On 4/26/2008
crossbow wrote:
Denise: I spent this week being tested at the University of Florida Proton Therapy Treatment Institute in Jacksonville. A fantastic facility. One fellow I talked to was there from Oregon to have his Prostate Cancer treatment. He told me that yesterday was his last day and since he had been away from home for two months, he was excited about going back to Oregon. Another young guy was being treated for a brain tumor. Read the current issue of the "US News & World Report". They have a very good story about Proton therapy. Since there are only 5 of these facilities in the country, there can be a long wait, unless there is something that can't wait. The story tells it all. On the news stands now!
John C
John,
What did the docs say about using proton therapy for head and neck? The doc I saw in Gainesville is married to the doc heading the department of the proton unit. They both work together a couple of days per week. I understood my doc to say they are only using it for sinus cancer(because of radiation damage due to close proximity to optical nerves) and prostate cancer.
As far as the tomo therapy...I have read articles with concerns that the field may be too tight, leaving tumor margins untreated. My doc confirmed this thought without me leading him. He used an analogy that radiation treatment is like cooking...it's the cook that makes recipe, not the range(cook top). I'll take it one more step --an experienced doc with great artistry! He plans to use what they have available-IMRT. Perhaps this is part of the reason not all states even have a Tomo unit. Ga. does not despite well know teaching institutions, but we are traveling to live in Fla. for 6 weeks to get who we believe will be a great "chef"--with 500 plus patients experience.
I appreciate all the input--knowlege is empowering---
DeniseB