Starting Proton Treatments for Prostate Cancer: Any experiences?

I had 20 treatments 3 years ago. The treatments are pain free and last less than a minute. The only side effect was some pain while urination that started a week in. Flomax drug took care of pain but needed to continue using it because radiation can have lasting effect on muscles in urethra. I have 6 month check ups and PSA has been negligible every time. Other then the commitment to the time for treatments, the side effects are much better then friends who chose surgery. You will likely meet other men going through the same experience. The group experience helps make it through it.

Best of luck.

@desertrat, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in June '21 at the age of 73 and with a 6.5 PSA. Like you, I was Gleason 7 (3+4). Had no side effects during or after my 28 Proton-only treatments. My first follow-up PSA is next month (March '22) so I'll know more about my current situation then. According to my radiation oncologist, I should expect this PSA to drop by 50%, followed by another 50% reduction at 6 months, so stay tuned!

Happy trails to you.

I have finished that routine. Will be only to happy to share my progress.

Dale

PSA of 4.2 with Gleason of 7 (4+3) at age 78. 40 proton radiation treatments at Mayo AZ in 2020. No side effects from proton. 18 months of Lupron shots with hot flashes, fatigue, and impotence. I exercise regularly, eat vegetarian, and live with the Lupron side effects which increase likelihood of spiking the cancer by 8-10% from mid-80th percentile to mid-90th percentile. Good luck.

Thanks for sharing your experiences, eager to get past the radiation treatments as I have a two hour drive to get to Mayo from where I live.

DesertRat as I have posted elsewhere Mayo Scottsdale treated my Gleason 10 and did a fine job. A C11 scan ensured there is no residual cancer anywhere. May I ask why you opted out of Lupron? Was it recommended by Mayo to do so?

Hello,
I opted not to do hormone therapy because of the temporary side effects and because my radiation oncologist said that proton therapy studies at the university of Florida have shown to be very effective. He was very objective about different treatment options, I thought I am hoping not to regret my decision!

Had anyone have information on proton therapy for prostate cancer thank you for your help

@metman This coming September will be 2 years since I had SBRT Proton therapy for prostate cancer. It was 5 treatments over the course of 10 days. No pain at all and the prep was easy. Since then I've had PSA ratings of < 0. 1 with my last visit last week to Mayo Rochester. I'm very pleased with the result.

I struggle with the reality of having metastatic cancer. I printed out the following and taped it to my mirror. Every day it is a reminder for me to start the day on a positive note. Sure, it does not make the cancer go away, but it is a tool in my toolbox to help me cope. I hope you may be able to benefit from it. Take care everyone!
1. Don’t let denial take over. Be realistic and face the issue. That way you can make the most of the time available.
2. Have viable plans or goals for things you want to accomplish. Keep a purpose in your life. Life without meaning is empty. It doesn’t have to be that way—it depends on you.
3. To the degree possible, keep active. Even if physically restricted, your intellectual life has not ended. So why bring it to a premature close? Keep your mind active—reading, writing, painting, learning. Even include new projects.
4. Develop a positive attitude so that you can wisely use your resources. Self-pity is self-centered and self-destructive. Think in terms of what you can do for others. Your friends and relatives can be upbuilt by your positive attitude.
5. Try to retain a sense of humor and the ability to laugh at yourself. See the roses, not just the thorns. Appreciate the fact that you are living, not just the idea that, like everyone else, you are dying.