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Week 2 of PBT @ UPenn

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 8/13/2011 6:56 PM (GMT 0)
Just thought I'd give a quick update on my proton beam therapy at Upenn.

I just finished my second (of 7 1/2 total) week, and everything is going great!

Ups:
  • no pain
  • treatments last about 20 minutes start/finish
  • facility and staff are top notch and professional
  • the femaile radiation therapists are very cute tongue
  • my job has been incredibly supportive of my treatment plan


Downs:
  • getting a balloon in your rectum every day is a bit uncomfortable
  • getting a balloon in your rectum every day by attractive therapists is a bit embarassing blush
  • commuting from NYC to Philly on Amtrak daily is a bit of a drag and slightly $$


Side Effects
  • slide extra pressure required to urinate during first week. Most likely do to slight swelling in my prostate from healing of fiducial markers and balloon agitation
  • above side effect now gone after 2nd week
  • that's it!


Overall I'm quite pleased w/the process and the team at UPenn. I'll update you again in a few week.

In good health,

-b
Posted 8/13/2011 8:27 PM (GMT 0)
Interesting that I was scouring around the YANA now site just now looking over the proton discussions. It *seems* like proton therapy has the least side effects (just judging from that site alone).
Posted 8/13/2011 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
just noticed, age 42 of diagnosis, that's pretty young. Does pca run in your family?
Posted 8/13/2011 9:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Squirm, yeah, bit of a shock at 42. No cancer of any sort in my family. My brother is slightly older and is cancer free. So's my dad at 70. Odd, right?

I'm happy I found proton therapy, so far it's been great and success rates are comparable to surgery, with limited side effects. I'll keep you posted on my progress.
Posted 8/14/2011 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
njb,

that's a good positive report on your treatments thus far, glad to hear that, hope it continues, but more importantly, knocks the stuffing out of your cancer.

all kidding aside, a think a balloon up my bum everyday would be a deal breaker, lol.

david
Posted 8/14/2011 12:21 AM (GMT 0)
David,

I leave for Bloomington this Tuesday to start my proton treatments. However, I have had the balloon experience twice in preliminary scans in preparation for the protons. It is not particularly pleasant, BUT it is not so bad when you have a pretty young girl doing the insertion!! yeah
Posted 8/14/2011 12:23 AM (GMT 0)
good luck Skeeter - it'll go fast!

yes, it's not so bad at all. I always ask for a cigarette when they're done. haha
Posted 8/14/2011 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
Yes indeed! I am ready to get started as it has been a battle to get to this stage.

Sounds like your treatment is going well so far. Hope my experience is the same, and I am confident that it will be. I researched all possible treatments thoroughly before deciding on proton therapy. I am convinced it is the way to go for me, as avoidance of side effects and surgery was my primary goal.

Steve
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