I don't have the privlage to live in Phoenix or Rochester and Mayo Jacksonville does not offer proton radiation for prostrate cancer or any other cancer as well. I chose UFPTI and had 30 rounds of radiation with proton radiation. I was told same things as above that prostrate cancer cells can't repaid themselves like regular cells and that is how the radiation cures the cancer as they can't repair and replace themselves.

Anyone given an option for a biopsy done tranperenial or rectum asked for transperenial. The rectum one comes with 2% chance of infection and 2 days in hospital if you get it. Transperenial is almost 0% with 1 out of 500 getting and infection. I had my MRI and biopsies done at Mayo as well as Decipher test. If you were not offered the Decipher test asked for it. It will look more closely at you cancer cells and give you a more accurate indication of type and level of cancer. Mine was under the biopsy as intermediate and with Decipher was lowered to low risk.

I see mention of the ballon. You should have been offered the Space/Oar which is an implant which does same thing as ballon. Some have both Space/Oar and and ballon done.

I don't see any mentions of drinking water prior to treatments. I was asked to drink 16 oz of water prior to each treatment. This was to lift my bladder away from prostrate. The amount you drink and time factor before is done at simulation. The simulation is where the prostrate markers, bladder, rectum, prostrate is measured and a bed made to ensure you are in right spot each time. Then an xray prior to treatment to ensure markers are correct and you are in proper spot.

I did get the tan/sun burn looking spots on both sides of hips. Does not hurt but noticeable. I did not have an enlarged prostrate can't comment on that. I do wish I lived at Phoenix and/or Rochester as would have chose the 5 high dose proton treatments if was available to me with my time and group.

I would recommend all have the Pet Scan, bone scan, and the Decipher test. Having knowledge if cancer is outside of prostrate (pet scan/bone scan) or just inside (mine) was a great anxiety relief. I have PTSD anxiety/panic disorder. The Decipher test was a relief also but did not change my therapy.

I will praise Mayo again for having such a great forum to hear from others.