Angelo
Cifelli and Rosemarie live in Florida, USA. He was 70 when he was diagnosed on
December 3, 2008. His initial PSA was 2.6 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6 and although
he does not give his stage, it seems likely he was staged T1c. His choice of treatment
was Proton Beam Therapy.
I am a 70 year old active man. I have history
in my family...father and brother...my obvious concern is for my sons. When I
was diagnosed I was not surprised....I expected it sooner or later....but with
a PSA score of 2.6 I was hoping for later...by the way my prior PSA number was
2.3 14 months earlier.
There were 12 samples taken and cancer found in
one.....Gleason score of 6.....I searched the net for treatments.....when I came
upon Proton Beam Therapy, I must admit that I was curious....I did not want surgery....my
brother did and the outcome was not good....all of the cells were not removed
and he died some time later in diapers and castrated.
I applied to University
of Florida Proton Beam Center in Jacksonville
and was accepted. The experience was everything I expected and more...the people
are caring and professional. I went on the pro4 protocol...a shorter version 28
treatments with increased radiation per treatment / fewer treatments.
My
urologist unlike many I've read about was very supportive.......In six months
I will be back at U of F for a follow up visit....whether or not I have chosen
the right treatment remains to be seen.....it will take up to three years to find
out....I guess in the long run you must have some faith and don't second guess
yourself...as of now, I look forward to contributing my time to working with a
cancer support group to help other men deal with their situation...I feel very
fortunate.
Angelo's e-mail address is: angro302@gmail.com
