Prostate surgery alternative.

goodmorning

New Member

Joined : Oct 2007

Posts : 1

Posted 10/3/2007 3:54 PM (GMT -7)

Good day all,

Male, age 73, Prostate cancer 3-3, had green light laser for BPH which was sloppy, resulted in blockage, then prostate stones. Four months later the stones were carved out with conventional TURP. But Doc's never told me that the TURP would make prostectomy more complicated resulting in inncontenence, so surgery was put off now for 5 years. Currently have lower abdominal discomfort, as in the past. A few time the Doc prescribed Cipro wich worked after just three days, but now, one year later, the abdominal pain is back. Six months ago PSA went to 9.1 and started Casedex, and one hormone shot. PSA went down to 3.1. about to get another PSA test in a few days, and this time if it has doubled, I'm considering Proton therapy, but don't know anything about it.

A few Urologists suggest that due to my heart condition and former TURP, prostectomy is very risky. Heart surgery in 2001 resulted in 6 months of curing nosocomial infections.

Can you suggest what is involved in the proton therapy, and is it a probable alternative?

spinbiscuit

Veteran Member

Joined : Apr 2006

Posts : 818

Posted 10/3/2007 4:39 PM (GMT -7)

Greetings

goodmorming,

That does sounds odd, but wecome to our group. My father (89 years) also had difficulty with the Green Light procedure. He spent 2 days in ICU and 2 days in general recovery as a result of complications do to an infection in the blader discovered during the procedure. His recovery took about a month. He also had a double by-pass / heart valve replacement in 2003.

The Proton Beam therapy you mention is just as effective as any form of surgery. In fact all the forms of radiation treatments show the same high percentage of success equal to that of surgery. Others who are more knowedgeable will soon answer your question in much greater detail.

Good luck,

Glen

Diagnosed at age 60

PSA went from 2.2 to 3.8 in 14 months

2 of 14 cores positive at 10%

Gleason 6(3+3), negative DRE, neg. margins

DaVinci surgery on 02/23/06

Last PSA 08/26/07 @ 18 months "0"

bluebird

Veteran Member

Joined : May 2006

Posts : 2542

Posted 10/3/2007 5:01 PM (GMT -7)

W elcome ~ Goodmorning & Loved Ones , to… ~ HealingWell ~ and A “ Special ” Warm Welcome to You ! Knowledge gives us POWER…. POWER takes away the fear. Click here for… Prostate Cancer Resources, Helpful Hints , and Topic Thread Links This link is also located at the top of the HealingWell’s Prostate Forum where topics (threads) are viewed. (Direct Link ~ just click on the title below and a new window will open! Reminder … click on the REFRESH icon once you get there) Invitation to New Members… Welcome to HealingWell (Special Request) Threads asking a specific question will get specific replys… A personal thread is a way of letting us learn a little about “you” and you get to learn a little about us!!! It allows us a little more information as to where you are on your journey. A “name” (even one made up : ) makes it a little more personal… and we really do get personal in a HealingWell way…!! Please ~ keep posting, keep questioning, and stay close… The information (links) above are to help you get started on your journey. It is a journey best traveled with friends. Welcome ~ New Friend from all the members here... on HealingWell.com v IdahoSurvivor ~ Moderator for Prostate Cancer Forum http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1160/1313099593_9f819e3ff8.jpg v bluebird ~ Moderator for Prostate Cancer Forum http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb179/mamabluebird1955/mamabluebirdWelcome.jpg

bluebird

Veteran Member

Joined : May 2006

Posts : 2542

Posted 10/3/2007 5:07 PM (GMT -7)

Hi ~ Goodmorning... We're glad you found all of us!! More members will be signing on to give you information that you are requesting... We wanted to let you know you've come to the right place for "personal" information where people share their experiences... Stay Close and know we are glad to be walking along side you as you move forward in your search for answers... In New Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy mama bluebird - Lee & Buddy… from North Carolina v We invite you to visit our personal thread : Click Here: “Our Journey” ~ Sharing is Caring April 3, 2006 53 on surgery day RRP / Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy PSA 4.6 Gleason 3+3=6 T2a Confined to Prostate 3rd PSA 08-07-2007 Less than 0.1 Non-Detectable :)

Dutch

Regular Member

Joined : Feb 2007

Posts : 400

Posted 10/4/2007 2:19 PM (GMT -7)

DutchESS here. The proton therapy is noninvasive and most men do not have any side effects. There is no discomfort when the treatments are given and you can continue with your regular life style while undergoing treatments. There are about 5 locations in the US - Dutch has his at Loma Linda where the bulk of them are done. You can get more info at www.protonbob.com and if you contact Bob Marckini (his number is on the website) he can give you a list of men that you can contact by phone or email. It's a very good option for men who have other health concerns, elderly who want treatment and it is being used alot for salvage after failed surgery.

Hope this helps. DutchESS

Diagnosed Feb 2001 (Age 65) Currently 72

PSA 4.8 Gleason 3+3=6 Stage T2b

Completed Proton Therapy @ Loma Linda - Aug 2001 - No side effects.

6yr PSA - 0.19

Our responsibility now is to educate men about Pca, PSA and the importance of early detection.

jetguy

Veteran Member

Joined : Sep 2006

Posts : 741

Posted 10/4/2007 5:24 PM (GMT -7)

Hello goodmorning,

I think that you should research proton beam and IMRT and Image Guided IMRT. I think you will find that the results (as spinbiscuit said) are equal to surgery. I did 43 Image Guided treatments and am doing very well. Best of luck to you on both your research and outcome.

Regards,

Bill

August of 2006, PSA up to 4.2 from 2.7 one year ago.

October free and total PSA 12% free and 5.0 total.

A month, or so later, 4.7.

Late in the year decide on Image Guided IMRT.

Begin 43 treatments on January 23, 2007 and finish on March 23.

Four month post treatment PSA is 1.9. (This is a very good result.)

No side, or after effects. None.

I have aged a year and am now 63. How did that happen?

IdahoSurvivor

Veteran Member

Joined : Aug 2007

Posts : 1015

Posted 10/4/2007 7:09 PM (GMT -7)

Hi goodmorning, ... and a warm welcome to the forum!

I know you'll receive a lot of caring and "free" advice here as you already have seen. I don't know to much about your actual condition. For example, did you have a biopsy that showed cancer, or are you focused on fighting the BPH? If there is cancer, you also review the option of Brachytherapy as another form of radiation treatment. For certain situations, it has shown to be very effective as well. Brachytherapy is also minimally invasive. If you like, let us know some more about your condition and what your doctor is saying.

Also, please feel free to ask as many questions as you wish at anytime.

Kind regards,

"Idaho" ~ Barry

Da Vinci Surgery July 31, 2007… 54 on surgery day
PSA 4.3 Gleason 3+3=6 T2a Confined to Prostate

1st PSA 0.04 (undetectable) 9/11/2007

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