Treated 2005 • Posted 2016

There was some guilt involved in explaining to our family what a delightful time we had in Loma Linda. It was a vacation in disguise.

"The bad news is, you have prostate cancer and surgery is not an option because it is too advanced," my doctor told me. "The good news is that we can control it somewhat with hormone therapy."

It was January, 2005. This news was shocking.

I reluctantly began hormonal therapy soon thereafter and continued for two years. During the treatment, I had periodic "hot flashes." 

Then I heard about proton therapy at Loma Linda University Cancer Center (LLUCC) in California. I read a lot of testimonials on the Brotherhood of the Balloon website along with other research about prostate cancer treatment options. It didn’t take long for me to reach the conclusion that proton therapy could be an option for me.

In May 2005, I began the treatment plan proposed by my doctor at LLUCC. I would have 19 proton and 28 photon treatments.

My treatment ended in July.

There was some guilt involved in explaining to our family what a delightful time we had in Loma Linda. It was a vacation in disguise.

“To Make Man Whole” is the LLUCC mission statement. I sincerely believe they made this man whole.

My name is Bob Wolfe. I am a retired naval aviator. I served the nation during the Viet Nam and Soviet Union Cold War era.

Approaching age 83, 11 years post-proton therapy, I am enjoying the "Golden Years" in the Northwest during the summer months with "Snow Bird" time in Arizona near seven golf courses.

My PSA is near zero. There is no doubt in my mind that there is a spiritual connection here.

May God continue to Bless LLUCC and the folks who seek solutions to prostate cancer and other cancers.

"I have not spent one dollar on medicines or follow-up procedures in my 20 years post-proton treatment."
- Wayne Swartz, BOB Member
"You owe it to yourself and to those who love you to safeguard your quality of life. Surgery will not do that ... proton therapy can."
- Jeannie Chase, Spouse
- Warren Johns, BOB member
"15 years have passed since exposure to the penetrating power of the proton and the superb medical skills of the 'beam team.'”
"The procedure was a breeze. It has been 10 years and I feel GREAT.”
- Tom Wright, BOB member
"As long as I live, I will do everything I can to spread the word about proton treatment.”
- Jim Tuggey, BOB member
"I am celebrating 8 years post-treatment with no recurrence, no side effects, and not one more penny for medications."
Robert T. Gore, M.D. F.A.C.O.G.

 


The Purcell's fairy tale life came to a halt when the doctor diagnosed Pat with prostate cancer. 

Little did they know that 25 years earlier, a doctor 1,200 miles away risked his entire career to pioneer proton treatment with virtually no side effects. “Against All Odds” follows a couple’s desire to fight cancer and unveils the historical account of a doctor’s passion to discover a better treatment option.

Watch the video.


Questions? Ask us anything.

Proton Therapy Advantages:

· Less damage to healthy tissue
· Non-invasive, painless

· Outpatient setting
· No recovery time
· Lower chance of recurrence
· Few, if any, side effects

Want to talk to former proton patients? Just ask.


You Can Beat Prostate Cancer — NEW Edition Available

Written by former proton therapy patient and BOB founder, Robert Marckini

Buy it on Amazon.