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!

"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.