Starting Proton Treatments for Prostate Cancer: Any experiences?
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.
I'm an individual but I'd be happy to talk with you. Email me and I will send you my cell phone number. Grace and Peace, Rev. Donald Johnson
To share: I had 5 treatments with Proton Beam Therapy for prostrate neoplasm. But I suffered little to no fatigue as the result of the treatment.
My neighbor had prostate 5/4 lesion treated with 30 something Proton treatments 7 years ago. He also received ADT & PSA still undetectable. He was treated in Knoxville, TN.
Thanks - great information you shared. I have had 2 PSMA pet scan at the University of Seattle and so far the cancer is still in my prostrate. Your last paragraph is where I am at - deciding where to get PC treatment (Seattle- proton Or Kalispell, Montana photon) many variables- but have to decide this week- thanks again
Don P
Thanks - appreciate your input- it sure would be nice if I could get done in only 5 treatments. I am looking at Seattle for my proton therapy - they may have it. Thanks again
Hello!
Is there any support groups where we can have a call with patient who has undergone proton therapy? Struggling to discus this with someone who has this experience, for my relative. Or maybe someone here can do that?
Thanks in advance
They get paid a salary, but the hospitals don't. They are a business just like everything else.
@mikewo you said "I can see why he wanted to do 28 treatments rather than five $$$$$$$$$$$" Mayo Doctors don't get paid on the # of tests/treatments they order, so there is no advantage for them to order added treatments. Actually hurts them since thy can't see more patients while treating you with 15 extra Proton treatments.
Treatments at Mayo Phoenix are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Monday, and Wednesday. My oncologist wanted 28 treatments till I said I had checked out the 5 treatment Cyberknife radiation and all of a sudden, he could do the 5-proton treatment protocol at Mayo that Rochester has been doing for a while. A study in England that was on BBC news also stated that the 5 treatments are better than 20 or more. PC is slow growing and can't repair itself if hit with high doses of radiation in a short period of time. After I got to see the bills to Medicare, I can see why he wanted to do 28 treatments rather than five $$$$$$$$$$$
Interesting! How many days apart were the 5 treatments ? One treatment 5 consecutive days? Or 1 treatment a week for 5 weeks? Or?
I am working with Fred Hutchinson cancer center in Seattle- I will ask my Doctor if they do the 5 treatment therapy. That could be helpful for me because I live in Montana & will be traveling to Seattle for treatment. Thanks for the feedback & hope your PSA stays down.