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Choose between robotic surgery and proton therapy.

Posted by popkovas @popkovas, Oct 2, 2023

Hello!
I am looking for help for my relative who has prostate cancer (3+4), not spread. He has been given choice between surgery and proton therapy. Would like to hear stories of the patients or some opinions. He is afraid of the surgery side effects, but on the other hand not sure about effectiveness of proton therapy.
Thanks

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michael219 | @michael219 | Mar 9 4:23pm
In reply to @todcha "I too like the idea of Proton treatment and wondering if you could tell me where..." + (show)
@todcha

I too like the idea of Proton treatment and wondering if you could tell me where you ended up doing the procedure? Also about how old were you when you had treatment? What did the Orgovyx do to you and how long will you take that? I didn't know they varied from 40 treatments unless you do 5 treatments over 2 weeks! Feel free to private message me if that is preferred. I hope all is well now!

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Hello Todcha,
I had my Proton treatments done at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute in Jacksonville, FL and I was 68. The Proton treatments were painless and easy, the only side-effect I had was some increasing fatigue. Now, with regard to the Orgovyx, it did what it was supposed to do and reduced my Testosterone level to < 15 (I was on TRT for 20+ years prior to my diagnosis, and my T level was 770). The loss of Testosterone led to overall weakness, muscle fatigue, overall fatigue, weight gain (I had lost 30+ pounds prior and have gained it all back (they advised me this would happen). Additionally, I was hit with and still experience random hot flashes; I have gained a new understanding of what women experience - it's no fun! That said, others have expressed that they experienced fewer side-effects than me.
I had 29 Proton treatments, 5 days per-week until the last week (4).
Moffitt Cancer Center had suggested 5 days of high-intensity SBRT (they do not currently offer Proton) and we felt this was too much radiation over such a short time. Mayo in Jacksonville also does not currently offer Proton but it is in their plans.
Feel free to ask additional questions if they pop up.

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