Author: Leslie Toldo
When Terry Gates started making more frequent trips to the restroom this year, his heart sank. He had been through this before. and he knew exactly what to do.
“I had prostate cancer 15 years ago. So, when the symptoms showed up again, I went straight to my doctor,” Terry said. “My PSA was up, and he ordered a biopsy.”
The biopsy confirmed Terry’s worst fear- his journey with prostate cancer was far from over.
“I just wanted to get in, get treated, get out, and get it over with,” Terry said.
Terry’s doctor suggested treatment with proton therapy.
“My doctor had recommended proton therapy the first time I had cancer, but there was no place to have it done in Michigan at the time,” said Terry. “And I didn’t feel like driving out of state.”
This time, however, the nearest proton therapy center was practically in Terry’s back yard. His doctor referred him to Dr. Hesham Gayar, Medical Director at the McLaren Proton Therapy Center in Flint.
“I did go for another opinion at first, but I didn’t like the other treatment plan,” Terry said. “Dr. Gayar had a great bedside manner- no doom and gloom.”
Terry was an especially good candidate for proton therapy because his cancer was a recurrence, and he was treated with traditional radiation therapy the first time around.
“Patients who have had radiation previously are typically not candidates to have it in the same location again, because of the potential of added damage to healthy tissue surrounding the tumor,” said Dr. Gayar. “The more focused nature of proton therapy makes it an option for some patients who have previously had radiation. With proton therapy, patients may run less risk of side effects and safety problems from re-treatment.”
Proton therapy can deliver targeted doses of radiation to tumors with less exposure to healthy tissue. Protons deliver radiation to the tumor and stop, but X-rays used in photon radiation continue to move through the body, beyond the tumor leaving behind an exit dose of radiation exposing healthy tissue and organs. For many patients, like Terry, that means fewer side effects.
“Right now, I feel pretty good. It seems like when I did the radiation the first time, I would get very fatigued, but with proton therapy, I didn’t have that,” Terry said.
When he was first diagnosed with prostate cancer, Terry really struggled.
“It was like the end of the world, but I didn’t let anyone see my emotions,” said Terry. “In the African American community men have a thing about getting treatment for or talking about prostate cancer. I think it’s an ego thing.”
That is why since he battled prostate cancer the first time, Terry has made a point of sharing his story with other men and stressing the importance of screening.
“Even before the first time I was diagnosed, I kept up with screenings. My father had prostate cancer, and his doctor told me I was at a very high risk of developing it myself,” Terry said.
Now, men stop Terry and thank him because his story inspired them to take what ended up being life-saving actions.
“I’m elated to have helped,” Terry said. “Sharing is caring.”
For more information about the McLaren Proton Therapy Center visit mclaren.org/protontherapy or call 855 MY PROTON (697-7686).