Questions about radiation for prostate cancer: Can I drive myself?

Hello Paulcalif,
Yes, UF Proton in Jacksonville, FL uses the SpaceOAR (hydrogel). The process itself was fine and I had zero discomfort/issues after the fact. I wish you the best as you work through the insurance issues, it certainly is no fun when it seems they are all pointing to the others.

I had a Barrigel spacer which seems to be easier for the Dr to get optimal results.

I finished my 5 mridian linac built in MRI and narrow margin radiation in February 2023. Someplaces are still using the machine but the manufacturer, Viewray, is no longer around. Margins are important. The narrower the mapping around the prostate, the less healthy tissue gets exposed and the fewer the side effects. My margins were 2 mm but most radiation machines are 3-6 mm. You might also want to consider Elekta.com: MRI/Radiation machine combination unit which is Similar to the Mridian or Mevian.com: Proton therapy radiation machine manufacturer. I had spaceoar to separate the prostate from the rectum to reduce healthy tissue exposure as well. The FDA last year approved BioProtect which is supposed to protect an even larger area.

I used Flomax after the 3rd session to help open up the urination flow. No other radiation symptoms for me.

From the research I've done so far, I'm with you, Proton therapy seems like one of the best options. I live close to Loma Linda in Southern California where they offer Proton. I've already experienced some bias from my Urologist, pushing surgery. My only problem with Proton is whether my Medicare Advantage insurance is going to cover it. I called Loma Linda with that question. They told me to call Blue Shield. Blue Shield told me to contact my network provider. When I called them, they were amused that Blue Shield wanted me to call them. Not easy to get the insurance question answered.
Thanks for your input, I'm glad you're doing well. Oh, and did they use some type of rectum barrier for you?

In my opinion, you should definitely be able to drive yourself. I underwent 29 Proton radiation treatments and was fully able to drive myself - even when my better half was with me I drove. If you haven't yet researched Proton vs. Photon, please do so to educate yourself on the (big) differences. We met with several top-level cancer centers and were given multiple options from 5 SBRT sessions, 20-30 Photon, and 29 Proton sessions (or zaps as we called them. I came away confused as the experts were offering different options, willing to modify if I wanted and it was "us" who ultimately needed to do the research. We also saw the Inherent built-in medical bias as cancer centers that did not offer Proton offered reasons why it was not appropriate.......yet this was because they currently did not offer Proton and wouldn't for several years (sell what you have, not what is coming in a few years).
I came away extremely pleased with my decision to go with Proton (early 2023), I had zero side effects, other than some brief fatigue. It was the ADT that kicked my butt!

I wish you all the best as you research and make this important decision!

I had Cyber Knife radiation treatment, five treatments in nine days. First week after involved moderate discomfort in urination and constipation and not getting too far from a bathroom. After that, starting getting better and after a month was back to normal. Highly recommend.

Well I now know it's possible to drive myself. Thank you.

I recently finished 1 month of daily prostate radiation at MSK . I found that I could easily drive the 45 min,. but, my wife insisted on driving and honestly it was better. I had to have a full or nearly full bladder at treatment time so I would empty my bladder before leaving and then drink a bottle of water on the way to treatment. You will find you own system. Good luck

You guys are giving me hope!! Thanks for your replies!!

Absolutely. I was 4+3=7 in one core, 3+3 in one other, with a Decipher of .84. Dr gave me 5 fraction of 7.25 grays with a boost to 40 gray at the primary lesion. Also used urethral steering to minimize radiation "hot spots" to the urethra to minimize GU side effects. Had a Barrigel spacer placed. I am on Orgovyx for 6 months. Last SBRT was Dec 28. I am essentially normal with a couple nightly moderate hot flashes. Currently on the second week of a SCUBA trip off Honduras......I am a lucky, appreciative guy. Any questions please let me know.
Stay Strong Brother