We have heard that proton therapy does not carry these side effects .. or not many of them. They are horrid, almost unthinkable. Were you a candidate for proton therapy? I'm going to investigate it again ... God bless you in your journey. I admire your optimism. Thank you for sharing your very personal story. We are just beginning our journey Week 1 and my husband is very ill .. I want to weep, but I will be as strong as possible.