1. < Prostate Cancer

Anyone had the 5 treatment proton therapy for prostate cancer?

Posted by daveywavey @daveywavey, Aug 13, 2020

Hi to all,
I am considering the 5 treatment proton therapy for my prostate cancer. It's that or surgery for me. I am in the anxiety fueled treatment quandary. Thanks Dave

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

dandl48 Dave | @dandl48 | Feb 12, 2022
In reply to @upnort "I would be interested in knowing more about this option (SBRT 5 treatments in 10 days)...." + (show)
@upnort

I would be interested in knowing more about this option (SBRT 5 treatments in 10 days). Does Mayo Clinic currently do this? Any feedback/info on this would be extremely helpful. Thanks.

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At the time I had it done which was 9/2020, only Rochester and Phoenix did it. I had it done in Rochester.

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1 reply
chefpudgy | @chefpudgy | Feb 18, 2022
In reply to @upnort "I would be interested in knowing more about this option (SBRT 5 treatments in 10 days)...." + (show)
@upnort

I would be interested in knowing more about this option (SBRT 5 treatments in 10 days). Does Mayo Clinic currently do this? Any feedback/info on this would be extremely helpful. Thanks.

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Yes I am scheduled to get seeds and 5 day treatment

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metman | @metman | Apr 7, 2022
In reply to @dandl48 "On September 17th 2020 I started a regiment of 5 Proton treatments over a course of..." + (show)
@dandl48

On September 17th 2020 I started a regiment of 5 Proton treatments over a course of 10 days ending on 9/28/20. Before the treatment my PSA was 11+ with a Gleason score of 4 + 3. Since then, my PSA has been less than .01. I will be visiting with my radiation oncologist in Rochester the end of March and my concern is that the 5 treatments over the course of 10 days have fallen out of favor since it seems that no one is talking about it. Am I correct in my thinking or is it still being offered to Prostate Cancer patients?

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Hi sir , Thank you for the information. Glad your doing well . God Bless

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dpcarriere | @dpcarriere | Apr 8, 2022
In reply to @dandl48 "At the time I had it done which was 9/2020, only Rochester and Phoenix did it...." + (show)
@dandl48

At the time I had it done which was 9/2020, only Rochester and Phoenix did it. I had it done in Rochester.

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Dave, the treatment protocol depends on the classification of the cancer and also on an agreement between you and your physician. Those 3 variables give a lot of options.

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Rob | @robseverson | Aug 27, 2022
In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @daveywavey, I would like to add my welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect along with @dandl48..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Hello @daveywavey, I would like to add my welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect along with @dandl48 and other members. I have BPH but am lucky enough to have it controlled by medications so far but understand the decision to have the treatment can be stressful. There is another discussion you might find helpful -- Follow up after proton beam treatment: GREAT PSA NUMBER: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/great-psa-number/

You also might be interested in the following Mayo Clinic - Proton Beam Therapy Program - FAQs: https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/proton-beam-therapy-program/sections/frequently-asked-questions/gnc-20187695

Are you able to discuss your concerns - pros and cons with your doctor?

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I have started radiation treatment for prostate cancer at Methodist in St Louis park. I am also using a hormone drug. I will be starting week 4 this Monday
I've heard about the proton therapy but after I made the decision to do this one. My care providers have been excellent. Problem is side effects, constipation and inability to urinate
Is it feasible to switch to the proton treatment at this stage?

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3 replies
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Aug 27, 2022
In reply to @robseverson "I have started radiation treatment for prostate cancer at Methodist in St Louis park. I am..." + (show)
@robseverson

I have started radiation treatment for prostate cancer at Methodist in St Louis park. I am also using a hormone drug. I will be starting week 4 this Monday
I've heard about the proton therapy but after I made the decision to do this one. My care providers have been excellent. Problem is side effects, constipation and inability to urinate
Is it feasible to switch to the proton treatment at this stage?

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Hi Rob @robseverson, I think if it were me I would definitely ask my care team if it's feasible or possible to switch if there is any benefit for you. I don't have any experience with the treatments but maybe others can share theirs with you.

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web265 | @web265 | Aug 28, 2022
In reply to @robseverson "I have started radiation treatment for prostate cancer at Methodist in St Louis park. I am..." + (show)
@robseverson

I have started radiation treatment for prostate cancer at Methodist in St Louis park. I am also using a hormone drug. I will be starting week 4 this Monday
I've heard about the proton therapy but after I made the decision to do this one. My care providers have been excellent. Problem is side effects, constipation and inability to urinate
Is it feasible to switch to the proton treatment at this stage?

Jump to this post

Hey @robseverson , very sorry to hear that you are going through these side effects.

This is not an answer to your question unfortunately, I wouldn't know. I just wanted to leave a note that I have just gone through this therapy and my recollection was that right where you are seemed to be the worst of it for me. I had a very high anxiety level at the point where you are now. My concern was that the side effects would get worse as I went on. To my pleasant surprise they did not, ( or I just got used to them). Hopefully it will improve some, or at least not get any worse for you.

I did not have trouble urinating however. That sounds like a very difficult situation. I was successful in combating any constipation with chia, and flaxseed meal mixed in yogurt as well as sticking to an exercise program which of course aided in peristalsis.

Best of Luck to you!

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daretobedull | @daretobedull | Aug 28, 2022

I have no clue about switching but I had the five dose proton radiation at Mayo Minnesota in June. So far so good. I won’t have my first follow up until November or December though. Best wishes!

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dandl48 Dave | @dandl48 | Aug 28, 2022
In reply to @robseverson "I have started radiation treatment for prostate cancer at Methodist in St Louis park. I am..." + (show)
@robseverson

I have started radiation treatment for prostate cancer at Methodist in St Louis park. I am also using a hormone drug. I will be starting week 4 this Monday
I've heard about the proton therapy but after I made the decision to do this one. My care providers have been excellent. Problem is side effects, constipation and inability to urinate
Is it feasible to switch to the proton treatment at this stage?

Jump to this post

@robseverson
Does Methodist have the SBRT equipment? It is a huge investment and aren't many machines out there. No Constipation and no urination problems from the SBRT. No sex drive and a shrinking penis are the only side effects. At 74, I can deal with them.

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1 reply
Rob | @robseverson | Aug 28, 2022
In reply to @dandl48 "@robseverson Does Methodist have the SBRT equipment? It is a huge investment and aren't many machines..." + (show)
@dandl48

@robseverson
Does Methodist have the SBRT equipment? It is a huge investment and aren't many machines out there. No Constipation and no urination problems from the SBRT. No sex drive and a shrinking penis are the only side effects. At 74, I can deal with them.

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No only one I know about is Mayo

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