Author: Leslie Toldo
Within a year, Patrick Yambrick’s prostate-specific antigen (PSA) number more than doubled. That number can be an indicator of possible cancer. His doctor immediately referred Patrick to Radiation Oncologist Dr. Hesham Gayar.
“My mother, my sister, and my mother’s five brothers all died of cancer,” Patrick said. “I am 81 and have been blessed with good health, so I said, ‘Let’s go to the doctor and get it done.’”
Instead of having traditional photon, or x-ray, radiation, Dr. Gayar, who is the Medical Director at the McLaren Proton Therapy Center, told Patrick he would be a good candidate for proton therapy.
“When I sat down and talked to Dr. Gayar, I knew I was in good hands,” Patrick said. “He pulled his chair up to me and said he was getting this done for me. I was just convinced he was the guy for me.”
It wasn’t just Dr. Gayar’s bedside manner that impressed Patrick, it was what the doctor had to say about the risk for side effects from proton therapy versus traditional radiation.
“X-rays are very effective at killing cancer, however, after they deliver radiation to the tumor, they continue moving through the body, leaving behind an exit dose. That means that healthy tissue beyond the tumor is at risk for damage,” said Dr. Gayar. “Protons deliver the radiation and stop at the tumor, meaning the healthy tissue and organs behind it are not exposed to radiation.”
For patients, that can mean fewer side effects during and after treatment. That was Patrick’s experience after weeks of daily proton therapy.
“I never missed a beat,” Patrick said. “I had no problem getting up and going. It was a great way to get healed up. I didn’t have any side effects, and it was like going to a regular doctor visit for me.”
Patrick was also impressed by the staff at the McLaren Proton Therapy Center, and theway they helped him get through the entire process.
“The techs that were giving me the actual treatment made me happy to be there,” Patrick said. “Every one of them was wonderful. The whole process was wonderful.”
What kept Patrick going during his cancer journey was his wife’s love and support and keeping a positive attitude.
“I guess I expected to be healed, and it all worked out,” Patrick said.
For more information about proton therapy, or to schedule a consultation or second opinion, visit mclaren.org/protontherapy or call 855 MY PROTON (697-7686).