In reply to @coleenyoung @cmartin65 and others, I just finished four weeks ago with 39 daily proton beam treatments at Mayo Phoenix. The entire experience was excellent.
I had read of potential side effects, including urinary and bowel issues. For me, any side effects were minor and did not include any urinary or bowel issues at all. Throughout treatment, I felt very good was able to continue essentially the same routine as before treatment — except of course, carving out the time to go to and from Mayo for treatment. I even got in a couple rounds of golf. The doctors, nurses and techs were excellent as well.
I give much credit for my good experience to the proton beam technology, that minimizes extraneous radiation that could impact the colon, urethra, bladder, etc.
I am grateful proton beam therapy was available for my treatment at Mayo, that my insurance and Medicare would cover it, and that I now consider myself a “cancer survivor!”