I was just thinking the other day how different it was for me and Carol this time of the year three years ago.  In November I had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and had spent the next 30 days or so intensely seeking out all of the information I could on this disease and how it can be treated.  Like all of us, I was shocked when I first learned, then relieved to know that this disease was slow growing, and then completely perplexed as to which of the many types of treatment I should take.  Also like I am sure most of us, I had had to go beyond my urologist to find anything more than surgery and IMRT radiation.  Knowing that my PSA had been rising I had been much more alert through the summer and fall anytime I heard about prostate cancer.  MD Anderson had been running information pieces on NPR about their new proton center and that stuck with me as the urologist right here in Houston told me those two options(he was a surgeon that also was an investor in a radiation clinic).  At first he said he didn't know much about proton therapy, then said he had heard but didn't think it worked, then on the third inquiry said, yes maybe I should check into it.  Well, everything that I learned about it (yes even from sources other than Tai Ly) made it sound to be a wonderful option, but I kept asking myself, is it too good to be true, and am I just being a wimp about surgery.  I am very fortunate to have as my longtime best friend a leading urologist in Fort Worth that we traditionally get with the weekend before Christmas when I visit my family in that area.  This time there my visit would be of a much more serious nature, as I came to him as a doctor and best friend to look over everything I had found, and to help me make the best decision.   As I put it, this sounds great Gary but don't let me do anything stupid.  Gary is with the largest urology group in the area, and his specialty within the group made him very aware of the consequences of treatment-he did the rehab for incontinence and impotence.  He was aware of proton therapy, was not aware of the studies by Dr Slater at Loma Linda, and thought the only treatment center was in Loma Linda. Carol and I  met in his home with the surgeon in his group that had been doing the da vinci robotic surgeries, and was very proficient in that technique.  A glass or two of wine helps with these type of discussions for all involved, and we all(Gary's wife as well-also a doctor) went over the pluses and minuses of each treatment option, after I presented them with the Slater/Loma Linda studies.  They were more and more impressed with proton therapy, but the surgeon's only comment was being an accountant would I obsess with the PSA readings after the treatment, particularly if they went up.  So I was still not decided.  I let Christmas pass, and then called Gary again, told him I was strongly leaning to the proton therapy, but asked him what he would do if he were me.  He said each person will look at that differently, but given that all three of these treatment options had about the same success rate he would go with the one that had the least side affect chances, particularly someone our age-59 at the time.  He then said something that I have kept in mind since, whatever option I decided on would be the best one for me, and to never look back because you do not know what would happen if with the other treatments should I have chosen them.  So that sealed it for me, I made the decision to do proton therapy and started in mid January 2007.   Little did I know that the main side affect of that decision would be meeting some of the most wonderful people both working at the center as well as the camaraderie of fellow patients and their families that were going through the treatment together.  But when asked about this from other men trying to make this decision, I try to remember Gary's words and not sell proton treatment as the answer, but make sure they have all of the information out there, let them make their own decision, know it is the right one, and never look back.

Peter Taaffe
December 13, 2009

To stimulate your natural defenses and boost your health, you don't necessarily have to start jogging. Even your normal, everyday physical activity can make a big difference.

Great for your Health

Hey, don't let Marcia see this because if she does I'll have less time to work on the newsletter.