Proton radiation treatment cutting edge treatment?

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Shenandoah
Shenandoah Member Posts: 39
edited January 2018 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Sept.6 2017 my lumpectomy was performed at stage 2. No lymph nodes involved.

Considering the newest advancement radiation Proton radiation where it is a pencil beam directly at the surgery area with no radiation to other parts of body.

The American cancer Association offers free lodging during treatment.

Has anyone had this treatment instead of the full throttle of regular radiation?

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  • Brightness456
    Brightness456 Member Posts: 340
    edited September 2017

    I'm not familiar with this, but will follow along to see what others say. Thanks for bringing this to the forum

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  • Castigame
    Castigame Member Posts: 752
    edited September 2017

    If I remember correctly, shelabela is getting proton therapy Aug 2017 rad section

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  • meg2016
    meg2016 Member Posts: 287
    edited September 2017

    I tried to get Proton but where I went they were really only doing it for left-side radiation patients in order to protect the heart. I would have done it if it had been offered to me. But couldn't find anyone on the boards doing it at the time. It is used for lots of other types of cancer, especially brain, because it better protects tissue. Since then I have seen one or two who have done it.

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited September 2017

    I went for a consult at a nearby center that offers it when I was considering lumpectomy. My insurance wouldn't cover it, deeming it "experimental or investigational" even though they do cover it for pediatric patients and those with head or neck cancers. I think it's the wave of the future and should be more available.


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  • Shenandoah
    Shenandoah Member Posts: 39
    edited September 2017

    I went for a consultation..I was told that since I had the lumpectomy and no cancer in nodes..our hospital with radiation would suffice..I was impressed with his honesty..so went for my visit to my hospital and found out that you can be.positioned in a.way that your breast drops through an opening and the radiation is directed and does not touch the heart or lungs..thankful.

    Its been a long journey.. Learned a lot..and am blessed immensely.

    It has opened my eyes to the many who have cancer..I never knew...I have learned that cancer invades all ages from young to old..I have great compassion for people who are suffering...

    I now realize it affects the whole body..not just the organ...and it can be very lonely and depressing to have cancer

    I am blessed as my faith is strong and I lean on The Great Physician ..GOD. and we have walked the high and lows together ...I would not of had the strength if I was not a Christian...

    Blessings

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  • shelabela
    shelabela Member Posts: 584
    edited September 2017

    I am getting Proton radiation. I had my first session yesterday. I will keep you all updated.

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  • SB13
    SB13 Member Posts: 1
    edited September 2017

    I just completed by 6th round of proton radiation. i will keep you posted.

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  • Shenandoah
    Shenandoah Member Posts: 39
    edited September 2017

    I hope all is well...blessings

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  • Shenandoah
    Shenandoah Member Posts: 39
    edited September 2017

    After going to check out the proton center out..was very impressed in Baltimore Md however they suggested I just get reg.radiation as my lump was on the underside of my right breast and I can be laid on my stomach with the breast dropping through an opening protecting the lung and heart..

    No cancer in nodes

    3 weeks of radiation

    I am truly blessed



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  • CEL82
    CEL82 Member Posts: 12
    edited December 2017

    hi!!

    I am so glad I found this thread! Any tips on getting insurance to approve PT??

    My RO is having a hard time getting it approved through insurance. Cigna. I am getting a case manager tomorrow and my case is in appeals right now. My RO already did a peer to peer and submitted the info they wanted for the appeal (IMRT vs proton mapping) any advise on getting proton approved??

    I had multifocal DCIS in my right breast and a palpable lump just out of normal breast tissue sitting on my sternum (also DCIS), had DMX then had a recurrence 10 months later. At the time of the DMX I had a <1mm posterior margin clearance on my sternum, which I believe was the cause. The recurrence was identical to initial DCIS and adjacent to the initial lump so RO wants to treat sternum and R breast.

    Any advise for insurance approval or trial would be greatly appreciated! I hate that my treatment plan is in the hands of my insurance and not my doctor! :(

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  • JenRuns
    JenRuns Member Posts: 350
    edited December 2017

    any updates from those who finished proton therapy? I’m scheduled to start and am curious if the SEs are essentially the same, other than radiation damage to healthy organs and tissues.

    CEL82, I’m not sure I have any advice.. I was told it was only really clinically advantageous for left-sided breast cancer, because of the damage done to the heart and lungs during photon-based radiation therapy. I work at a health system that offers protons, and they would only cover it because of the left side issue. I don’t think the RO would have even recommended it if I hadn’t been left sided.

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  • milenamj
    milenamj Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2018

    JenRuns, I have advanced stage IIIC, with poor response to chemotherapy, on the left side, two RO recommended proton beam, and BCBS is still denying my case! So frustrating...

    If anyone has any suggestion please let me know! TIA

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  • JenRuns
    JenRuns Member Posts: 350
    edited January 2018

    So sorry to hear that, milenamj! In my area (Michigan), BCBS is covering it. Can't imagine why you're having such a hard time!!

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