Proton Therapy Treatment Update

Treatment room similar to those at HUPTI.

I have now completed 37 of the 45 treatment sessions at the Hampton Proton Therapy Institute and can report that so far, things are going well and the side effects of the treatment remain manageable and outwardly, one would never know I am undergoing treatment.  Moreover, with early morning treatments, there has been little interference with my law practice. 

Since my previous post I have been struck by a couple of things: (1) how many individuals I know who have had prostate cancer and done very well and remained cancer free after treatment, and (2) the number of men NOT getting annual PSA tests and, as a result, leaving themselves vulnerable to going diagnosed until their cancer could be well advanced.  By the time one has obvious signs, less invasive treatments without long lasting negative effects may not be possible. My advise, if your physician is not ordering annual PSA tests is to demand them and, if need be change doctors. 

The other disturbing phenomenon is the failure of Riverside Health Systems and Sentara Healthcare and their captive medical practices to recommend proton therapy to patients. Why?  Because the Hampton Proton Therapy Institute - which cost $225 million to construct - is an independent facility and not part of their systems.  In hospital systems today, it is ALL about keeping the money in the hospital system's facilities and having captive medical practices (such as the urology group I went to) refer patients to in-system treatment providers. It is ALL about the money.  What may be best for the patient is of far lesser concern. Sadly, this is not a new development and has been going on for well over two decades in the Hampton Roads region as Riverside and Sentara have built their respective empires (I once did legal work for a system ultimately acquired by Sentara, so I saw the phenomenon first hand).

The take away?  If you are given a cancer diagnosis (or any other serious diagnosis), YOU have to do your homework and research what treatment options may be the best for your situation. Proton therapy may be an option.  Here in Hampton Roads, traveling to VCU's amazing medical complex in Richmond (where I had hand surgery in 2016), UVA's medical center in Charlottesville, or elsewhere may be the best route to pursue.  It's your body and your life, so be engaged and educate yourself.