Anyone had Proton Beam SBRT radiation at Mayo Clinic?

Helpful perspective. Thx!

My last treatment was Jan 21. & PSA.test was MAY 28th
I had Lupon 6 weeks before my proton

I am considering Proton Beam Therapy for my prostate cancer. It sounds as if it is a very promising therapy but it is considerably more expensive.. Does anyone have experience with Medicare covering proton therapy for prostate cancer?

Good morning @jim20403. My life partner had 7 weeks of Proton Beam Therapy at Rochester using Medicare and a supplement that costs about $200/month. The Initial cost was $10,000. His share was under $1,000. You can chat with your insurance folks and see how they can help you figure out the cost and your share. Good luck. Be safe and protected.
Chris

I had PBT 18 months ago and Medicare and my supplement paid for all of the treatment. We paid for 20% of the office visits which was minimal. My treatment was at Mayo Phoenix.

Good afternoon @waynen. That is good to hear. How are you doing? Did the treatment go well?

I am considering Proton Beam Therapy for my prostate cancer. It is a very promising therapy but it is expensive. Does anyone have experience with Medicare covering Proton Beam Therapy for prostate cancer?

Hi @jim20403, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. In addition to the first hand responses you've already received from members, I'd like to add this information.

Medicare generally covers proton beam therapy. Coverage varies by insurance company and disease type. If you're getting treatment at Mayo Clinic, specialists will work with you and the health insurance company to determine if proton beam therapy is covered, if that is the recommended treatment.See more here:
- Mayo Clinic - Proton Beam Therapy Program FAQs: https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/proton-beam-therapy-program/sections/frequently-asked-questions/gnc-20187695
- Radiation Therapy Coverage - Medicare.gov: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/radiation-therapy

Have you had any other treatments, Jim?

Thanks for the good information I'm getting here! I'm scheduled for SBRT in Rochester right after Labor Day. My Gleeson was 4 and 3. It is suppose to be the 5 treatments over 10 days. Had my shot (Eligard) on 7/1. The side effects are a pain, but tolerable. Joint pain, hands, feet and hips; 2 or 3 instances of hot flashes during the day, lasts only a min. or 2 each. Lately problem sleeping. The 5 shots over 10 days is a misnomer since before undergoing radiation, testing, MRI calibrating the Proton machine etc. takes up at least a week. I also will be getting a scoping of my Esophagus for Barretts while the testing is being done.

Yes, doing well. I had 5 weeks of treatment and they were painless. The prep before the treatment were more stressful then the treatments. Before hand they do a number of scans and insert some small carbon balls in the prostrate so the can program the machine to line you up for the radiation. Actual application of radiation last less than a minute. You can't feel it. I also had 3 doses of lupron because my cancer cells were more advanced. Since the treatment, my PSA has been less than .2. Other than the time involved, I would recommend the treatment.