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tomotheray and brachytherapy

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Posted 9/8/2008 1:08 PM (GMT -5)
Hi

First time posting.....our doctor has recommended 25 treatments of tomotherapy, then wait 2 to 4 weeks and do brachytherapy for my husband.   We were wondering if anyone else has experienced this combination of treatments.  If so, what do we have in store and what side effects are we should he expect?

We were accepted at MD Anderson for the proton therapy.  We were assigned a doctor and then at the last minute, our insurance denied us that particular treatement.  We were very sad and now we are starting all over with other possible treatments and we are frightened and are looking for any information to help us with our decision.

Thanks for your help.  suzy

Posted 9/8/2008 4:43 PM (GMT -5)
Teacher,
Everyone on this forum has been down the same road you are on today. I am sorry that your original plans did not turn out. I would encourage you that normally when something like this occurs it has a good reason, and perhaps it is time to take another look at what you are doing. The idea that you are frightened is normal, but also indicates you are not sure or comfortable about what you are doing. You are doing the right thing by educating yourself and being comfortable before you make a decision. It is good to talk to more than one doctor etc.. and read all you can.

You did not indicate what your loved ones status is, but depending on PSA, gleason, biopsy, etc.. are all things that should be taken into consideration. There are very many smart and experienced people on this forum to help you. I would also recommend you read what others have written who have crossed the same bridge you are crossing. It was some 5 months ago that I was looking at the same thing you are looking at right now. I would encourage you to read my quest on page 9 or 10 "Between radiation and surgery." Whatever you decide, you will get through this as many others have and thankfully there are great options all with advanced means of curing, or making life better.

Blessings to you and comfort on your quest! RB

Age 61
Original data - pre-operation
PSA: 5.1
T1C clinical diagnosis, Needle biopsy - 10 cores, Gleason 7 = 3+4 in 1 core (40%), 7 cores Gleason 6 = 3+3 ranging from 5% to 12%
All scans negative
Lupron administered 4/9/2008 for 4 months (with idea I would undergo external beam radiation followed by seed implants - then I changed my mind).
Robotic DiVinci surgery - Dr. Fagin (Austin) May 19th
Post operative - pathology
pT2c NX MX
Gleason 3+4
Margins - negative
Extraprostatic extension - negative
seminal vesicle invasion - uninvolved
1st Post PSA .04
Posted 9/8/2008 4:46 PM (GMT -5)
Suzy:

Don't know of many major insurance companies that do not cover proton.  If you would like a packet on how to approach your company regarding proton, go to www.protonbob.com and click on Contact Us.  Then send email to R Marckini.  Best wishes for whatever treatment you decide to choose.

Dutch

Posted 9/8/2008 7:12 PM (GMT -5)

Suzy -

If you want proton therapy then fight the insurance company.  Do not give up.  There are a lot of people who can help you fight them.

- John

Posted 9/8/2008 11:10 PM (GMT -5)

Suzy,

My husband just finished eight weeks of tomotherapy and  he did quite well with no major side effects and our insurance Regency Blue Cross has covered the treatment 100%.  The total cost of the tomotherapy was $195,000.00.  The Oncology Clinic took care of getting the treatment covered by our insurance. My husband will have his first post tomotherapy psa in two weeks and then again in 60 days we will then see if other treatments are in his future.   I hope this helps and you get the help you need.  The people here are amazing.

Sherry

Posted 9/9/2008 11:04 AM (GMT -5)

Suzy:

If you have any questions regarding Brachytherapy, I'm always lurking around.  My husband had Brachytherapy and is doing very well.  If you want the inside scoop, give a shout out and I'll answer any questions you have.

JustJulie

Posted 9/9/2008 6:58 PM (GMT -5)
Suzy,,,,Just check out all that is available to you.. re:...gleason, psa, and biopsy. We have been through it all. If I could go back...I would say surgery first, radiation and seeds 2 , and lupron et al third...., however, we did radiation and seeds,, and then when cancer returned , salvage surgery, with many se's,. Today, we just came out of another surgery...one to help, hopefully, incontinence,........Just check out everything, and then, don't go back and relive your choice....It is a journey...Stay strong and forge ahead....Diane
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