Treated 2010 · Posted 2015

My story with proton therapy began in 2003 when our friend, Rose, was successfully treated with proton therapy for a melanoma tumor on her optic nerve. My wife and I determined at that time that if the doctor ever said "you have cancer" that we would investigate proton therapy. So, in 2010, when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, I contacted Loma Linda University Cancer Center in California. Soon an informational packet arrived in the mail. It contained Bob Marchini's book, "You Can Beat Prostate Cancer," a video about Loma Linda's proton center, and many other pieces of helpful information. 

Based on what I learned from Bob's book, and with help from my wife, I moved forward with proton treatment at LLUCC. We also contacted the Brotherhood of the Balloon and received names of members, all former proton patients, who we could talk to directly. Two BOB members and their wives actually visited us and shared their proton experiences, giving us even more confidence in our decision.

When we arrived in Loma Linda in June, 2010, all that we had learned about LLUCC and proton therapy was confirmed. The hospital staff, the painless treatments, support groups, etc... were all just as described by former patients. Actually, because I had felt no significant physical effects during treatment, I left wondering if anything had been accomplished! I looked forward to my first PSA in four months. It was just before Christmas when I received the results.  My PSA was way down! What great Christmas gift!  I thank God and also my wife, Joan, for her help, encouragement and support. The personal contacts really were important to my wife and I.

In addition to enjoying my family, two married daughters, six grand children and one great grand son, I live in an active senior community. I play softball in a thirteen team recreational league, pursue my hobby of building and showing cars, and being an active member of The Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  These groups have given me opportunities to share with many men about proton treatment and several of then have now completed therapy at LLUCC.

"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.