PROSTATE CANCER AT AGE 81
If I read the statistics right, those of us who have had prostate cancer are in the majority of our age group. And then too, half of our specialized audience of 81-year-olds is female, and some spouses are
probably under age 81. But more than that, there is a heredity correlation of prostate cancer, and many of us have offspring that are likely prospects.
So, for starters, when is the last time you had your PSA checked? Currently they recommend starting at age 45 and at least yearly if not every 6 months. Why? Because prostate cancer is most curable if it is
caught in its earlier stages. And this is particularly true for young people.
References on prostate cancer seem endless. Because Google references have no pre-qualification requirements I've been advised to focus on sources such as www.cancer.gov, American Cancer Society, or any medical scientific type source. Why am I writing this essay then? Because I fortunately have ended up in the best possible treatment system there is for me and a lot of people.
I am undergoing proton treatment at Loma Linda Hospital in Loma Linda CA. Their system is 17 years old, and has been used on literally thousands of patients. It is not generally recommended by urologists and
radiation oncologists because they would only be turning away business by doing so. There's nothing in it for them. Many even refer to it as experimental in ignorance or as protection. Medicare covers it and our AARP supplement also does.
An oft-repeated piece of advice is that whoever you go to looking for a recommendation, whatever procedure they do is what they'll recommend. Urologists are surgeons, some also do seeds; radiation oncologists will recommend radiation, of which there are variations. I've also been advised that the various methods have a comparable likelihood of success, but very much relying on the experience and skill of the doctor.
So what's so special about proton therapy, which is radiation? Other radiation (photon) like x-rays damage good cells as well as cancer cells. To reach the prostate they go through good cells, and after affecting the cancer their exit path impacts more good cells. Proton radiation can be aimed to affect a specific target (the cancer). They have little if any effect on the cells they go through getting to the target where they stop. Furthermore any affected cells can recover from the proton exposure.
The real benefit of proton therapy is it incurs the least side effects, which are primarily impotence and incontinence, both urinary and bowel. These are the "quality of life" factors most patients are urged to consider in choosing whether and what treatments to get. As we get older the option to do nothing is also an option.
The benefits of proton radiation also make possible treatment for head and neck tumors. We met a woman who had treatments where a tumor had connected to her brain, and she had also had treatments in the
area of her eye. Protons are also used extensively on children at Loma Linda.
An interesting sidelight is that the proton equipment at Loma Linda is designed by the Fermi Lab at Batavia, Illinois. This is one of the earliest proton installations. Also I read where there are two proton installations proposed west of Chicago. Other newer installations are at Mass General, Boston, M. D. Anderson, Houston, Jacksonville Florida, and Bloomington Indiana. Like Illinois, there are other proposed installations.
An excellent book on the proton prostate decision and procedure is by Bob Marckini, YOU CAN BEAT PROSTATE CANCER AND YOU DON'T NEED SURGERY TO DO IT (Amazon). The author has also founded an organization, "The Brotherhood of the Balloon", composed of members who have gone thru the treatment. They encourage and support others, and serve as references to those seeking information. (www.protonbob.com). This site has many links and references on prostate cancer.
Obviously, I feel fortunate to have learned of this treatment for my prostate cancer. I would welcome any inquiries on a confidential or any other basis. The program is 9 weeks, similar to other radiation
treatments. Loma Linda has developed a remarkable program of activities, including other health and social opportunities that literally make the time disappear. Cece and I are living in our trailer. There is a wide variety of housing available. I am very serious in saying anyone facing prostate cancer should take the time to study the proton solution. It is an education of value even if you can't choose protons.