Treated 1998 • Posted 2004 

Almost seven years after his treatment, Neal says, “Now, I am absolutely convinced that Proton Radiation was the right choice.”

I was diagnosed with PC in July 1997. After 3 months of PC research and 4 medical opinions, and what I thought was a "final" decision to have surgery, a friend of mine, who had already been treated for PC by standard external beam radiation, called me about a newscast he saw on ABC in November 1997, at which time they reported on Proton Treatment at Loma Linda.

In November 1997, I had already been on Lupron for 2 months in preparation for surgery at MSK in January 1998. My urologist, a highly respected PC specialist, believed in the advantages of 3-4 months of Hormone treatment prior to surgery.

After contacting Loma Linda, reviewing all the information they sent, and reconsidering my decision for surgery, I scheduled a visit and subsequent Proton Treatment with Dr. Carl Rossi to begin in late February 1998. I completed Proton Treatment in late April 1998 and discontinued Lupron injections that month. During the 6 years since treatment, my PSA has ranged between 0.27 & 0.42. My urologist, here in New Jersey, is delighted with the results of my treatment. SO AM I. He tells me the jury is out for another 9 years but has been very encouraged with regard to my PSA numbers over the last 6 years.

Now, I am absolutely convinced that Proton Radiation was the right choice. I do wonder however, if my 8 months on Lupron played a beneficial part in the great results I have had over these 6 years. When my urologist spoke to me at some length about the advantages of Hormone Therapy prior to surgery I was sold on the benefits. To this day I remain positive about pre-treatment Hormone Therapy. Other, well know urologists in New York City, told me they saw no benefits in hormone treatment prior to surgery. One quoted the renowned Dr. Patrick Walsh who was also opposed to using hormones prior to surgery.

I am now 73 years young, grateful to my friend, happy that I was treated with Proton Radiation and love Dr. Rossi and the entire staff at Loma Linda.

Neal P. Monda
 

"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

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