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Posted 2/25/2012 6:03 PM (GMT 0)

I have completed my Proton Therapy at University of Florida/Shands Proton Therapy Institute in Jacksonville, Fl. I updated my profile to include my PSA at the end of the 6 week course of radiation. The PSA started at 6.8 and is now 2.7. This seems to be a step in the right direction. I am very pleased. Minimal side-effects. Readily remedied by Flomax.

Posted 2/25/2012 7:47 PM (GMT 0)
Congrats on finishing treatment - and the good numbers. It's actually not unusual for PSA to go up at the end of treatment as those protons irritate the heck out of one's prostate. Also, the uriniary issues almost always resolve within a month post treatment.

...Jerry
Posted 2/25/2012 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
Anxious, congratulations on finishing and your immediate good results. I did not have my first post treatment PSA test until 3 months had passed. I had a drop to 0.8 from an initial 4.6-4.3. Everyone is different but you should see continued drop to below 1. It could take a couple of years, so I am told.

Proton side effects from treatment should go away within a reasonable time. Most say 6-8 weeks, mine took a little longer (12 weeks). Flomax is great--I should have been on it prior to treatment anyway.

Steve
Posted 2/28/2012 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the replies. Seems like many of us have positive things to say about Proton Therapy. The UF/Shands Center is no different. They have been very helpful and have taken good care of me. I am now working with the local YMCA in the Lance Armstrong program "Livestrong". I maintained my physical fitness routine while in Jacksonville and recommend staying in shape or getting in shape to help fight this disease. A number of studies show a better outcome if you do. Take care.

 

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