Starting Proton Treatments for Prostate Cancer: Any experiences?

Had anyone have information on proton therapy for prostate cancer thank you for your help

Hello,
I opted not to do hormone therapy because of the temporary side effects and because my radiation oncologist said that proton therapy studies at the university of Florida have shown to be very effective. He was very objective about different treatment options, I thought I am hoping not to regret my decision!

DesertRat as I have posted elsewhere Mayo Scottsdale treated my Gleason 10 and did a fine job. A C11 scan ensured there is no residual cancer anywhere. May I ask why you opted out of Lupron? Was it recommended by Mayo to do so?

Thanks for sharing your experiences, eager to get past the radiation treatments as I have a two hour drive to get to Mayo from where I live.

PSA of 4.2 with Gleason of 7 (4+3) at age 78. 40 proton radiation treatments at Mayo AZ in 2020. No side effects from proton. 18 months of Lupron shots with hot flashes, fatigue, and impotence. I exercise regularly, eat vegetarian, and live with the Lupron side effects which increase likelihood of spiking the cancer by 8-10% from mid-80th percentile to mid-90th percentile. Good luck.

I have finished that routine. Will be only to happy to share my progress.

Dale

@desertrat, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in June '21 at the age of 73 and with a 6.5 PSA. Like you, I was Gleason 7 (3+4). Had no side effects during or after my 28 Proton-only treatments. My first follow-up PSA is next month (March '22) so I'll know more about my current situation then. According to my radiation oncologist, I should expect this PSA to drop by 50%, followed by another 50% reduction at 6 months, so stay tuned!

Happy trails to you.

I had 20 treatments 3 years ago. The treatments are pain free and last less than a minute. The only side effect was some pain while urination that started a week in. Flomax drug took care of pain but needed to continue using it because radiation can have lasting effect on muscles in urethra. I have 6 month check ups and PSA has been negligible every time. Other then the commitment to the time for treatments, the side effects are much better then friends who chose surgery. You will likely meet other men going through the same experience. The group experience helps make it through it.

Best of luck.