tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67011458299268973222024-03-14T02:19:22.321-04:00Prostate Cancer and Proton TreatmentNovember 1 2007 my life changed with diagnoses of prostate cancer at the age of 53. Life’s clock starts to tick at a different pace. It was time to wake up and really live. The cancer odyssey never stops but it does change priorities and brings new dreams. What was important before seems foolish now. This blog documents my time-line from diagnosis on. It has been the start of an astonishing journey and a new promenade through life!Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-83997937244658391942022-05-13T17:32:00.004-04:002024-03-13T11:05:24.379-04:00 16 Years Cancer Free contributed to Proton Beam Therapy Treatment!<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> 16 Years Cancer Free!</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfvJPiFxOR9-aUjQazDvBn6DBWTSDgTbel6ypt5JgWzK6bqIuM9Fjw38ePSLxnDHX7-flTyXv9b03qF-TE0LE95y_FHXHBtbtpRwfGB9BLRpqzsDpNtK8N6V0q5iJuu0JgteUkqt0MlSXKHGltlO1QQlEEh84UME7eEjA2ua32k2QIHcSB1w-CzP_5g/s4032/IMG_7377.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfvJPiFxOR9-aUjQazDvBn6DBWTSDgTbel6ypt5JgWzK6bqIuM9Fjw38ePSLxnDHX7-flTyXv9b03qF-TE0LE95y_FHXHBtbtpRwfGB9BLRpqzsDpNtK8N6V0q5iJuu0JgteUkqt0MlSXKHGltlO1QQlEEh84UME7eEjA2ua32k2QIHcSB1w-CzP_5g/w309-h232/IMG_7377.HEIC" title="Me today 2022" width="309" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me Today May 2022</td></tr></tbody></table> My latest PSA results last month hold a nadir of .8. No change since my forty-two (42) sessions over 3<br /> month period of external-beam proton radiation therapy in 2008 (almost 14 years ago today). My reflection today is that several decades ago the chance of a cancer survivor enjoying long-term survival was limited. Not all celebrate so many years of cancer free duration and I am sensitive to that. For me, and others its a "transitional cancer survivorship" reflecting the transition from active treatment to careful observation and the emotional, social, and medical adaptations that occur. Selecting proton therapy was a hard choice in 2007-2008 since there was only three centers operational. The support of my spouse Tracy made it happen as I was away for many months. Today there are so many here in the US and internationally. I appreciate the fact that I can grow older (was 53 when diagnosed and now 67). Milestones can trigger a range of emotions, from gratitude and relief to pain and sadness to fear of cancer recurrence, even after years have passed. One of the best ways to recognize milestones and emotions is to take ownership of them. Choose how you want to reflect on the changes in your life. For me as I stated in 2007 <i style="font-weight: bold;">"November 1 2007 my life changed with diagnoses of prostate cancer at the age of 53. Life’s clock starts to tick at a different pace. It was time to wake up and really live. The cancer odyssey never stops but it does change priorities and brings new dreams. What was important before seems foolish now." </i>The journey continues!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmkZs9DTb2KLoP-9G5nMVQM4mfwPsYYn1nAPjmxqNJzgjBCEE6PxDBsJjqO83ZZBs9Y8yBUCmZZD8x8Y44azeV8f_ru6XRiqHx1AXyNTBV57apo6ai3M84hPJfX2pHL3hfK8-s6-YELu3hRlBFCfUUUkjRLFL92fzNxbw_F95L9h-zzdAVu9Pa3Ki1g/s1024/IMG_1469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmkZs9DTb2KLoP-9G5nMVQM4mfwPsYYn1nAPjmxqNJzgjBCEE6PxDBsJjqO83ZZBs9Y8yBUCmZZD8x8Y44azeV8f_ru6XRiqHx1AXyNTBV57apo6ai3M84hPJfX2pHL3hfK8-s6-YELu3hRlBFCfUUUkjRLFL92fzNxbw_F95L9h-zzdAVu9Pa3Ki1g/w311-h233/IMG_1469.JPG" width="311" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my 42 treatment sessions at Loma Linda 2008.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LB7uqB-XPNkwc1m4wnysH4FlUdGcXXLMwpk0y6fgq8HjdsGSTxWgqZ39ziRbUjqt-DDN2Bi25n9djzNJyYmOw4IbNCFx8edeG9RuA5kl9eg-B7Egup_UTZU319KNKp8AsTLx9E34GATzqB5bI5IK7GRtEDVCqqTDpFnkdCPO2tw2zRYdaG14N9hGAg/s1600/FH000005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LB7uqB-XPNkwc1m4wnysH4FlUdGcXXLMwpk0y6fgq8HjdsGSTxWgqZ39ziRbUjqt-DDN2Bi25n9djzNJyYmOw4IbNCFx8edeG9RuA5kl9eg-B7Egup_UTZU319KNKp8AsTLx9E34GATzqB5bI5IK7GRtEDVCqqTDpFnkdCPO2tw2zRYdaG14N9hGAg/s320/FH000005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daily entry to treatment in 2008</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNHaZGDKBTO9bzhmdDhoAYnwJNH8JI36l8mIxFypZkvpaOKF1uDr8-XpfTBY5sTYRuC441F6TfbDs7Kp4QDPpPEUGIQdhQJn35kSW2MmXaB2-fhKRGQOmUm-eWbArNx9fN0BdJKODra2Wlwsl_6sv-Ewo8AKmiwamqZ6orBHDf8eh1hCl1RgaaAPMRw/s1600/IMG_1821%20(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNHaZGDKBTO9bzhmdDhoAYnwJNH8JI36l8mIxFypZkvpaOKF1uDr8-XpfTBY5sTYRuC441F6TfbDs7Kp4QDPpPEUGIQdhQJn35kSW2MmXaB2-fhKRGQOmUm-eWbArNx9fN0BdJKODra2Wlwsl_6sv-Ewo8AKmiwamqZ6orBHDf8eh1hCl1RgaaAPMRw/s320/IMG_1821%20(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loma Linda a sanctuary of healing</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-12049730184467476942021-03-03T12:09:00.007-05:002021-05-15T07:51:02.735-04:0012 Years & Counting Cancer Free<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlx-e1l5GXsEa8FzF_QB9C-xgZuWXgjSEvnNWC63ynIJR8Nah1jwJbWIIV2_17jvIsm0qXG8-HvuwUw1eqVbIJtnoYpWRXM6Ilm4lIQsCoAvTRWQ7kjILR6W6ufN6HJcdmKp3fq6WcDrf/s2048/IMG_5862+%25282%2529.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlx-e1l5GXsEa8FzF_QB9C-xgZuWXgjSEvnNWC63ynIJR8Nah1jwJbWIIV2_17jvIsm0qXG8-HvuwUw1eqVbIJtnoYpWRXM6Ilm4lIQsCoAvTRWQ7kjILR6W6ufN6HJcdmKp3fq6WcDrf/s320/IMG_5862+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Yes correct: Celebration. Today I received my latest PSA results. 0.8. Cancer Free <b><u>12 years, 10 months & 5 days</u></b> since my last proton therapy session at Loma Linda Medical Center in California. Its been a blessing to continue to experience life. Thank all my supporting staff at Loma Linda especially <a href="https://lluh.org/provider/jabola-ben">Dr. Jabola</a>. I have had no side effects and have been able to see the world and take on new projects including my travels and counseling cancer patients at the National Cancer Center in Seoul Korea. <p></p>When it comes to navigating life during and after cancer, it is important to recognize that no two stories are the same. “Every cancer journey is (that person’s) own book to write,” We have to be grateful for the good things we have.” Not all journeys end the same but adding the element of hope of adding more meaningful days, mentoring others even in one life is a positive influence in our world. <div><br /></div><div>If you have been recently diagnosed with or a family or friend impacted from this news their is a emotional side effect of cancer is rarely discussed, leaving those who are affected inadequately prepared to deal with the complex emotions. Cancer survivors often experience ongoing fear of recurrence. Follow-up medical visits, unexplained pain, or even sights and sounds they associate with treatment can trigger bouts of anxiety and fear that are as debilitating as those that occurred during cancer treatment. There is a good resource to read here at Harvard Medical School <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-mental-and-emotional-challenges-of-surviving-cancer-201103282146">"The Mental and Emotional Challenges of Surviving Cancer" </a></div><div><br /></div><div>Facing forward the diagnosis of cancer for me was a gift. My faith and support of wife Tracy and all family's and friends have made for a good ride. I expect to "Keep on Trucking" Grateful. Curtis<br /></div>Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-76275208270282451942018-10-09T12:52:00.002-04:002018-10-09T13:00:45.626-04:0010 Years Prostate Cancer Free after Proton Beam Therapy!!!<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Expressing good news makes this even more delightful. New results of recent PSA tests show that proton therapy continuing its good results. PSA is .7! Basically no change. Hurrah! I ended my sessions of proton therapy over 10 years and 6 months ago. No side effects and great blood panel results recently. </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.088px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On proton therapy: There is a significant difference between standard (x-ray) radiation treatment and proton therapy. If given in sufficient doses, x-ray radiation techniques will control many cancers. But, because of the physician's inability to adequately conform the irradiation pattern to the cancer, healthy tissues may receive a similar dose and can be damaged. Consequently, a less- than-desired dose is frequently used to reduce damage to healthy tissues and avoid unwanted side effects. The power of protons is that higher doses of radiation can be used to control and manage cancer while significantly reducing damage to healthy tissue and vital organs. read more here </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.088px;">http://www.proton-therapy.org/howit.htm</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> If you are recently diagnose with prostate cancer feel free to drop me a note. curtispoling@gmail.com</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWzoI5ncSEKb0jPwikAtM9wqR8zZlmwW-Nd-y_b0HpXrxXLl0agGr6NMO43Ra89bcUdbVjcj15-QRbB-KxEPCw-NBkvlCQmBWtPjVBxdbEk22MLKSYMqrh0YqqXEiUCbvnurAPhFKLgHq/s1600/image1+%25282%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWzoI5ncSEKb0jPwikAtM9wqR8zZlmwW-Nd-y_b0HpXrxXLl0agGr6NMO43Ra89bcUdbVjcj15-QRbB-KxEPCw-NBkvlCQmBWtPjVBxdbEk22MLKSYMqrh0YqqXEiUCbvnurAPhFKLgHq/s320/image1+%25282%2529.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-73284678685582041422017-10-15T22:42:00.003-04:002017-10-23T22:08:39.567-04:00What’s ten years’ worth? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbGhXR-oFJpI8eUu8jCrNsXZGU-4HFdVJuC26JAdD30V10TJDjkBQgD1_f3qA7vM4keAlmYDZ9wN3lmJtnLJ_ZklY22e9-bnma0oaEoMHTjlVKMJ3cKHtTyKLwZnwo2zlD73tuj1Kxp59/s1600/13754184_10153693520880544_5990489140770085101_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbGhXR-oFJpI8eUu8jCrNsXZGU-4HFdVJuC26JAdD30V10TJDjkBQgD1_f3qA7vM4keAlmYDZ9wN3lmJtnLJ_ZklY22e9-bnma0oaEoMHTjlVKMJ3cKHtTyKLwZnwo2zlD73tuj1Kxp59/s200/13754184_10153693520880544_5990489140770085101_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>What’s ten years’ worth?</b> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> 10 years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer! I was lucky having checked my PSA test back then and catching the cancer early. I was able to do something about it. A recent test last month showed my cancer in complete remission (.58 PSA) 10 years later. This after receiving 45 sessions of proton radiation at Loma Linda. Advice! Get checked for PSA (Men), Mammograms, Colonoscopy and see a dermatologist for any anomalies. What’s ten years’ worth? 3650 days of beautiful life with support from friends and new friends, family, children and my lovely wife</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">. Get checked folks! Good health to you all!</span>Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-38359692306887945452016-11-21T11:42:00.001-05:002016-11-21T11:42:13.955-05:00PROTON THERAPY VS. IMRT<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 14px; list-style: none outside none; margin-bottom: 24px; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px;">
The results showed that men who were treated with proton therapy for prostate cancer had the same urinary and rectal quality of life scores as men who didn't even have prostate cancer.</div>
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Don't let anyone rush you into making a decision that will have consequences for the rest of your life.</div>
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FOR PROTON TREATMENT</h3>
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Fatigue is minimal or non-existent. (I treated an avid cyclist a few years back who rode his bicycle over a thousand miles during the nine weeks he was receiving treatment).</div>
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Rectal symptoms are almost unheard of (since such a small volume of the rectum is receiving radiation - basically just the part immediately adjacent to the prostate). Urinary irritative symptoms may occur over the same time course as they do with X-ray treatment, although they are generally less severe than with X-rays.</div>
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Multiple epidemiologic studies have shown that there is only a minimal increase in the risk of radiation induced cancers with protons as opposed to x-rays - likely due to the much smaller volume of tissue receiving any radiation dose. The few side effects men do have, usually resolve within a few weeks after proton irradiation is over. </div>
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WHAT ABOUT THE DATA ON THE RELATIVE SIDE EFFECTS OF PROTON THERAPY VS. IMRT?</h3>
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We pooled our data with various cancer centers in order to study about 1,000 patients who had been treated for prostate cancer with Proton Beam Therapy and compared their Quality of Life scores (in the domains of urinary and bowel function) with those of a control group of men who had no treatment (because they didn't have prostate cancer).</div>
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The EPIC questionnaire was completed by all men every three months from the beginning of treatment until at least one year after treatment. </div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">http://www.medicaldaily.com/prostate-cancer-treatment-vs-removal-surgery-side-effects-and-prognosis-each-404675</span></span></div>
Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-79114129357304116842016-09-27T21:53:00.000-04:002016-09-27T21:56:19.212-04:00A night at Prostate Club, where men bond over balloons and ‘extra time’<a href="http://static.seattletimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/1e2782a2-6b2e-11e6-97f2-dc2ecb62ce1e-1560x1040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Joseph Huang, left, and Robert Bangs chat during a Prostate Club dinner gathering. (Erika Schultz/The Seattle Times)" border="0" height="133" src="http://static.seattletimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/1e2782a2-6b2e-11e6-97f2-dc2ecb62ce1e-1560x1040.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The title of above comes from an article in Seattle Times dated September 9, 2016. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The story captures the anxiety of first days of proton treatment for prostate cancer and its journey as it was also mine. The story parallels those many times before that face these anxious times. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> As it quotes: <span style="color: #231f20;">Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, with more than 180,000 new cases and 26,000 deaths per year, according to the American Cancer Society. Six in 10 cases are diagnosed in men aged 65 and over. </span><span style="color: #231f20;">“When you first talk to them, they’re at wits end and dying to get some answers,” “They don’t know who else to talk to.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #231f20; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here is the article. <a href="http://www.seattletimes.com/life/wellness/a-night-at-prostate-club-where-men-bond-over-balloons-and-extra-time/"> http://www.seattletimes.com/life/wellness/a-night-at-prostate-club-where-men-bond-over-balloons-and-extra-time/</a></span>Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-37366634920218739192016-08-29T20:41:00.003-04:002016-08-29T20:44:05.770-04:00No Regrets being Treated with Proton Therapy ...8 years later!!!<h2>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Eight (8) Years Free of Cancer</u></span></h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eight Years after Cancer!</td></tr>
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Today its remarkable that proton therapy has been so generous in providing eight years free of cancer and no side effects. Proton Therapy enabled to ability to lead a normal life for all these years. </div>
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If you are recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and you chance to find this blog do your due diligence and reach out to other past patients of proton therapy and of other treatments. My story worked for me. <a href="mailto:curtispoling@gmail.com">curtispoling@gmail.com</a></div>
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Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-49319773062065488772015-02-24T16:05:00.001-05:002015-02-24T16:32:06.221-05:00Proton Therapy Treatment for Prostate Cancer Seven Years Later !!<div style="text-align: right;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PSA results today continued to stay low at .77!!(was 5.8 at start of journey) I was
so happy I called Loma Linda Proton Center directly to thank them and Dr. Jabola for a job
well done with my treatment. Seven years ago this week I was experiencing
proton therapy for the first time and truly unsure of the result. My best friend and wife "Tracy" supported in my absence for a few months keeping all our business in order. I was fortunate to have the support of my parents who visited me and outpouring of support from the family and friends. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since
then the promenade (I mentioned at the start of this journey) has been that in my life. Travels to
Korea, China and Prague and countless meetings with other cancer patients and associates across the globe have been a humbling experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was younger at 53 then and now 60. Proton worked
well for me and yes, no side effects and some way enjoying life more. In addition to
travels in proton advocacy I keep up a stride to assist companies find capital
if possible from Asia to here in the US. I also dabble in farming on our
families pine plantations and trying out the waters with an Olive Tree Orchard
soon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please feel free to send me an email on your journey with
cancer! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Surviving Proton Cancer Patient: <b><i>Curtis Poling</i></b> curtispoling@gmail.com </span>Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-25797603548698412552014-12-19T12:03:00.000-05:002014-12-19T12:04:32.302-05:00Excellent Outcomes With Proton Therapy in Prostate Cancer<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.06em; line-height: 1.48em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 5px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px;">
A new study shows "extremely high efficacy" in 5-year outcomes for patients in all risk categories treated with proton-beam therapy. The 5-year rates of freedom from biochemical and/or clinical progression were 99% in low-risk patients, 99% in inte rmediate-risk patients, and 76% in high-risk patients.</div>
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The 5-year overall survival rates were 93%, 88%, and 90%, respectively, for the 3 risk categories.</div>
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The study <a href="http://www.redjournal.org/article/S0360-3016%2813%2903310-5/abstract" style="color: #5757a6;" target="_blank">was published</a> in the March 1 issue of the <em>International Journal of Radiation * Oncology * Biology * Physics</em>. <a href="http://www.redjournal.org/article/S0360-3016%2813%2903310-5/abstract#.VJRIwtbDHXY.facebook">http://www.redjournal.org/article/S0360-3016%2813%2903310-5/abstract#.VJRIwtbDHXY.facebook</a></div>
Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-2610025786146593352014-06-18T15:54:00.001-04:002015-04-16T22:23:05.111-04:00<h2 class="misc_header" id="header_h2" style="clear: both; color: #1fc4f4; font-family: 'Melior W02 Bold' !important; font-size: 32px; font-style: italic; line-height: 38.400001525878906px; margin: 10px 0px 20px;">
PTC is leading the way in pencil beam scanning</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Iva Tatounova-Curtis Poling-Lucie Kleckova at PTCC </td></tr>
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<em style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></em><em style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Continuing my journey with proton therapy I visited this newest </span></span><a href="http://www.proton-cancer-treatment.com/" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Proton Therapy Center </a><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"> in Prague Czech Republic. </span></span></em><em style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">PTCC is one of the leaders using the most sophisticated Pencil Beam Scanning (PBS) delivery technique for treating a variety of cancers. Physics group has had very extensive experiences and technical expertise in commissioning and implementing the excellent quality assurance for PBS in three of their treatment rooms. Most centers experiences have been limited to the Uniform Scanning (US) and Double Scattering (DS) modalities so far. Other centers across the globe are observing the clinical cases and have learned a very valuable information from the very experienced clinical and physics staff of PTCC. This equates to highly accurate delivery and higher dosages of treatment without side effects of traditional forms of radiation. </em><br />
<em style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></em><em style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Continuing journey as a global advocate for proton therapy I was honored to tour this amazing advanced center for cancer proton center. The center's founders Pavel & Vaclav Lastovka have implemented the most advanced proton center in the world. Emphasis on pediatrics and many cancers that proton patients will benefit. Considering costs for proton therapy this center is lowest costs in the world and recently introduced hyperfractinated treatments of early stage proton with only 5 dosages (5 days). Amazing center!! Please write me at curtispoling@gmail.com</em>Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-6646494441792993712014-04-19T19:39:00.000-04:002014-06-18T15:58:40.946-04:00Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer is the Magic Bullet!<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span>Proton Therapy Journey continues! </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's been a while since I posted PSA results or moderated thoughts. Today it has been 6 years and 3 months since my last trip to a proton therapy gantry. It's been over 6 years ago when my PSA had tripled alarmingly over 8 months at a high of 5.8. It was mid fall Nov 1, 2007 when I received the dreadful news that I had cancer. I was then encouraged as a perfect candidate for surgery, or IMRT, brachytherapy or <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_noSuggestion GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="37bf8df0-2282-4f23-a661-67305540a0e0" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="c2fe80e5-2f66-4153-8140-122011097854" grcontextid="combintaton:0">combintaton</span> of IMRT and brachytherapy. I was anxious during that time and recall side effects of increased urgency in urination and symptoms of early <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px;">Erectile dysfunction</span>. It was a confusing time coping with the diagnosis, facing possible surgery at urologist's recommendation, or some form of radiation. I was 52 when they symptoms started and 53 when diagnosed. Urologists and my General Practitioner concurred if untreated at my age or consider watchful waiting I would succumb and die from prostate cancer at an early age. The concept of surgery and its side effects made me sick to my stomach. You see I never faced any serious illness or <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="8186132a-4a91-49a0-938b-667da4f07e58" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="5fb500c1-0623-4764-8c71-c487d19a6e80" grcontextid="past:0">p<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="ca529f99-6bfc-4faf-8e25-a5b95eaaf6e3" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="e89c174e-6ed5-413b-814d-8ac15c1842ed" grcontextid="past:0">ast</span></span><span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="ca529f99-6bfc-4faf-8e25-a5b95eaaf6e3" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="e89c174e-6ed5-413b-814d-8ac15c1842ed" grcontextid="past:0"></span> surgery and couldn't fathom the long recovery of possibly only being a shadow of myself after the surgery. IMRT or some variation was my early thought and yet concerned of its possible outcome. I investigated Cyberknife and was discouraged even by practitioners then in multiple locations that long term benefits were too early to predict for men my age. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I discovered proton therapy early on and encouraged by positive reports by thousands of proton patients with organizations like <a href="http://www.protonbob.com/proton-treatment-homepage.asp">Brotherhood of the Balloon</a> and having fewer side effects and maintaining a normal life. My urologists indicated it was not readily available and experimental. Oncologists locally indicated proton was over the top for my cancer and yet they were a branch of MD Anderson and had access to proton. I forged on and eventually was treated with 45 sessions of PBT over 8 weeks. Being away from home and managing our small business was difficult. Tracy my loving wife kept all our affairs together during my treatment. <b>Without her support, proton therapy was not possible</b>, and yet she knew the long term benefit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Flash forward today my PSA is now at .059 !!</span><span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="d9057e13-6062-40f7-9477-b7f0408d59b4" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="0616d9f4-3be1-4fa9-8ac6-a0c152089804" grcontextid="!:0" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...yes that's true. It dropped even lower over the last year. Clinically, I am considered cured by my insurance provider and local practitioners. I even decided after all these years to do a comphrensive bone scan. Guess what... All clear. And even more importantly I never had a side effect and my frequent urination disappeared and no signs of </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Erectile dysfunction. Never lost any function, no loss of career and no loss of love and affection with my spouse. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trip to Beijing with Noah 2012 seeking<br />
Proton funding for US center</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I have been blessed having travelled extensively globally promoting proton therapy. I have heard exceptionally powerful stories of conviction of seeking out proton therapy with patients traveling halfway across the globe for proton treatment. Their stories are mentioned in this Asia blog <a href="http://affordableprotontherapy.blogspot.com/">http://affordableprotontherapy.blogspot.com/</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So for me proton was the magic bullet. Is it worth the costs? Ask the patient. Good health to all. Curtis Poling, successfully treated with PBT. </span><br />
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Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-35073031675845993112013-07-14T15:53:00.001-04:002013-07-15T16:51:45.461-04:00Proton Therapy answers all the problems related to radiation therapy!<div style="background-color: white; color: #4c4d4f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; padding: 0px 0px 8px;">
Proton Therapy is the future:</div>
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<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="adf04e9e-555b-46e8-9c81-ddd1def8b926" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="1372661f-b99c-43fe-a373-3a2509defb56" grcontextid="Newly release:0">Recent released</span> report on proton therapy: 60% of all cancer patients undergo some sort of radiation therapy during their course of treatment. <b>Despite advances in</b> technology for radiation<b> therapy</b>, a majority of <b>these patients suffer from side effects of traditional radiation treatment</b>. Currently prevalent <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="b753703c-a6cf-4009-93ba-ebeedbd40466" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="5dd33348-1117-4530-ae8b-c85495758a26" grcontextid="radio therapy:0">radio therapy</span> methods like X-Ray/IMRT etc. <span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="76044c23-271f-4b1b-8955-912aed0e7353" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="0ca2ff45-8bc2-436a-89f0-6f21ca5cb4f2" grcontextid="also:0">also</span> cost pretty high in the long run.</div>
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In this context, <b><u>Proton Therapy</u></b>, the latest innovation in the field of radio-oncology<span class="GINGER_SOFATWARE_correct" ginger_sofatware_markguid="3ffce591-d926-4eee-9828-6cc6b26d1016" ginger_sofatware_uiphraseguid="e449e9c8-7804-47bb-8a65-ef03aa0d404e" grcontextid=",:0">,</span><b><u>answers all the problems related to radiation therapy</u></b>. The technology is expected to eventually replace the traditional methods of radiotherapy in the future and thus, holds immense market potential for players in the industry. The report further delves into the anticipated transformation into the competitive landscape due to increase in number of players leading to highly competitive market. <a href="http://www.sys-con.com/node/2712438" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Read</a></div>
Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-83113121947549171632013-04-09T19:40:00.004-04:002013-04-09T19:41:17.244-04:00Robot hot among surgeons but FDA taking fresh look<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Todays news: </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A New York man whose colon was allegedly perforated during prostate surgery. Da Vinci's maker filed that report after seeing a newspaper article about it and said the doctor's office declined to provide additional information. <a href="http://www.chron.com/news/medical/article/Robot-hot-among-surgeons-but-FDA-taking-fresh-look-4419667.php">Read more</a>:</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Five years ago I was with treated Proton Therapy for prostate cancer. No side effects! Do your due diligence and study your options. I put a lot of value on minimal side effects and a good quality life. Please browse my blog and see my story. Have a great day! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-89394160398409509622013-02-10T17:29:00.002-05:002013-02-10T17:33:48.163-05:00Proton therapy treatment preserves quality of life for men with prostate cancer<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">The first, a multi-institutional study, and one of the largest quality of life studies of its kind ever conducted in such a patient population, involved more than 1,000 patients treated with proton therapy for various stages of prostate cancer. The men had all received proton therapy, with or without hormone therapy, at one of five proton therapy centers across the country. All participants were at least one year to more than 10 years post-treatment. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Two MD Anderson-led studies conclude that patients' urinary, bowel function safe-guarded</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Newswise — BOSTON, MA - Two studies led by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have found that proton therapy preserves the quality of life, specifically urinary and bowel function, in men treated with this targeted radiation modality for prostate cancer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Both studies, led by Andrew K. Lee, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor in MD Anderson's Department of Radiation Oncology, will be presented in a poster session at the 54th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"As oncologists, we obviously want good cancer control outcomes, but we also want to ensure that patients maintain a strong sense of continued quality of life after treatment, which can be very personal and subjective for each patient," said Lee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"With this research, we looked at the well being of prostate cancer patients, post-treatment, and it was important that we obtain this information directly from men who actually underwent the therapy, rather than from their treatment providers," Lee continued. "In our own practice, we've observed that patients have done very well as measured by disease control and quality of life metrics. Our findings, both the wider-perspective multicenter study and the research conducted solely at MD Anderson, validate what we observe in our clinic."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please Read on: <a href="http://www.newswise.com/articles/proton-therapy-treatment-preserves-quality-of-life-for-men-with-prostate-cancer">http://www.newswise.com/articles/proton-therapy-treatment-preserves-quality-of-life-for-men-with-prostate-cancer</a></span></div>
Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-70841562857036177412013-02-07T18:41:00.002-05:002013-02-07T18:41:38.197-05:00Five Years after Proton Therapy<span style="background-color: #eeeecc; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.90625px;">Five years ago I was packing and preparing for the start of my proton journey. 45 sessions of proton therapy and 2.5 months duration seems like a blink of time today. My recent PSA came in at .61 Now Five years of no side effects and and kicked the cancer in the rear. My story started when </span><span style="background-color: #eeeecc; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.90625px;">I was 53 years old with a PSA that had tripled in 8 months to a high of 5.8...you can read my start of prostate cancer journey </span><a href="http://prostateprotontherapy.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2009-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&updated-max=2010-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&max-results=1" style="background-color: #eeeecc; color: #223344; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.90625px;">here</a><span style="background-color: #eeeecc; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.90625px;">. I was lucky to discover the cancer early and move on it. </span><span style="background-color: #eeeecc; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.90625px;">The proton beam spared me so much from side effects, and now, what great peace of mind to see this new low number. I feel great never lost any functions, sexuality and never suffered through the treatment and recovery process. </span><span style="background-color: #eeeecc; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.90625px;">How amazing is that.! </span>Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-86246347913210623282012-02-28T13:20:00.009-05:002012-10-09T17:06:46.710-04:00PSA four years after Proton Beam Therapy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3zAcQF7Sr1aiaAuNgfTdFvRlr2rcpSv6zhjoaMkEB30UtIEGJ53JzqBYT5u6_e9I9Cdg6cTLz8EfrpLr_3IiXeG8yFVF0lmUWIyo5-lUf-sqmU3ulyfhcLFoLHihv7xiirhySpUNcKWH/s1600/curtisproton.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714265390378294562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3zAcQF7Sr1aiaAuNgfTdFvRlr2rcpSv6zhjoaMkEB30UtIEGJ53JzqBYT5u6_e9I9Cdg6cTLz8EfrpLr_3IiXeG8yFVF0lmUWIyo5-lUf-sqmU3ulyfhcLFoLHihv7xiirhySpUNcKWH/s200/curtisproton.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 150px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;">Four years ago I started my first week of proton therapy at Loma Linda Medical University. I was 53 years old with a PSA that had tripled in 8 months to a high of 5.8...you can read my start of prostate cancer journey <a href="http://prostateprotontherapy.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2009-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&updated-max=2010-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&max-results=1">here</a>. I was lucky to discover the cancer early and move on it. Today as I am so happy to report a <b>new lower PSA of .68</b>! The proton beam spared me so much from side effects, and now, what great peace of mind to see this new low number. I feel great never lost any functions, sexuality and never suffered through the treatment and recovery process. How wonderful is that!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">If you are starting your cancer journey take time to read this blog. You do not have to expose yourself or compromise quality of life and or lifestyle with proton. With 37 (9 in the US) total proton centers in the US and abroad with 11 planned and over</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>73,800 treated</b>,</span><span style="font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal;"> you owe it to yourself and your family to at least review the benefits of PBT.</span></div>
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Thanks to all the health care providers, National Association of Proton Therapy and the father of proton utilizing the Bragg peak by Dr. <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">Robert R. Wilson</span> in 1946 for making this therapy a reality. </div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">The debate will go on for the healthcare community for proton beam therapy </span>effectiveness<span style="font-size: 100%;"> and costs. And so did the use of radium back in 1913 to treat cancer, and so did xray tubes in 1922, and high energy xray machines by GE in 1937, Cobalt in 1951, and so did LINAC and Gamma knife technology, then on to 70s with 3D, IGRT and IMRT. Protons today are sparing life changing side effects while curing cancer. In my view as a past patient it is todays best chance at treating a localized cancer tumors and another milestone in saving lives in radiation history. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">Go Protons!!! </span></div>
Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-58903040895938566452012-02-09T14:30:00.000-05:002012-02-09T18:52:28.376-05:00Proton Therapy: A beam of hope for so many in 2012!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Until 1990 all proton therapy was delivered in high-energy, physics-research laboratories. Loma Linda University Medical Center and James M. Slater, changed that. Dr. Slater's major field of interest prior to becoming a physician was physics. Therefore, he was already aware of the clinical interest in protons and other heavy charged particles.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">In 1990, after almost 20 years of research, Loma Linda University Medical Center, in cooperation with Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and the Proton Therapy Cooperative Group, opened the world's first hospital-based proton-beam accelerator dedicated to the treatment of patients with cancer. Though not a cure for all forms of cancer, it has become a major advancement in the treatment of "localized cancer," a malignant tumor that is still in its original site and has not yet spread throughout the body.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Today 11 (9 US, 2 international...<a href="http://protonkorea.com/">NCC Seoul</a> and <a href="http://www.rptc.de/en/home.html">Rinicker Center</a> Munich) centers are recognized as destinations for proton beam therapy for treatment. Read more </span></span><a href="http://www.proton-therapy.org/map.htm">here</a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"> at the National Proton Therapy Organization. 7 centers are now in construction or development within the US. Over 90,000 have been treated with proton beam therapy. There are many support white papers and 15 year clinical studies published in support of proton (you will find most here on this blog). Most insurance carries approve this FDA approved treatment. If not insured you will find some US centers with a cash out of pocket program or travel abroad to NCC Seoul or Rinicher Center for affordable treatment costs.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">If you have discovered PBT you are fortunate and have taken charge of your treatment decsion. Please read the many posts here. This may just give you a peace of mind in your cancer journey. Best of health to all!</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br /></span></span></div>Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-18027463101316916352011-07-27T11:15:00.005-04:002011-07-27T11:59:38.591-04:00Get Serious About PSA testing for Prostate CancerToday I read an new article about a local musician in Dyerbgurg TN. He passed away from prostate cancer at the age 52 today. He was diagnosed stage 4 prostate cancer in 2010 and it had already spread to lymph nodes and his bones. It caught him as a surprise in the prime of his life. Here is the story. <a href="http://www.stategazette.com/story/1747556.html">http://www.stategazette.com/story/1747556.html</a><div><div><br /></div><div>I was lucky. I started PSA testing when I was 52 <b>and by chance</b> completing a full blood panel of tests at that time. My first PSA was 1.2 in 2006. Clinically that fits the norm range up to 4.0 not to be concerned. I continued to monitor and had 2 more bumps to 2.9 6 months later. In 2007 my PSA tripled to 5.8. I was concerned changed my attending physician as there was no concern at that time. My new physician confirmed at my age It would be a killer if I discovered cancer and not treated. I made an appointment after that with a urologists in October 1 2007. </div><div>The tests came back the next day and indeed I had cancer and you may read the story <a href="http://prostateprotontherapy.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2009-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&updated-max=2010-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=1">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>A day does not go by that I am so thankful to still be alive and in just great health due to this marvelous treatment called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proton_therapy">proton beam therapy</a>. I was so lucky to have done such a simple test back in 2006. I am sure today undiscovered it would have been my demise and I would not be writing how well I am doing and promoting proton therapy. </div><div><br /></div><div>Do yourself and your family a life saver and get tested with a simple PSA test. Ignoring this test may cost your life and take heed that clinically it can not be determined how aggressive the cancer is. So get treated! Don't gamble with your life and rob you friends and family of your companionship.</div><div><br /></div><div>So Happy to be alive and Cheers!</div></div>Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-26738861884448780252011-07-05T13:14:00.006-04:002011-07-21T21:20:24.582-04:00Sexual Health in Men Declines After Prostate Surgery<span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Hopefully you have found this blog in your due diligence and research for treatment of prostate cancer. Proton therapy with its minimal side effects as it was for me is</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> the</span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"> option to consider as these types of reports come in frequently. Please read this article:</span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">Sexual health is worse than expected in nearly half of all men who undergo surgery for prostate cancer, according to a poll.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family:Arial, Verdana, 'Times New Roman', Tahoma, sans-serif;font-size:medium;"><p style="margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; font-family: verdana;font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Sexual function was shown to have decreased while incontinence problems increased.</span></p><p style="margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; font-family: verdana;font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Prior to the surgery, some men in the study expected to have better sexual and urinary function a year after surgery than prior to it. That belief is not realistic, Daniela Wittmann, sexual health coordinator at the urology department of the University of Michigan, told Reuters.</span></p><p style="margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px; font-family: verdana;font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;">"Men have unrealistic expectations of urinary and sexual function after prostatectomy despite preoperative counseling," Wittmann and her colleagues wrote. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.thirdage.com/news/sexual-health-in-men-declines-after-prostate-surgery_07-04-2011">more</a></span><span style="font-size:100%;">:</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><br /></p></span>Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-75456931150416922182011-06-19T20:56:00.004-04:002011-07-05T13:09:43.900-04:00Permanent nerve damage experienced during prostate cancer surgeryI created this blog as the start of my prostate cancer journey. My treatment of choice was proton beam therapy. It is information like the following that just makes sense to consider the advantages of proton beam therapy in treating your cancer:<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; text-indent: -24px;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-size:13px;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><u>Permanent nerve damage experienced during surgery</u>: When nerve damage occurs anywhere in the body, the tissues to which the damaged nerves supply impulses usually experience atrophy or breakdown. This can often be seen in paraplegic, wheelchair bound people in whom the loss of nerve signal causes a significant decrease in the size and muscle mass of the legs. The same can be said of the penis after nerve damage during prostatectomy. If permanent nerve damage occurs, the lack of impulses to smooth muscle of the penis leads to an atrophy or breakdown of the tissues responsible for erections and causes the penis to shrink both in length and girth.</span><br /><br />Read on: </span></span><a href="http://myprostatedoc.blogspot.com/2011/06/shortening-of-penis-after-prostatectomy.html">http://myprostatedoc.blogspot.com/2011/06/shortening-of-penis-after-prostatectomy.html</a>Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-78572851071266250112011-06-05T17:03:00.002-04:002011-06-11T08:54:01.980-04:00Prostate Cancer Symptoms - Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF)<a href="http://www.pcf.org/site/c.leJRIROrEpH/b.5802031/k.6CE8/Prostate_Cancer_Symptoms.htm">Prostate Cancer Symptoms - Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF)</a><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.pcf.org/site/c.leJRIROrEpH/b.5802031/k.6CE8/Prostate_Cancer_Symptoms.htm"></a>I am posting these symptoms from the Prostate Cancer Foundation for the benefit of first time visits to this site and those starting the journey with diagnosis of prostate cancer.<br /><div><br />Not everyone experiences symptoms of prostate cancer. Many times, signs of prostate cancer are first detected by a doctor during a routine check-up.<br /><br />Some men, however, will experience changes in urinary or sexual function that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer. These symptoms include:<br /><br /> A need to urinate frequently, especially at night<br /> Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine<br /> Weak or interrupted flow of urine<br /> Painful or burning urination<br /> Difficulty in having an erection<br /> Painful ejaculation<br /> Blood in urine or semen<br /> Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs<br /><br />You should consult with your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms above.<br /><br />Because these symptoms can also indicate the presence of other diseases or disorders, such as BPH or prostatitis, men will undergo a thorough work-up to determine the underlying cause.</div></div>Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-37056663529372912042011-05-05T11:02:00.005-04:002011-05-10T15:46:27.411-04:00Proton therapy of cancer: Potential clinical advantages and cost-effectivenessI came across this study by <a href="http://informahealthcare.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1080/02841860500341157">Medical Management</a> center in Stockholm Sweden. It approaches the topic of cost effectiveness proton beam therapy vs other modalities for cancer treatment. I present this as there is an underlying question "is proton worth the costs". For me as a cancer survivor treated successfully with no side effects it is just makes sense to consider proton therapy for treatment as you will see as you review my blog. I put a lot of value of leading a normal life while not suffering side effects. So to me it was worth the costs.<br /><br />Unfortunately it is so difficult to evaluate all the options that are available in treatment of cancer. While medical professionals provide their best advise based on there area of expertise, it is you who will have to make the final decision in selecting the treatment. Time is not on your side as clinical reports come in over the years. I, like you did not or do not have the luxury to debate this issue.<br /><br />The following study goes like this: "Proton therapy may offer potential clinical advantages compared with conventional radiation therapy for many cancer patients. Due to the large investment costs for building a proton therapy facility, however, the treatment cost with proton<br />radiation is higher than with conventional radiation. It is therefore important to evaluate whether the medical benefits of proton therapy are large enough to motivate the higher costs."<br /><br />"The results of this study indicate that proton therapy may be a cost-effective treatment if appropriate risk groups are chosen as targets for proton therapy, and that an investment in a proton therapy facility may be cost-effective compared to using conventional radiation": Click <a href="http://informahealthcare.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1080/02841860500341157">here</a> to see the complete study.<span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class=" down" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);"><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Link" class="gl_link" border="0" /></span></span>Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-1790316086055764542011-04-01T15:32:00.004-04:002011-04-01T15:47:23.193-04:00Prostate surgery leaves another one impotentI read this article today:<br /><h1 style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:78%;">'I'm a ladies' man who can never make love': Andrew Lloyd Webber reveals prostate cancer battle has left him impotent</span></h1><div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><br />Read more: <a style="color: #003399;" href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1371379/Andrew-Lloyd-Webber-reveals-prostate-cancer-battle-left-impotent.html#ixzz1IIm1rDzj">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1371379/Andrew-Lloyd-Webber-reveals-prostate-cancer-battle-left-impotent.html#ixzz1IIm1rDzj</a><br /><br />Become your own advocate do your research and consider proton beam therapy for prostate cancer. I see this happening every day as this story including friends who think the physician has there best interest at heart when it comes to prostate surgery. They say the may spare the nerves but the statistics are clear that only 11% retain any type of sexuality and it is not what I would consider acceptable. It does not have to be this way. Your cancer can be treated without the loss and many side effects that other treatments leave. Please review this blog as it provides many details about proton beam therapy. I am three years out from my proton beam therapy treatment and have not loss a day of work, wore diapers, had a catheter or loss my sexuality. No ED! What a peace of mind to continue life normally and have the cancer successfully treated.<br /></div>Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-9582630625239550882011-03-31T23:55:00.002-04:002011-04-01T00:00:27.993-04:00Comparison Tables proton, photon(xray, IMRT) ProstatectomyThe following link should be reviewed by all newly diagnosed with localized and cancers including prostate cancer. It clearly demonstrates outcomes and side effects in comparison to proton, photon and prostatectomy. <a href="http://protoninfo.com/Articles/UniversityofPennsylvania.pdf">Comparison Tables proton, photon(xray, IMRT) Prostatectomy</a>.Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701145829926897322.post-71257384197201576322011-02-03T11:01:00.003-05:002011-02-03T11:05:17.888-05:00One more reason not to consider surgery for prostate cancerMen aged 70 or older had a 1.45-fold greater hazard risk of biochemical recurrence following prostatectomy. Overall survival was lowest for men of this age group who underwent surgery.<br /><br />"Clinicopathological features of prostate cancer appear to be more aggressive as one ages. We found that men 70 years old or older had worse outcomes with respect to biochemical recurrence-free, prostate cancer specific and overall survival. Implications for screening and treatment recommendations are yet to be defined,"<br /><br />Read more here: <a href="http://www.doctorslounge.com/index.php/news/pb/17460">http://www.doctorslounge.com/index.php/news/pb/17460</a><br /><br />Do your homework and please review this blog about the benefits of proton therapy.Curtis Polinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11687656503410885184noreply@blogger.com1