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Posted 12/28/2009 1:38 PM (GMT 0)

I made a call last week to Loma Linda and inquired about proton therapy after surgery, and was told this procedure was not available after the prostae had been removed. Of course, I spoke with someone different instead of the person I was calling. She suggested cryotherapy.  I then called a friend who works in the medical field in Ca.  who is going to look into this for me. Keep in mind all this happened over the holidays.  Hopefully I'll hear from her soon. But for now, I see a radiation onocologists this afternoon.  Hopefully I'll get some answers.  All I know is I'm ready to get the show on the road, but want to make the best choice. I hate living with this, but this forum had been very helpful to me, thanks to each and every one of you.

Regards, Orickster 

Posted 12/28/2009 2:48 PM (GMT 0)
Is there a reason why you can't or don't want IMRT or IMRT Topography for your salvage radiation? Both should be easily available to you.
Many of us have gone down that path here, I ended mine a month ago.

David in SC
Posted 12/28/2009 2:57 PM (GMT 0)
OK, now I'm confused.

Call M. D. Anderson in Houston and see what they say.  I am pretty sure they told me the opposite, but I could be wrong.

Zen9

Posted 12/28/2009 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
Purgatory and Zen 9:

I have nothing against IMRT. In fact, I know nothing about it. I've just heard that the proton is the best route to go according to my research, and word of mouth.  I just want to make the best decision for my family and myself.  Either way, I talk to the Doc today, and will address the options best for me.

Orickster

Posted 12/28/2009 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
Orickster,

I am not sure that the proton for salvage treatment would be the best or not, proton in general is in a very minority group of standard treatments. I know nothing about it, other than what you can read on the net, nor do I have anything against it as a possibility.

Considering how few proton centers there are, there couldn't be that many people that have used that method for salvage.

On the other hand, standard radiation, including IMRT has been around for decades, and has steadily improved over the years. There are no shortages of good radiation clinics around the country to use, and plenty of well qualfied radiation oncologists to work with.

Be interesting to hear what your doctor has to say today. I was suppose meet with mine today (rad. oncl) for a closing visit, but still awaiting the results of my first post salvage radiation PSA test. The holidays messed all that up, lol.

Please keep us posted.

David in SC
Posted 12/28/2009 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
P.S. here is a link to an article that talks about salvage radiation options, and it does include proton beam.

http://knol.google.com/k/salvage-radiation-for-prostate-cancer#
Posted 12/28/2009 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
I will definitely keep you informed, and good luck with your visit today.
Orickster
Posted 12/28/2009 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
Orickster,

Try this site for Proton Info. The 10th story down is about a man who used Proton for Salvage treatment AFTER prostatectomy failed.

There is a lot of good info here in the other stories.

http://www.protonbob.com/proton-therapy-testimonials.asp

Good luck,

Sonny
Posted 1/2/2010 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
Why aren't you speaking to - consulting with - a physician or specialist about this? I think you should go back to square 1 and deal directly with people who will know you, your health history, your current situation and the wide range of treatment possibilities that are currently availalbe. You're doing yourself a great disservice. Best wishes for better health in 2010.
Posted 1/2/2010 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
Many people have had proton radiation as salvage therapy after surgery.  There were salvage guys there when I was at Loma Linda last year.  There are proton salvage testimonials on the proton BOB website.

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