Thanks, I spoke with the radiologist here in Jackson, MS. today and felt very good about
him. They use guided IMRT and he is very confident that he can get the job done with minimal or no problems. He acknowledged the proton therapy and the ability to do less damage and bring more powerful radiation to the tumor. He said the proton was a tremendous technology for hard to treat tumors and is most effective in prostate treatment when the prostate is still intact. Treatment to the lymph nodes would probably be done with photons regarless of the facility. He is a sincere christian guy that seemed very compotent and who comes highly recommended; most important of all I liked him and I felt I could trust what he was telling me. He said he had referred patients to Loma Linda but he did not feel that was necessary in my case.
He said he sees cases like mine quite often and has excellent results. He said it is just very difficult with prostate surgery to achieve adequate margins due to its location and archietecture for lack of a better word.
All this being said and with the ability to get treatment on my way to work each morning i think I am going to go the IMRT route. If I had a proton facility in Jackson I would give it serious consideration.
Thanks for all your input.