Proton Beam Therapy Experience - what was your take?

Posted by bdouglas67 @bdouglas67, Nov 13 4:23pm

I am meeting with a radiation oncologist to discuss Proton Beam Therapy Experience from those that have had it both short term and long term.

I see lots of comments on RP as well as traditional Photon (External Beam Radiation) but not as many for those who did proton.

I’m 58 newly diagnosed Gleason 7 stage 2 waiting on Decipher, doing PETscan, doing genetic test and have discussed the radical prostate removal with my urologist. So far everything seems contained to prostate. PETscan and Decifer will tell more. I will ask about calibration as well.

So on this journey a lot of info and terms and good, the bad and ugly are thrown at you. I value all that have posted their experience. And yes each person is different, the main focus is different and the decision matrix is different.

So. Please let me know. Thank you.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

jb2buckwater | @jb2buckwater | 12 hours ago

@bdouglas67,

You are taking the right approach to PC. Collect as much information from all available sources before making a treatment decision. My urologist gave me a reading list. Most important was Dr. Walsh's book. This is where I learned about Proton SBRT. Sate of Oregon had no facilities offering this and I spoke with MAYO Rochester who quickly evaluated my cancer and said I was a suitable candidate for treatment.

Diagnosed 9/2022, Age 64 Gleason 6 PSA 10.5, no clear lesions on MRI. Treatment plan, 5 doses of Proton Beam SBRT to start in December 2022. SpaceOAR Gel used to protect rectum, (this was a near painless procedure). Treatments were painless. Last treatment was early January 2023. Nearly 3 years later PSA has fallen to 0.4.

I highly recommend Mayo Rochster. Super supportive team.