Proton Therapy

Hi Wendy. Welcome. Whether you have proton or not is really a question for your consultant. Acute effects are said to be similar to IMRT. According to my consultant who delivers proton at Rutherford his patents receiving standard photon therapy get well just as effectively. If I had a large advanced cancer which needed a proportionately large dose of radiation that would severely compromise healthy tissue, and I had the money I would consider it. 
I hope that helps. 

Hi Wendy I am no expert at all what I’ve gleaned over last 3.5 years since my diagnosis is as for head and neck primary diagnosis it’s in its infancy.There are trials  going ahead in the U.K. there’s been one lady in her Monika is Nearly50 will see if I can tag her for yiu  Nearly50 she might be able to give you first hand advise  

My oncologist at Leeds cancer centre has only had involvement in reoccurrence s for head and neck cancer patients. i had what is known as gold  standard treatment of chemo radiation it’s hard but I was 61 and I came through it.
As for mixing private and n h s I can’t answer that’s up to your consultant I would think. 
Proton beam is only available at a few selected clinic so unless you live near them you would need  to stay in hotel Monday to a Fridays for treatment as well.

hope this helps Hazel  

Hi,

Thank you for the reply.  

Standard radiotherapy as well as proton is a nasty treatment. There’s no getting away from that but it’s doable. Taking one day at a time you’re soon through it and there are lots of people here to help you along the way 

From what others have said having Proton the length of time it takes for the daily treatment is somewhat longer than radiotherapy.  Radiotherapy took between 3 to 5 minutes once on the machine.  You may want to ask how long Proton beams take.  

Hi Wendy,

I was diagnosed with cancer of the tonsil, soft pallet and neck lymph node in December 2020. 

I was asked to take part in a trial to have chemo and proton beam therapy, primarily to see if it could save my salivary glands. My treatment finished in March 2021. I had 2 doses of chemo and 33 protons. I think everyone's reaction to treatment and recovery is unique. I live near the Christie in Manchester where they treat a lot of children and adolescents with proton beam. Seeing the children going in for treatment was a very humbling experience. 

For me, I don't think my side effects and recovery have been any better or less severe than any other forms of radiation treatment. I think the thing to remember is that the mouth's such a very sensitive area and will take time to heal.

Lisa x

How are you now Lisa? 

Nearly50 said:

. I live near the Christie in Manchester where they treat a lot of children and adolescents with proton beam. Seeing the children going in for treatment was a very humbling experience. 

I think the important thing with proton is that surrounding tissues don’t get as high a dose as with IMRT. Radiation causes second cancers which is why children benefit most as they live longer after treatment. 

Thank you Lisa. I've read reviews that have said patients are less likely to need a feeding tube.

Hi Lisa. Thank you for replying. Am I right in thinking you were masked on table for around  30 min ? a time. While they lined you up ? As opposed to radiotherapy which is around 7-10 min in my case ? 
Hazel