Starting Proton Treatments for Prostate Cancer: Any experiences?

Posted by desertrat @desertrat, Feb 5, 2022

I am 69, just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, Gleason score of 3 + 4, PSA is 4.2. I have opted to do 28 treatments of proton radiation only. I would appreciate hearing from others who have been through this and how it worked out for you. Thanks in advance!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

@metman, I moved your question about proton therapy for prostate cancer to the Prostate Cancer group in this existing discussion:
- Starting Proton Treatments for Prostate Cancer: Any experiences? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/starting-proton-treatments/

I encourage you to read through the past posts. Also note the responses you got from @dandl48 and @gregorylynn

Metman, when will you start radiation treatment? Do you have specific questions you'd like to ask?

Jump to this post

Hi sir , I am going for a mri then biopsy in September I am a 3+3 now one lesson shown only 1.3 size thank you for your information sir

REPLY
Profile picture for metman @metman

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

Jump to this post

@metman, I moved your question about proton therapy for prostate cancer to the Prostate Cancer group in this existing discussion:
- Starting Proton Treatments for Prostate Cancer: Any experiences? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/starting-proton-treatments/

I encourage you to read through the past posts. Also note the responses you got from @dandl48 and @gregorylynn

Metman, when will you start radiation treatment? Do you have specific questions you'd like to ask?

REPLY
Profile picture for metman @metman

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

Jump to this post

I struggle with the reality of having metastatic cancer. I printed out the following and taped it to my mirror. Every day it is a reminder for me to start the day on a positive note. Sure, it does not make the cancer go away, but it is a tool in my toolbox to help me cope. I hope you may be able to benefit from it. Take care everyone!
1. Don’t let denial take over. Be realistic and face the issue. That way you can make the most of the time available.
2. Have viable plans or goals for things you want to accomplish. Keep a purpose in your life. Life without meaning is empty. It doesn’t have to be that way—it depends on you.
3. To the degree possible, keep active. Even if physically restricted, your intellectual life has not ended. So why bring it to a premature close? Keep your mind active—reading, writing, painting, learning. Even include new projects.
4. Develop a positive attitude so that you can wisely use your resources. Self-pity is self-centered and self-destructive. Think in terms of what you can do for others. Your friends and relatives can be upbuilt by your positive attitude.
5. Try to retain a sense of humor and the ability to laugh at yourself. See the roses, not just the thorns. Appreciate the fact that you are living, not just the idea that, like everyone else, you are dying.

REPLY
Profile picture for metman @metman

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

Jump to this post

@metman This coming September will be 2 years since I had SBRT Proton therapy for prostate cancer. It was 5 treatments over the course of 10 days. No pain at all and the prep was easy. Since then I've had PSA ratings of < 0. 1 with my last visit last week to Mayo Rochester. I'm very pleased with the result.

REPLY

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

REPLY
Profile picture for dpcarriere @dpcarriere

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?

Jump to this post

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!

REPLY

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?

REPLY

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.

REPLY

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.

REPLY

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

Dale

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.