Treated 2008 · Posted 2013 · Updated 2015

"As a practicing physician, my colleagues were unfamiliar with proton therapy and strongly urged me to have 'traditional' therapy. However, when I researched my options, it was obvious that the best choice for me was proton therapy."

I am an Orthopedic Surgeon from Houston, TX. The diagnosis of prostate cancer came as a shock in 2005 and my homework began immediately. I talked with as many people as possible [who had also had prostate cancer]; most had undergone surgery and a few had radioactive seeds.

After four rounds of unpleasant biopsies, I decided that it was time to make a decision. Several of the people I'd spoken with had experienced impotence and daily leakage of urine; so, surgery was eliminated as an option. During my orthopedic training days the old saying, "there is no surgery that you can't screw up," came in loud and clear.

Out of the blue, an old friend from the U.S. Air Force called and told me that he had elected to have proton therapy for his prostate cancer. He had visited and chosen a treatment center, Loma Linda University Cancer Center in California. It was around this time that I read Bob Marckini's book, "You Can Beat Prostate Cancer: And You Don't Need Surgery To Do It." This was one of my most valuable pieces of "homework," and it was a strong influence on my final treatment decision.

Shortly after speaking with my friend and reading Bob's book, I inquired with LLUCC and received a lot of good information. I later was accepted and began my treatment late in 2007.

As I recall, treatments began at 5 a.m. and I was fortunate enough to get a 5:15 a.m. slot. Treatment was a breeze. I also had use of their beautiful workout facility (Drayson Center), which was included with my treatment.

It has been almost six years since my proton treatment. I feel great; I have no significant side effects and my latest PSA, taken just last week, was 0.4.

I have no regrets and am so grateful that my old neighbor from Edwards Air Force Base came along at the perfect time and convinced me to visit Loma Linda.

Ken just turned 70. Below is a photo of Ken with his family. He has four children and eight grandchildren (two are missing from the photo).

Proton Therapy Testimonial - Ken Ford

Here is another photo of Ken (right) on the Kispiox River in British Columbia, Canada. He is enjoying one of his favorite activities (photographed with a native guide).

Proton Therapy Testimonial - Ken Ford

Updated 2015:

I feel pretty good for a young at heart 72-year-old. I have never questioned my choice of proton treatment at Loma Linda University Cancer Center. Even though my home of Houston has the largest medical center in the world, I believed that Loma Linda had the experience and culture for great care-giving and exceptional treatment. I believe that my assessment was correct.

"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.