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Week#6 of proton therapy treatments at IU @ Bloomington

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Posted 9/24/2011 12:57 PM (GMT 0)
Week#6 Proton Therapy Report from IU @ Bloomington:

I now have completed 26 treatments and for the first time can definitely feel that there is an end to what initially seemed like an interminable schedule of treatments. I am tolerating the treatments fairly well, and the initial urinary discomfort problems I previously mentioned remain under control as I continue to take flomax daily. The only other potential side effect I may be experiencing is a little fatigue, but it is hard to say it is a direct result of the proton treatments. I work out each morning for 90 minutes doing both weight and cardiovascular training, and a couple of days lately I have felt pretty whipped after I was through.

Next Wednesday I will have my "cone down" as the beam will be reshaped to treat only my prostate and its margins (starting with treatment #29). The Fall season is now starting to come in and of course Brown County, Indiana is know for its fall foliage. I am hoping to have a chance to enjoy some of it.

Bloomington is proving itself to be a delightful place to visit, especially under circumstances such as those at the Proton Therapy Center find themselves. I would encourage anyone considering their treatment options to give proton therapy, and the IU Health Proton Therapy Center a serious look.

Steve
Posted 9/24/2011 9:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, just curious with a couple of questions. First, thanks for sharing you're experience with proton beam. I had wish my father knew of proton beam when he had treatment over 12 years ago. I can't say with certainty if he would have elected to have it, however he did have to endure 3dCRT at that time and seeds. That combination seemed to really mess him up. He had many side effects with photon.

First, are they doing only proton treatment or a combination of proton and photon?
Second, are you doing HT treatment before and during the process? Was that option discussed?
Third, do you know how many gys of treatment you are receiving? I know some facilities seem to be focusing on higher dosage.

Thanks for sharing.
Posted 9/25/2011 12:52 AM (GMT 0)
Squirm,

I am receiving only proton treatments.

I am not on any type of HT treatment. It was discussed but determined to not be necessary based on my gleason score and size of prostate.

My total dosage is 79.84 gys (I think).

Any other questions, feel free to ask.

Steve
Posted 9/25/2011 1:22 PM (GMT 0)
Brown County is indeed a beautiful place. I hope you can take time to enjoy the fall scenery.

I hope the remaining treatments go as well for you as the the previous ones seem to have gone and that the cancer cells are completely annihilated.
Posted 9/26/2011 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
It's a long commitment and I'm glad you can see the light. It seems as if things are going as well as you could expect . I can see where you could experience some fatigue and could be from the radiation or the routine. It's great that you are working out. Make sure you get enough sleep. and take care of yourself. Good luck.
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