Richard
M and Cathy live in Reno, Nevada, USA. He was 63 when he was diagnosed on
February 13, 2007. His initial PSA was 5.5 ng/ml, His Gleason Score was 3+3= 6
and he was staged T1c. He is undecided as to what treatment he should have. Here
is his (brief) story.
"Doctors
tell you to do what they do. Other patients tell you to do what they did."
After
reading, listening and thinking for several weeks, I've finally decided on proton
beam therapy at Loma Linda. The best source of information was other patients,
especially this site.
"What
you conclude is best for you, will be the best treatment for you."
"The
proton compares to other forms of radiation like a rifle compares to a shotgun."
I
am scheduled to start at Loma Linda May 7, 2007.
Arrived
at Loma Linda May 7 Treatment started May 14, my 64 birthday It has been an AWESOME
experience- medical folks are very professional; fellow patients are very supportive
I have 3 treatments done, 44 remaining.
Completed
treatment July 17. I learned a lot about the concepts of curing and healing. Curing
involved the treatments and the protons. Healing is about getting your head back
together. The environment at Loma Linda was very conducive to healing. I met some
wonderful people and never felt alone.
I've
continued my healing process by joining a local all-cancer support group that
meets each Monday. Had my first urologist visit and PSA Nov 16.
Only
side effect has been frequent urination (3X or more nightly)
Life
is great! Proton was clearly the best choice for me.
Richard
has a video which contains some good information for anyone who is touched by
prostate cancer: personally, a family member or a friend on his
site. The reporter had the same treatment at the same facility as the reporter,
one year after Richard. This is not medical advice, merely a "feel good" piece
about a "feel bad" situation.
Richard's
current PSA is 0.17 and he says:
Although
I consider myself cured, healing is work in progress. Curing is what the doctors
and technology does. Healing comes from faith, friends and your attitude to the
disease. Look at this site for a great piece on curing
vs. healing
