Treated 2011 · Posted 2017

"My experience at LLUCC was great. Side effects from [proton] treatment were, in fact, minimal, and all the other patients I spoke to, who came to Loma Linda from all over the world, had similar experiences."

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the summer of 2009 after a lump was noticed during a routine colonoscopy. My doctor recommended I have a biopsy and later, it was confirmed - I had cancer. I was devastated. But, I learned it was caught early, slow-growing, and that prostate cancer is very common. It didn't have to be a death sentence.

My biggest concern at the time was finding a treatment without the horrible side effects. At every consultation I went to, I was told about the negative side effects - incontinence, impotence... In the meantime, a friend suggested I do some research online to learn about alternative treatments. There, I found my way to Loma Linda University Cancer Center and proton therapy. I learned that treatment could be non-invasive and with minimal side effects. It was a no-brainer. I should also note that I spoke with many former proton patients before I made my ultimate decision. I wanted to learn directly from those who had been in my shoes. Everyone I spoke with had had a positive experience.

My experience at LLUCC was great. Side effects from treatment were, in fact, minimal, and all the other patients I spoke to, who came to Loma Linda from all over the world, had similar experiences. I spend my time now the same way I spent my time before treatment! Nothing much has changed. 

My PSA is way down. My health is good and I am trying to keep a positive attitude and eat healthy.