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Experiences with Mayo Proton, the Hitachi IMPT system, side effects?
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Jul 30, 2023 | Replies (18)Comment receiving replies
I live in Florida. Mayo in Florida does not offer proton therapy yet. I chose UFPTI for proton radiation treatment. I had positive biopsies done at Mayo and worst was 3+4=7 (only 1 of 4) and a 3. However the Decipher test came back as Low Risk.
I did not even consider hormone treatment as I have heart failure. Nor did the Decipher test indicate I should.
The treatment after much research was UFPTI proton (to lesson damage to other areas and organs as much as possible) of six weeks M-F. I have two sessions left. I found the biopsy, simulations, space/oar, pet scans, bone scans, catheter injection to check lower prostrate the most traumatising part. The actual treatments are simple. They only take about 10-15 minutes. Most of that time is getting your set into your bed (specifically made for you), low dose xray to make sure your markers are aligned for treatment.
I am not sure where you live but really consider proton radiation versus photon. But make decisions based on what you learn, your research, your personal feelings when meeting with different providers and treatment plans. Just don't rely on one provider or one professional get many different opinions and do research. It is your body, your prostrate, and your health. Good luck!
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Thanks for the followup. Yes if the PSMA comes back worse than expected Mayo Rochester would advise photon (IMRT), not proton (IMPT), but I am looking outside Mayo at Tulsa Pro. Locally I can get RP is about it. Tulsa Pro is a good option that I am serious about, it is done in Sarasota as long as I don't have calcifications which the CT part of the PSMA scan would show and if I have them. I will likely opt for Tulsa if I can, but we will see, have to be cleared by PSMA scan and no mets. Right now mets are not seen on MRI, but PSMA sometimes sees what MRI doesn't. So we will see.
If clear of calcification and mets, Tulsa pro seems most likely possibility for me (as of today).
If calcifications show that eliminates Tulsa, thus would opt for proton at Mayo if I can learn more.
If mets show on PSMA, I am not sure but photon like IMRT is available, but I might like to get more options to see what else is out there if that is the case.
Proton at Mayo is 5 to 7 sessions, not sure why but it is perhaps a newer machine than some. I am curious on total proton (gray equivalents) dosing they give people, since Mayo did not go over that at all.
It is possible I can be convinced of proton over tulsa but want to see if anyone has BPH and did proton, but so far I am leaning to Tulsa because it handle BPH and cancer.
Tulsa as of today is my first choice. Proton second. But not sure what is a third option if I can't do those. I am just not sure of proton because I have BPH.