jc76: Thanks for your comment. In 2010, I underwent proton radiation therapy at Loma Linda Hospital in Loma Linda, California. I spent 2.5 months each weekday morning under the gantry proton machine. I came to meet and know a number of patients each morning whilst waiting for my turn. Loma Linda was a pioneer in proton radiation therapy, going back to the mid-1990s. Initially, for children with brain cancer, the program was modified to include prostate cancer and other targeted cancers for which proton radiation therapy was beneficial. I recall the initial cost of the Cylatrone machine was over 200 million dollars (in the mid-90s).
Diagnosed (two biopsies) at Gleason 3 plus 3; PSA: 6.47. Over the past couple of years, my PSA has begun to rise.
"watchful waiting" is the keyword..My posting was a reference to a Mayo study in that certain vegetables (brussels sprouts) have a unique "chemical" which slows or inhibits cancerous reproductive growth. Please review my initial discussion on this topic. Just search "westernflyer". I compared my PSA from last Feb to a PSA of just a couple of weeks ago and no change. It has stayed the same...although elevated from having proton radiation (15 years ago), the PSA remains "normal". Keep in mind, BPH can also elevate your PSA without any symptoms or physical issues. As mentioned, I had an MRI and PET scan and nothing.. Lastly, while waiting each morning for the proton "zap", I had an opportunity to speak to others waiting their turn. Almost 80% were physicians. That alone reinforced my singular decision to undertake proton radiation therapy. RH/Florida