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Round Two PSA Results after Proton Therapy!

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Posted 5/10/2012 2:57 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I had my second PSA check done yesterday after completing proton therapy treatment at IU Health at Bloomington on Oct. 19 of last year. The result?

0.4! Down from the 3 month reading of 0.8 and an incredible drop from my initial 4.6.

I am relieved, to say the least. I know that proton has its critics on this board, but for me it is proving so far to have been a very good decision.
Posted 5/10/2012 5:26 PM (GMT 0)
Glad to hear the good news.

Keep us informed on future readings.
Posted 5/10/2012 6:49 PM (GMT 0)
Skeeter,

Love to hear good news like this ! Really great news and I'm sure you're feeling pretty good right about now. I like everything I hear about proton therapy.
Posted 5/10/2012 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
Is proton therapy an option if someone was already treated with radiation?
Posted 5/10/2012 7:15 PM (GMT 0)
Foxrun, my understanding is that for a given location in the body, there is a lifetime limit of ionizing radiation that one can be exposed to. Typically, for treatment of PC, you get very close to that lifetime limit at the prostate bed. Since there is no difference in the effect of the radiation between proton and photon, it would not matter which you get from an exposure perspective. So no, it is not an option at the same location. In your case, if the brachy seeds were not expected to give you the lifetime dose, you might be able to get a modest amount of external radiation (sometimes the two are used in conjunction). I would assume that since it looks from your signature that you are G8-10 and brachy was the only form of radiation you were given, it is likely that they gave you the max dose the could in this manner, and it would not be an option for you.
Posted 5/10/2012 7:16 PM (GMT 0)
Skeeter, congrats on your good numbers. Let's hope it stays low for life!
Jeff
Posted 5/10/2012 7:17 PM (GMT 0)

FoxRun said...
Is proton therapy an option if someone was already treated with radiation?

This is actually possible depending on the nature of the initial radiation treatment. You would need to contact one of the proton centers to find out for sure. Rather than just say "no, it can't be done" I'd go ahead and find out if your circumstances would permit it.
Posted 5/10/2012 10:16 PM (GMT 0)
skeeter - glad to hear the good news - go for the low !!
hugs,
Bronson
Posted 5/11/2012 10:32 AM (GMT 0)
Great news Skeeter!
Posted 5/11/2012 11:04 AM (GMT 0)

FoxRun said...
Is proton therapy an option if someone was already treated with radiation?

When I was at UFPTI, there were several patients who were receiving PBT after failed surgery. I think it may have been combined with IMRT.

I asked the specific question... if PBT fails, can I get a second round?  Ans: No, but PBT might be used to zap an individual met.

...Jerry

Posted 5/11/2012 11:12 AM (GMT 0)
Way to go Skeeter, I see a seat soon for you in the zero club.

Terry

Posted 5/11/2012 11:24 AM (GMT 0)
CHEERS!

I just love to read good news from my fellow brothers the first thing in the morning. Makes my day just the more brighter.

So happy for you SkeeterZX22v, fingers and toes crossed that the downwards trend will continue.

The Zero Club has a place waiting for you.

Bud
Posted 5/11/2012 12:04 PM (GMT 0)
Great news. Seems like you picked a good treatment for yourself. I hope your reading always head in the down direction!
Posted 5/11/2012 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
Great news I'll pour a bourbon for you !
Posted 5/11/2012 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
Always great to see numbers like that no matter what the treatment! Congratulations,

Joe

Posted 5/12/2012 1:26 AM (GMT 0)
Congratulations on your good result after proton therapy.

I had brachytherapy last June within three months my pre-treatment PSA of 3.4 fell to 1.1 and in the next three months it went down to 0.6. In March this year it was 0.4. I had practically no SE right all the time from the day of my treatment. I do agree with you that proton therapy is good, so is brachytherapy. Both have similar side effects. Brachytherapy is an one time treatment. Proton therapy takes six weeks or so 

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