Treated 2002 • Posted 2003
“Of course the surgeon and radiologist in Annapolis and Georgetown U. in Wash. D.C. were both convinced they could cure my cancer - and they probably could - but at what cost in side effects???”
My name is Ray Arnold in Annapolis, Md. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in early July 2001 at the age of 61. My numbers were PSA 6.6, Gleason 7 and T1c tumor. Of course my urologist wanted to perform surgery which I initially agreed to, but later cancelled twice while I did some reading and research. After much research and reading of everything I could get my hands on, I finally decided upon LLUMC.
During the research and decision making process, a casual friend suggested that I look into Loma Linda. Within the same week I was talking to a close friend who lives across country, someone I talk to only 2 or 3 times a year. He also put me in touch with someone who had completed treatment at LLUMC. Coincidence, maybe, but it started me down the path to research what Loma Linda had to offer.
Of course the surgeon and radiologist in Annapolis and Georgetown U. in Wash. D.C. were both convinced they could cure my cancer - and they probably could - but at what cost in side effects???
What a relief to finally make a decision, believe me at the time it seemed the hardest decision I ever made. But I felt good about it and was confident it was the right decision for me, and I never looked back or second-guessed this decision. I got on the 'fast track' at LLU and started 38 proton treatments Nov. 5, 2001 at age 62, and finished Jan. 3rd, 2002.
My two post psa checks came in at 2.9 & 1.8. During treatment the only side effects notice was increased urgency, some minor burning occasionally, and some fatigue the last two weeks. I was still playing golf and hiking the mountains, but was a little more tired than usual.
All side effects went away within 2-3 weeks after treatment stopped, maybe the tiredness lasted a little longer. I did not change my diet or routine at all during treatment and also did not take hormones before, during or after treatment.
I cannot say enough about the staff and doctors at Loma Linda. I am amazed at the availability of the doctors in returning calls or to meet with you and answer all questions you might have, or just to chat about how things are going. In my opinion, anyone considering any other treatment option other than Proton treatment at LLUMC is making a BIG MISTAKE.
My insurance company is "Carefirst Blue/Cross, Blue/Shield Federal. They paid 90% of the first $3,000 and than 100% of everything else. Contact me at 410-626-7158 or rayarnold@erols.com.
Ray Arnold - Annapolis, Maryland