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Starting Proton Treatments for Prostate Cancer: Any experiences?

Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Aug 1 5:01pm | Replies (150)
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@rockin2047

Hi jc76, I met with my urologist and oncologist at one highly regarded hospital in a large metro area. The oncologist discussed Active Surveillance (AS), Brachytherapy and 5 Proton Beam(PB) treatments. He was Extremely unwilling to suggest one of these or any others (law suit ??). Since I'm very concerned with the "possible" side effects of the 5 Proton Beam treatments, I am in the process of scheduling a second opinion appointment with an oncologist at a nearby major hospital. The question is will any of these possible side effects be temporary or long term? The issue I have with Brachytherapy is that the radioactive seeds are seemingly placed throughout the entire prostate and not just next to the tumor/s thereby giving radiation to the whole prostate (I think). Also, the placement of the seeds totally depends on the skill of the doctor. However, the PB approach targets the tumor, BUT does not result in an "exit dose" of radiation outside of the tumor. I can understand why your urologist would not want to see you after PB treatments. My first oncologist is at a hospital that offers PB treatments while the oncologist for the 2nd opinion is at a hospital that offers CyberKnife which uses x-rays or photons. So, if I choose hospital A I won't be relying on any of the medical staff at hospital B. Please keep me informed about any side effects you encounter and what your doctor says about them.

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Replies to "Hi jc76, I met with my urologist and oncologist at one highly regarded hospital in a..."
mikewo | @mikewo | May 30, 2023

I only did 5 proton treatments but was told that the proton not only targets the lesion but they do radiate the whole prostate and 2mm of the seminal vesicles. I am done with the radiation with no problems and today is 35 days after my last treatment. Why brachytherapy with proton beam?

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jc76 | @jc76 | May 31, 2023

Thanks rockin2047, Regarding my urologist I asked I start seeing him again AFTER my treatment was over at the other provider. He did not want to do that since I had radiation at another provider. I asked another provider what they say when individuals come to this provider from another country. Or another state. Do they tell them can't see them since had radiation somewhere else. It was not for during treatment or follow up, rather later just to have monitoring of this and other conditions. I expected if thought connected to treatment at other provider I would be referred back to them. But for all other things and second opinons would be seen like I have been seen by my main provider. .

This same provider is where I went for second opinions for ICD/Pacemaker surgeries and there was NO problem seeing or giving me second opinions. And they asked me to have a cardiologist/electrophysiologist coordinate with them if I chose them for surgery.

Regarding your proton treatments. The proton is special radiation that does not have significant incoming or exiting radiation. It is designed to release radiation at the tumor or cancer area. It has little or no exit radiation beyond the cancer area. It is why I chose it above the standard radiation treatment the other provider offered. What got me was the comment at standard radiation was, "Any secondary cancers caused by this treatment would not have to be dealt with until 10 years."

I have had no side affects yet. The only issues I have had are trying to hold the water you have to drink and facing any delays. I have to drink 16 oz of water 30 minutes prior to treatment. That is fine and can hold it but any delay I am in misery. I am in my second week and so far other than the space/oar feeling wierd no change.

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