Steven Bollock - Mount Shasta, California

Treated 2009 · Posted 2012

"My greatest fear and concern as I explored my treatment options was related to side effects."

I have hesitated to write about my proton experience as it seemed so easy and normal and successful. My prostate cancer was almost a non-event, as there were never any symptoms and hardly any side effects. The discovery of my 3+3 Gleason cancer was through a normal DRE at a yearly physical with my local doctor.

My time at Loma Linda University Medical Center was truly a "radiation vacation" as my partner, Kim, and I explored the area from Joshua Tree to Palm Springs to San Diego to Laguna Beach to San Onofre weekend after weekend, running our respective businesses from our Redland Hills casita. Do I deserve to call myself a "cancer survivor?"

My greatest fear and concern as I explored my treatment options was related to side effects, and I chose the proton treatment for the reported low incidence of side effects. During my treatments I had the usual increased urgency to pee and some pain in the occasional sexual encounter (ejaculatory pain) which my doctor assured me would go away post-treatment as it was a product of the irritated tissues from the radiation treatments.

I am happy to report that both of these side effects diminished and disappeared quickly, soon after the treatments ended. Completely normal functions returned in no time. Now, three years later and at age 64 I am only peeing an average of once a night and surprisingly, erections seem to be getting stronger! My PSA is now .4.

I frequently say, if you have to have cancer, this is the one you want ... and proton radiation is a great way to go for healing!

rembrandt9962@sbcglobal.net
 

"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.