatments. My R/O at UFHPTI did not like doing the 5 high dose for many reasons. I had 30 rounds of pencil beam proton radiation.

It would make sense that the high dose would bring on the side affects quicker. But from my opinion and just an opinion the shorter 5 doses on 5 separate days versus 30 days would allow the body to start healing much faster than being bombarded for 6-7 weeks versus 2.

If I had the option today not sure I would not go with the 5 day treatment as the mental aspect of getting it over psychologically can really help.