Shelly, I understand your doctor's concern about not finding any written data with proven results. Sure, there are numbers out there connected to regular radiation and its success (?), but I am reluctant to accept them as proven fact. They can't know for sure, and the bottom line is that each has a product to sell and a huge investment to protect. In my research, I am finding many more recurrences of cancer than those in complete remission for let's say, 20 yrs. Maybe the info is out there, but I haven't found it. Most that I've found shows that the ugly C Monster does come back.

And, if those in the loop know so much about "what works and what doesn't" then why are we still having to subject ourselves to the harshness of the treatments over and over again when it does come back? Radiation, in itself, can cause cancer. It really doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that radiation aimed at a certain point compared to widespread is easier on our heart and our lungs. I know that Proton is not suggested for widespread cancer and regular radiation is our only choice. Just do a lot of research, get 2nd or 3rd opinions and make the choice that is right for you instead of what anyone else wants you to do. Luv ya ... ;-))

At first the U of MD told me I wouldn't be a candidate for PT just from hearing my description of my cancer. The U. of PA and several other places said I really wasn't a candidate. They were only taking Stage 1 BC. MD Anderson helped me get all my records sent there and they were very positive. I was going to go there for 6 weeks. Then out of the blue the U of MD returned my call again and set up an apt for me to speak with a radiologist that did both regular radiation and PT. It was only 7 miles from my house. I met people that were driving to Baltimore everyday for PT and it was 2 hour drive! One man had throat cancer and had to come 2Xs a day and he lived 1 1/2 hours away. Others got an apartment here. Some were from out of the country.

Hi Shelly, please search the internet for info on Proton. It is miraculous (as far as we know) compared to regular Radiation. This summer, I had 10 Proton treatments for a lung tumor and the 3 month check-up showed that it has shrunk down to almost nothing. Based on my experience with Proton, it was easy street. I had absolutely no side effects at all. Wait, I did have a little red spot on my chest about the size of a quarter that was gone in 2 days. I was thrilled this week to learn that I can again have Proton for ILC on the left.

The U. of MD charges the same for radiation and proton Therapy, if they think you are a good candidate. I met people who they provided drivers to pick them up (hours away) and take them home. I know they have a living quarter and possible that is of no cost to those who need it. I never asked about the cost of the living space.

Thank you all for the info! I REALLY dont want the radiation, it was a big reason I was considering a double mastectomy becauae then I would likely not have to do radiation afterwards. I also don't want a big surgery like that though, a lumpectomy sounds a lot easier. I have breast cancer on my left side and i told the radiation oncologist I was worried about damaging my heart. He said they have ways to help like having me hold my breath. I told him "great, then it will just damage my lungs!" My surgeon just is worried about the proton therapy working as good since he finds no written data with proven results. I really hate the thought of going through all of this to get rid of cancer just to have it cause another cancer or some other problem. I'm not sure if it's been around long enough to find someone who had it at least 5 years ago and who doesn't have any negative results