Author: Leslie Toldo
During a routine visit, Marvin Tate’s doctor suggested a PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test for the 56-year-old.
“I didn’t know anything about PSA levels before that,” Marvin said.
Marvin was about to learn more about PSA levels than he wanted to. His PSA came back extremely elevated.
“My doctor referred me to a urologist, who suggested a biopsy,” Marvin said. “It came back positive.”
Not only was his biopsy positive, but further screening revealed the cancer had spread to Marvin’s lymph nodes. He had stage four prostate cancer.
“I didn’t have any symptoms. I wasn’t in pain or experiencing any urination issues,” Marvin said. “It was a good thing my primary care suggested that screening.”
The urologist referred Marvin to radiation oncologist Dr. Brooke Spencer at the McLaren Proton Therapy Center.
“I was not a candidate for surgery,” Marvin said. “Dr. Spencer convinced me that proton would work really well in my case.”
Proton therapy is targeted radiation. The difference between it and traditional photon or x-ray radiation is that protons move directly to the tumor and stop. X-rays travel beyond the tumor and leave behind an exit dose of radiation that can damage healthy tissue and organs behind the tumor.
"Proton therapy has the potential to spare damage to normal surrounding organs such as the bowel, rectum and bladder for prostate cancer patients as compared to photon radiation, with the potential of reducing side effects," said Dr. Spencer.
Patients typically have proton treatments five days a week for several weeks, depending on their specific case. While he suffered some fatigue, Marvin was able to continue working while getting proton therapy.
“I had some bad days, but I worked through it all. Treatments were scheduled for after work,” Marvin said.
The staff at the McLaren Proton Therapy Center helped Marvin stay on track and motivated.
“They are passionate about what they do,” Marvin said. “They were polite and concerned. They were my family away from family.”
But Marvin’s true inspiration through this journey has been his loving wife.
“When I first found out I had cancer, I immediately called my wife. I was very emotional and even shed some tears, but when I saw how the news affected her, I knew I had to hug her and tell her everything was going to be okay. From that point on, I was positive,” Marvin said.
Marvin’s friends and family have been a never-ending source of support, but it was that resolve to remain positive that fueled him for the journey.
“I prayed up. I had several prayer teams going,” Marvin said. “I went about my life just as I was going about it before. I wasn’t going to be one of those people who hang their head. Some people just give up on themselves, and I was not going to be that person. I still have a full life to live.”
To learn more about proton therapy, visit mclaren.org/protontherapy or call 855 MY PROTON (697-7686).