Treated 2013 · Posted 2020

"My urologist recommended surgery, explaining in detail the probable and possible side effects associated with the treatment. I then promptly picked myself up off the floor and asked about other options."

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in May 2013 at the age of 59. My urologist recommended surgery, explaining in detail the probable and possible side effects associated with the treatment. I then promptly picked myself up off the floor and asked about other options.

He then told me about IMRT and brachytherapy and said he'd also heard about “something they were doing” in Jacksonville, FL called proton therapy. He’d had two patients undergo the treatment and seemed to be doing well. When I prodded him for more information, he said Jacksonville was far away from South Alabama and the treatment process was “too long.”

Still intrigued, I immediately went online when I returned home from my appointment. I found the University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute (UFPHTI) website and contacted them for more information on proton therapy. A day later, I received a packet in the mail. It included two books: You Can Beat Prostate Cancer: And You Don’t Need Surgery To Do It, by Bob Marckini, and Protons versus Prostate Cancer: Exposed, by BOB member, Ron Nelson.

I immediately reached out to both Bob and Ron via email and received a prompt reply from each.

In August 2013, I began my proton therapy treatment at UFHPTI. It was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. Great doctors, nurses, technicians and support personnel who all seemed to really care about each patient. I played a lot of golf and met many new friends.

At 67, I still work, play golf, travel with his wife any chance we get, and visit with my grandchildren often. I feel great; I have no side effects from my treatment; and my PSA is low. I love talking about proton therapy and sharing my experience with others!

Below is a photo of Jim, his wife Renee, and six of their 10 grandchildren!