Treated 2002 · Posted 2003

"As far as we are concerned Loma Linda is the only place to go for prostate cancer treatment. Wilmer’s most recent PSA is 0.76, he has had no side effects and all is well so far."

Wilmer, age 71, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the summer of 2001. He had gone to his internist for a regular check up and because of an elevated PSA, 5.5. He suggested that Wilmer see the Urologist. He had an appointment in August, and after an examination another appointment was made for the biopsy. Out of twelve cores, three had cancer cells.

Fortunately for us Wilmer's cousin Dan Eicher, Waterloo, Iowa had proton radiation treatment in the winter of 2000. So for the consultation appointment we went equipped with all of the LLUMC information. The doctor gave him all the options for treatment. After he finished, we asked him if he ever heard of the proton radiation treatment at LLUMC. We didn't get a definite answer, but he did say that someone had come from Boston and had a seminar of some sort. We offered to give him the booklet that Dan had sent us but he declined.... We then told him that we had decided on the proton treatment at LLUMC and gave him the card with phone # etc. He said, "You have made a very wise choice." So we think he knew more than he was letting on to us. Wilmer had another PSA test in December and it was still 5.5, Gleason 4+3.

That very same evening after our appointment with him, we got a call from LLUMC. Fast work, eh?? Wilmer was accepted into the program. That was a Monday and on Wednesday we got another call from LLUMC with the news that they had gotten his insurance approval.

We had decided that we wanted to go there in January as the winter months would be a good time to be away from Montana. They gave us a January 8th appointment for the consultation and treatment started on January 24 (my birthday). Wilmer was 72 in December. We had a wonderful winter and enjoyed the support group meetings very much, didn't miss one of them. Gerry called Wilmer "the cookie man" as he, with some help went after the refreshments before the support group meetings. We also enjoyed the Drayson Center and made good use of it while we were there. As far as we are concerned Loma Linda is the only place to go for prostate cancer treatment. Wilmer’s most recent PSA is 0.76, he has had no side effects and all is well so far.

Wilmer and Marjorie Eicher