PROTON BEAM

Hi all,

I asked questions RE: this treatment some time ago.
Now my cousin has decided to go with this Proton beam therapy and he is a G6.

They are recommending 90 treatments, which seems excessive. Has any one had proton
and experienced this many treatments. They also are inflating a balloon in his rectum to separate the tissue.

Thanks,

BOOGEE

Boogee, this treatment has a devoted following called, "Brothers of the Balloon". Obviously named for the mentioned rectum insertion before each treatment.

My recollection is that the normal course of treatment is 5 days a week for 8 weeks so 90 sounds high if my math is correct.

There has been data presented on this forum that shows PBT to be no more effective nor fewer side effects that some other forms of radiation like LDR Brachy, HDR Brachy and SBRT so I personally don't see the advantage of making the PBT choice.

With your cousin's stats he would seem to be well advised to get a second biopsy opinion from Dr. Epstein's lab and, depending on that, consider AS or at least explore the other good radiation option.

Jim (like Andrew, another random guy on the net)

You didn't mention his age. But nonetheless, when there are so many other options available to him, 90 days of proton therapy is one I personally would take off the list. Like JNF said, 1 day, 5 days, but 90? Sprare him the trouble.

When I was making treatment decision, I considered Proton Beam but decided against it because the closest treatment machine was in Knoxville TN. 200 miles away. I never visited the clinic but discussed the treatment with two friends who had the treatment.

A PB machine is being installed in Franklin TN, just south of Nashville. I might have seriously considered the treatment if this was open. At this point, I have no regrets in selecting my treatment plan.

One acquaintance was on Medicare, Part A but on his wife's Health insurance for part B. Medicare approved Proton Beam but the insurance company didn't. He had to drop out of his wife's, enroll in Medicare Part B and arrange a Medicare drug plan. This caused a 2 month delay in treatment.

There's also some sort of cellulose screen that gets implanted between the prostate and intestine that costs $2500 which is not covered by anyone. It's supposed to protect the digestive system. (I think I got this right). It would be good if someone explained this better.

My Urologist likes Proton Beam and will probably start recommending patients to the new center opening close by in Franklin.

Proton Beam is used to treat other forms of cancer.

Thanks Guys,

Perhaps my cousin (who BTW is my cousin) so it's her husband who is being treated,
may have got the actual 70 treatments incorrect.
She isn't as involved as many wives are in his decision.
She is letting him make any decisions about his care.


Jerry it looks like your graft goes only through 2016. Are you still doing well?

Manfred it looks you are still undetectable!

BOOGEE

Thanks Fairwind.

I wish you well with treatment options.

BOOGEE

Jerry,

I would take those numbers and hope you continue to do well.

BOOGEE