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Prostate surgery alternative.

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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?

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


Posted 10/3/2007 5:01 PM (GMT -7)
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Posted 10/3/2007 5:07 PM (GMT -7)
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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 


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
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,
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