2 1/2 years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer
Just a little over 2 1/2 years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 53 with no real symptoms. It was a dreadful day. Overnight I was catapulted from the position of comfortable normal life and found it a little strange to be the faced with a potentially life-threatening disease. It was foreign territory and was the last place I wanted to be. Shock, disbelief, disorganization and difficulty in understanding, I was unprepared for my own reaction to the diagnosis of cancer. At first I was simply stunned.
Once the dust settled I new I had to be aggressive in my treatment... with a PSA more than doubling in 8 months and a family history of prostate cancer...I knew it had to be treated early not later.
I was shocked at the options for treatment and dreaded to deal with life changing side effects they offered. I had never faced any major health problem before. I found that I had to be my own advocate for my treatment choice. Through my due diligence I decided on proton beam therapy for cancer treatment.
Unfortunately early on I was denied insurance coverage for PBT and due to a limited policy left me with very few options for treatment. We finally got approval for PBT. It was a challenge to leave home for 2 1/2 months but we managed. Once treated I was denied coverage a second time upon returning home. We challenged the decision and eventually prevailed in coverage.
Today after 45 sessions of proton therapy, my PSA nadir is at .8 (down from 5.8) my health is great with no side effects from treatment. Proton therapy was an excellent choice for me.
Most prostate cancer patients move on but the process was so profound that I felt it important to mentor others and seek out affordable proton beam options for underinsured and uninsured or immediate need of treatment.
Through networking and working with cancer groups a connection was made with Noah here at KMI in Seoul Korea Korea
I discovered that the NCC is a sanctuary of healing. Combined with the alluring sights, generosity and hospitality of Korean people, an extended stay here, for proton treatment, provides an affordable, comfortable, and remarkable journey for future patients.
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ReplyDeleteI never heard of Proton Therapy but it sounds interesting.How much does it cost and how long is the therapy done? Among the men(patients) you have met in therapy site, how many percent had had successful therapy? My friend has been diagnosed having prostate tumor. I've got to tell him about your blog. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteHello Tracy,
ReplyDeleteA course of PBT for prostate cancer is being quoted at 52K and includes nice, modern and roomy accommodations. Duration of treatment is based on the plan of 36-40 treatments or 8 weeks. In some cases that maybe shortened to 6 weeks. If you would send me your email at curtis@protonkorea.com I will forward you a 15 year clinical report on the success of PBT for patients. It is impressive. Thanks for dropping by and I hope your friend does his research.
Thank you for this information. My husband was diagnosed (3+4 Gleason7,T1c)in late February this year (2011). None of his doctors would discuss PBRT. At a Prostate Cancer seminar we were told it was experimental,but our research reveals a long history and large numbers of men treated with PBRT who are cancer free and free of side-effects many years after treatment.
ReplyDeleteHe is now trying to get onto the treatment list for PBRT and we would be grateful to receive the 15-year clinical report on PBT. Thanks so much for your concern for the newly diagnosed. DDC