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Profile picture for gkgdawg @gkgdawg

Thank you for that. I spoke with the radiation technologist yesterday, while waiting for my husband's radiation treatment. I asked him if they do SBRT and he said yes they do but the doctor decides which way to go. Apparently, the radiation my husband is receiving is photons. He only has two treatments. I had been reading, yesterday , that there are photons and protons. It seemed that proton was preferable but photons are what my husband has received. I just want tomorrow to come and for it to be over for my husband. I pray that it has been beneficial. I just don't know how or when they determine if it, indeed, has destroyed cancer cells. The oncologist said that there will be no PSMA probably until my husband has been on hormone therapy for two years. I find that that hormone therapy is difficult for him, as well. Some days, I just feel so lost.

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Replies to "Thank you for that. I spoke with the radiation technologist yesterday, while waiting for my husband's..."

Protons and photons both work to help kill cancer cells; the end result is the same.
The main difference is that photons (electrons) go right thru the body and out the other side, hitting different organs on the way. The problem is that this can cause secondary cancers down the road.
Protons, however, STOP at the target and expend all their energy right there - they do NOT pass thru the body and hit other structures, so secondary cancers become less of a concern.
But don’t get hung up on any of these differences - you have enough on your plate right now. Hang in there, it all gets easier over time.
Phil