I am starting my 6th week of 7/35 proton radiation treatments and what looks like it will be 6 cisplatin infusions. My radiation oncologist is very happy with my response to treatment and so my medical oncologist is happy with stopping at 6 infusions. I am living in a hotel 300+ miles/an hour flight from home. I specifically chose proton after doing extensive research prompted by my local radiation oncologist informing me that he was going to order a prophylactic feeding tube and that with luck, I might be eating by December. He did not tell me about Proton Treatment. In the course of my research I arranged consultations with Mayo, MDAnderson, Florida Proton in Jacksonville, the Maryland Proton Treatment Center, the New York Proton Center in Manhattan and Memorial Sloan Kettering. Not one advised a prophylactic feeding tube. Yes, it is easier to get nutrition when the road gets rough, but swallowing can be impaired and they now have data that points to delayed swallowing difficulties years later with feeding tubes. I understand they can be necessary but my treatment center has other strategies.

Now, I am in the worst part of treatment. I have had minimal trouble with mouthsores. I do have a very raw throat. I do have terrible mucous. I am consuming only liquids like protein shakes. I am not on opiods. I was put on gabapentin in the 2nd week and will need to be weaned off this following treatment. I have no taste, except bad taste. Truthfully, I, unlike many, have had more issues with tolerating the chemo as time has gone by. I am led to believe that recovery will be quicker under Proton. I'll find out soon. I am glad I am getting Proton and would do it again.

By the way, Medicare pays for 80% of Proton Treatment. I hope this helps.