Re: First Step of Journey.... -Chuck

[Guest guest]

As Laurel mentioned, you should really check out proton beam

treatment at Loma Medical Center. My husband just completed

treatment there after thorougly researching the alternatives and we

traveled from the east coast. We felt protons would have the least

side effects and this has proven correct. During treatments, Don had

some urgency and frequency (due to inflammation), but this has

improved and is no longer a problem since he completed the treatments

on 8/21. He had no sexual side effects. The treatment was totally

covered by our insurance.

At LLUMC, proton treatment for prostate cancer requires 45 daily

radiation treatments. I know of several others who commuted from

homes in southern CA because the treatments only take about 1/2 hour

including prep time.

Sharon

> Hi all - it's . I haven't posted since I reported which

treatment

> plan chose, which is IMRT with 4D Calypso Tracking.

Yesterday, the

> implantation of the beacons was performed. Tuesday, he prepped

in a

> similar fashion as getting ready for a colonoscopy. He was

prescribed

> Levaquin for 3 days. His appointment was scehduled for 9:30 and

> was out in 10 minutes. I'm happy to report that he experienced

only a

> mild pinching sensation during the procedure and nothing else.

There

> has been no bleeding or discomfort at all. Needless to say,this

is a

> relief. He is to expect blood in the first ejaculation. 's

next

> appointment is for Sept. 11 when they will run a CT Scan and a

> simulation.

> I feel the need to share this information as everyone here is

on the

> same journey - to rid themselves of the cancer and enjoy life

fully. I

> hope that this diary, of sorts, will help alleviate fears and

to make

> educated decisions about treatment options. I thank everyone

for their

> kind words, their support and all the knowledge that has been

shared.

> Most sincerely,

> NY

>