17 Years Cancer Free!! Thank you Proton Therapy!

A Journey Marked by Grace, Grit, and Gratitude Back in 2007, I started this blog not knowing who would read it—or if anyone would. It was simply a way to process the news of my prostate cancer diagnosis. The following year, in 2008, I began a life-changing treatment: 42 sessions of proton therapy at Loma Linda University Medical Center. That season became the start of a journey filled with challenge, reflection, healing, and unexpected blessings. A lot has happened since those early posts. The photos above capture a more recent chapter—one I never imagined back then. My loving and steadfast partner and I are honored to be recognized with a Rock Star award for our work on Woodpecker Trail Olive Farm, a dream we planted together a decade ago. Alongside us, always, is Mr. Samson—our loyal border collie and constant companion for the past 12 years. I know not everyone with a cancer diagnosis is as fortunate. I’ve seen friends and fellow patients face difficult outcomes. That’s why I continue to share my updates—not for praise, but in the hope that my good news brings encouragement to someone else walking a similar path. Today, I remain cancer free. And deeply thankful. Thank you for reading. —Curtis

Sharing very good news!! 16 years cancer free from proton therapy!

I wanted to share some wonderful news: my latest lab results today (June 6, 2024) show no change after 16 years following my prostate cancer treatment with proton therapy in 2008 at Loma Linda University Medical Center. This means my cancer remains in complete remission. I'm proud to be an advocate for proton therapy, which has allowed me to lead a normal life with minimal side effects. How great is that! I understand that not everyone has this outcome, and my thoughts are with those individuals. Here are three photos: one from May 2008, almost finishing up 42 proton sessions over three months; a recent snorkeling trip; and my best supporter, my loving spouse Tracy Smith Poling, who has been by my side through all these years. Life is good!

14 Years Cancer Free contributed to Proton Beam Therapy Treatment!

 16 Years Cancer Free!

Me Today May 2022

 My latest PSA results last month hold a nadir of .8.   No change since my forty-two (42) sessions over 3
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 "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." The journey continues!

One of my 42 treatment sessions at Loma Linda 2008.

My daily entry to treatment in 2008

Loma Linda a sanctuary of healing

12 Years & Counting Cancer Free

 

Yes correct:  Celebration.  Today I received my latest PSA results.  0.8.  Cancer Free 12 years, 10 months & 5 days 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 Dr. Jabola.   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. 

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.  

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 "The Mental and Emotional Challenges of Surviving Cancer" 

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

10 Years Prostate Cancer Free after Proton Beam Therapy!!!

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.  

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 http://www.proton-therapy.org/howit.htm

  If you are recently diagnose with prostate cancer feel free to drop me a note.   curtispoling@gmail.com

What’s ten years’ worth?

What’s ten years’ worth?  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. Get checked folks! Good health to you all!

PROTON THERAPY VS. IMRT

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.

Don't let anyone rush you into making a decision that will have consequences for the rest of your life.

FOR PROTON TREATMENT

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).

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.

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. 

WHAT ABOUT THE DATA ON THE RELATIVE SIDE EFFECTS OF PROTON THERAPY VS. IMRT?

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).

The EPIC questionnaire was completed by all men every three months from the beginning of treatment until at least one year after treatment. 

http://www.medicaldaily.com/prostate-cancer-treatment-vs-removal-surgery-side-effects-and-prognosis-each-404675

A night at Prostate Club, where men bond over balloons and ‘extra time’

The title of above comes from an article in Seattle Times dated September 9, 2016. 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.  

 As it quotes: 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. “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.

Here is the article.  http://www.seattletimes.com/life/wellness/a-night-at-prostate-club-where-men-bond-over-balloons-and-extra-time/

No Regrets being Treated with Proton Therapy ...8 years later!!!

Eight (8) Years Free of Cancer

Eight Years after Cancer!

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. 

 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. curtispoling@gmail.com

Proton Therapy Treatment for Prostate Cancer Seven Years Later !!

Today

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.   

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. 

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.

Please feel free to send me an email on your journey with cancer!  

Surviving Proton Cancer Patient: Curtis Poling  curtispoling@gmail.com   

Excellent Outcomes With Proton Therapy in Prostate Cancer

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.

The 5-year overall survival rates were 93%, 88%, and 90%, respectively, for the 3 risk categories.

The study was published in the March 1 issue of the International Journal of Radiation * Oncology * Biology * Physics.  http://www.redjournal.org/article/S0360-3016%2813%2903310-5/abstract#.VJRIwtbDHXY.facebook

PTC is leading the way in pencil beam scanning

Iva Tatounova-Curtis Poling-Lucie Kleckova at PTCC 

Continuing my journey with proton therapy I visited this newest Proton Therapy Center   in Prague Czech Republic.  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. 

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

Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer is the Magic Bullet!

Proton Therapy Journey continues!  

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 combintaton of IMRT and  brachytherapy.  I was anxious during that time and recall side effects of increased urgency in urination and symptoms of early Erectile dysfunction.  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 past 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.     

I discovered proton therapy early on and encouraged by positive reports by thousands of proton patients with organizations like Brotherhood of the Balloon 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. Without her support, proton therapy was not possible, and yet she knew the long term benefit. 

 Flash forward today my PSA is now at  .059 !!!...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 Erectile dysfunction.   Never lost any function, no loss of career and no loss of love and affection with my spouse.   

Trip to Beijing with Noah 2012 seeking
Proton funding for US center

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 http://affordableprotontherapy.blogspot.com/ 

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.  

  

Proton Therapy answers all the problems related to radiation therapy!

Proton Therapy is the future:

Recent released report on proton therapy:  60% of all cancer patients undergo some sort of radiation therapy during their course of treatment. Despite advances in technology for radiation therapy, a majority of these patients suffer from side effects of traditional radiation treatment. Currently prevalent radio therapy methods like X-Ray/IMRT etc. also cost pretty high in the long run.

In this context, Proton Therapy, the latest innovation in the field of radio-oncology,answers all the problems related to radiation therapy. 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. Read

Robot hot among surgeons but FDA taking fresh look

Todays news: 

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. Read more:

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! 

Proton therapy treatment preserves quality of life for men with prostate cancer

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. 

Two MD Anderson-led studies conclude that patients' urinary, bowel function safe-guarded

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.

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).

"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.

"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."

Please Read on: http://www.newswise.com/articles/proton-therapy-treatment-preserves-quality-of-life-for-men-with-prostate-cancer

Five Years after Proton Therapy

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 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 here. I was lucky to discover the cancer early and move on it. 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 amazing is that.!  

PSA four years after Proton Beam Therapy

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 here. I was lucky to discover the cancer early and move on it. Today as I am so happy to report a new lower PSA of .68! 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!

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 73,800 treated, you owe it to yourself and your family to at least review the benefits of PBT.

Thanks to all the health care providers, National Association of Proton Therapy and the father of proton utilizing the Bragg peak by Dr. Robert R. Wilson in 1946 for making this therapy a reality.

The debate will go on for the healthcare community for proton beam therapy effectiveness 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.

Go Protons!!!

Proton Therapy: A beam of hope for so many in 2012!

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.

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.

Today 11 (9 US, 2 international...NCC Seoul and Rinicker Center Munich) centers are recognized as destinations for proton beam therapy for treatment. Read more here 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.

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!

Get Serious About PSA testing for Prostate Cancer

Today 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. http://www.stategazette.com/story/1747556.html

I was lucky. I started PSA testing when I was 52 and by chance 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.

The tests came back the next day and indeed I had cancer and you may read the story here.

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 proton beam therapy. 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.

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.

So Happy to be alive and Cheers!