10 Years After Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Mr. Nelson has done an excellent job conveying many important messages in this book. He has done it in such a way that you believe he is sitting across the table talking only to you. He talks to those men that are seeking the best treatment and to those that have just finished treatment. While he is a proponent Proton radiation therapy, he strongly recommends that each man do their own research and make their own decision regardless of the modalities they choose. He speaks from experience and talks like a friend. Most of all, he reassures the “newbie” to not panic. He provides insight to various steps they may want to consider before deciding on a specific treatment. This section of the book should give the “newbie” a reality check in that they have prostate cancer and not a death sentence! For the man who just finished treatment, he discusses life changing perspectives after surviving cancer and shares comments on various subjects such as side effects, cancer re-occurrence, PSA numbers, and quality of life after the treatment. Mr. Nelson shares many of his life experiences and thoughts on various subjects in the remainder of the book. I enjoyed reading this book, found it informative and recommend it. I would suggest you also pick up a copy of his first book if you want a detailed explanation of the proton radiation process.

Ron's second book on prostate cancer is a bit more serious than the first and is like sitting down for a chat with the author. Both books offer great insight into the process of selecting a treatment option and what newly diagnosed men should consider. He also warns newbies on not going into a panic mode. He is an advocate for proton therapy and has had a very positive experience with it. Ron pays tribute to his superb doctors and to others who advised him. He also shares very sage and useful advice based on his personal experience. His words honoring his late beloved dog Baxter are moving especially for dog lovers.

While I was getting thirty-seven radiations treatment using proton beam therapy (PBT) at UPenn's Roberts Proton Therapy Center, I purchased Ron's first book about his experiences having PBT at UF's Jacksonville, FL facilities. I've bought his follow-up account and it is also helpful to round out my own treatment experience. I believe that a man considering primary treatment for prostate cancer (PCa) or recurrent treatment - known as Biochemical Recurrence (BCR) if his advanced PCa returns will find both of Ron's books about PBT helpful to any treatment making decisions. As any guy reading these reviews will learn quickly, there is a real feeling of being on one's own in the world of PCa treatments. Ron's complete discussion about what PBT entails and the bias among docs when they present the various treatment options to their patients should be very helpful. When Ron began his exploration of treatment options, there were approximately twenty PBT facilities in the US. Now there are more than forty. I am a bias recipient of PBT treatment for my own BCR, so I urge anyone reading this review to investigate all of the options for radiation treatment whether it be for initial treatment or for BCR. Medicare and most honest health care insurers include the payment for PBT as one of the treatment options that they insure. If your insurer pushes back against your treatment choice, do not simply accept their decision. Contact an attorney and appeal especially if you're using a Medicare Advantage plan. Contrary to what you may be told by a bias radiologist, PBT has fewer side-effects (SEs) following treatment than other forms of radiation. PBT is not "experimental" and if a radiologist attempts to discourage you from investigating PBT, just ask them if their institution offers PBT. If their facility does not offer PBT along with other radiation options, then you know the advice is questionable and probably about the money and not really about the value of one form of treatment versus another.

The first book was great!! Gave me great insight of what to expect. The second book answered a lot of questions about the problems I have, and a lot I have been lucky not to have had. You could have cut the book in half with just the facts, and it would have been enjoyable. If you are contemplating on weather to have Proton then its a must read to know what to expect after. Just remember every one reacts differently to the treatment. Thank you for writing the book. Hope you continue to have good health. I just had my 5 year check up my PSA has continued to fall I am at 0.2

Ron Nelson's first book "Protons Versus Prostate Cancer: Exposed" was one of the influencers that made me decide to go the proton therapy route for my own prostate cancer treatment. Naturally, I wanted to see what the outcome for Ron would be after his treatment. Is this guy still alive, for example? So, while here in Jacksonville undergoing treatment at the University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute - as if right on cue, his follow-up book came out "10 Years After Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer" Phew! He''s still around ten years later! That's a good start! But how's he doing? How is his quality of life? Does he have side effects? Can he still play guitar; can he play guitar better than before!? :) Ron's book answers many (perhaps all of them for you?) of the questions men - and just importantly (maybe even more importantly!) their wives, girlfriends, partners etc have about the effectiveness of proton therapy for prostate cancer. I was already confident I had made the right choice for proton therapy. Reading "10 Years After..." reaffirmed that my decision was the one that could give me the best hope for putting prostate cancer in the rear view mirror when I leave Jacksonville to drive home later this week.

Ron writes about a serious subject (prostrate cancer) in a philosophical humorous way. But, he does a great job being a proton ambassador. I will recommend this book to anyone who is facing prostrate cancer treatment, is going through treatment now, or who has already completed treatment anxiously waiting their next PSA. This book would also be a good read for any loved one affected by prostrate cancer.

A MUST-READ for anyone diagnosed with prostate cancer, as well as those in the post-treatment phase. Ron goes into great depth on how to decide on a treatment plan. His insights and guidance are invaluable for anyone seeking treatment - or facing fears, post-treatment. Like his first book, the writing is clever with a lot of humor and imagination thrown in. He is honest and direct, with a sincere desire to offer guidance and moral support.

Ron Nelson’s book should be essential reading for anyone dealing with prostate cancer especially for men who are considering proton therapy for treatment. Ron is an outstanding writer who provides very helpful (and sometimes humorous) advice and info on all aspects of proton therapy plus informing readers how to deal with possible side effects. I really admire Ron for his honesty, candidness and forthrightness to write this significant and useful book that will be so helpful and beneficial for men (and their families) to understand what to expect before, during and years after treatment. I highly recommend it without any reservations.