I experienced prostatitus symptoms most of my early 40's and on and off again elevated PSA 1.5-2.0 range. Diagnosed Jan 2013 age 58 w/ early stage after 12 core samples w only 1 core w less than 5% positive with cancer on left side of the prostate. Only considered robotic surgery at John Hopkins Baltimore and proton therapy at Hampton university proton therapy institute at Hampton Virginia. Decision to go with proton really made because concern of side effects ED and incontinence after having having several friends that chose the surgery. Even with my proton choice there were concerns because in 2008 I had hip replacement titanium and cobalt metals hip. The standard proton protocols are treatment on alternating hips but with having 1 metal hip on my left side that would require a modified oblique both from front and rear which could increase chances of side effects.

Regardless in May proton was my choice with 42 treatments and a modified approach by the excellent doctors and therapists completed in July 2013. I only experienced minor side effects during the 9 weeks of mostly minor urgency to urinate and burning sensation after ejaculation. Flomax was prescribed which resolved the urgency by the end of my treatments. I'm now 6 months post treatment with my first post PSA in October 3.2 down from 5.2 when my proton treatment actually began. Proton docs advise nadir will take 12-18 months and Next PSA will be in February 2014.

Update 5/1/14 most recent PSA post proton February was 1.9 still heading downward. However did experience side effect of rectal spasm which is result of radiation treatment. Had colonoscopy in April and confirmed minor tissue change in colon area of prostate which is causing the spasm. No bleeding treatment is low dosage muscle relaxer to calm spasms and suppositories as needed to treat irritation. Good news erectile and urinary functions are good. Now 10 months post treatment and PSA still dropping. Next update July w PSA results.

I'm now 1 year post treatment and experiencing mild to moderate discomfort. My proton doctor had me try steroid treatment to reduce inflammation I've been experiencing. Also tried muscle relaxer pill for the rectal spasms which helped some. Not sure if all these are more of mental response due to small increase in PSA from 1.9 jumped to 2.2. My urologist is absolutely useless as he obviously didn't approve of my proton choice over surgery. While he hasn't actually said it it's more of how he responds to me with these side effects I've experienced. Proton doc wants to do another PSA in October before running any CT or PET scans. The results are diminished by the reflection of my metal on metal hip replacement that also has been recalled but I have to wait for metal toxicity to begin or pain before they will replace it. More to come in October 2014.

Sorry for not updating my story for those following but I must say as your life returns to normal, sadly it's easy to forget that many are still struggling with PC and I am very sorry for that. However I am still very encouraged with my choice of proton May 2013 and completion of treatment in July of 2013. My PSA continues to fall as my my October 2014 was 1.2 and my last in February 2015 had dropped again to 1.0. I am scheduled for another PSA in August of 2015 which will be 2 Years post treatment. I continue to feel both encouraged and blessed that Proton treatment was available when diagnosed in 2013. No regrets and please reach out to me if I can be of assistance.

It is just hard to believe it has been 3 years this month July since my Proton Treatment for PC.

This past February 2016 I had my 6 month PSA Check and my PSA is now 0.7. So blessed and glad to be on that side of the decimal point!!!!

Wow! such great news as having been up to 5.3 prior to my Proton Treatment not to mention my entire adult years 45-50's always floating in 2.0-3.0's annually PSA. I am currently scheduled for my next PSA on August 5th. and will update the information again following my doctor appointment in late August.

August 5 2016 I had my 3 Yr Post PC (Proton Treatment 7.2013) PSA Blood Test.

And the results were .5 which is absolutely awesome!

Wishing Low PSA's to all

Dave

August 2017 Update PSA .6 4 Years Post Cancer

I do apologize for not updating my story as my life has essentially returned to that normal state where you you just don't think about your prostate cancer but at the anniversary of your diagnosis or your PSA blood work scheduled. I'm still on 6 month PSA blood work and will remain until 5 years post treatment . I just celebrated 4 Years post cancer and thrilled with my PSA's numbers staying low. I was 5.3 pre-treatment and have now been at the .5 to .6 for the past year. My August 2017 Proton Oncologist visit was uneventful with DRE exam smooth Prostate and reduction in size. Great News!

Wishing better health and Low PSA's to all.

Dave Ellis

Just completed 4.5 years celebrating post Proton Treatment with my PSA still @ .50, down from 5.3 in 2013.

Wishing the best and Low PSA's to all.

6 Yrs Post Proton Treatment Update 2.2019

Just had my annual blood work and PSA is now .4 Continues downward as it had been .5 for the past 2 years. All systems normal as they can be for this old body aproaching 65 YOA in October.

Feeling very blessed at my 6 YR Post Proton Treatment for Prostate Cancer 2013.

No Regrets Low PSA's to all !

February 2020 7 Years Post PC

Just had my annual blood work in February and PSA is still at .4 All systems continue to remain normal as they can be for this old body at 65 YOA in October.

Still Feeling very blessed at my 7 YR Post Proton Treatment for Prostate Cancer 2013.

No Regrets

Low PSA's to all !

Been a year 2/20 since my last update but just had my current PSA blood work 8 yrs post proton beam in 2013. I was 58 when treated and just turned 66. Still very pleased with my Proton choice as had great deal of concerns with recommended surgery side effects. Wishing best thoughts prayers for all those still dealing with PC and trying to decide on course of treatment. Lots of options and do your research before deciding. 1/2013 PSA was 5.8. Has been steady .4 for past many years.
Dave Va.

9 Years post Proton Beam most recent 2022 PSA results .30

Still extremely pleased with with my Proton Choice in 2013.

All systems functional however mild ED but then again I'm not 20 anymore.

Life is Good with GOD's blessings

Hard to believe Im 10 Years post Proton Beam most recent 2023 PSA results .30

Still extremely pleased with with my Proton Choice in 2013.

68 YOA w/ All systems functional however mild ED but then again I'm not 20 anymore. Really don't even remember what that was actually like anyway

Life is Good with GOD's blessings

Dave Ellis 69 yrs old 11 yrs post 43 Proton Treatment 2013 @ HUPTI Hampton Va. My current PSA 0.3 and just done 2.5.24.

It's amazing that this much time has passed since being diagnosed and treated in 2013. Having had 2 hip replacements 2008 and 2016 my hip joints do ache not sure if proton treatments are a part or just being older w/ arthritis. All my plumbing is doing good and no urinary issues sleep through night.

ED symptoms haven't really noticed significant as I not 21 anymore. Have noticed minor rectal ache discomfort but no bleeding issues as some rectal scarring was found after initial treatment. I'm still very blessed and no regrets on my treatment choice.

Wishing best Low or No PSA's to All

Dave's e-mail address is: dvjte AT cox.net (replace "AT" with "@")