WWQP Bulletin Board Chat

Rosey//Proton therapy

Rosy-I'm so sorry about your loss. We do love our doggies, don't we. Mine sleep next to, on top of my legs every night. We are going out of town for 2 nights, and will be missing them.
Proton therapy--Basicly it's a type of radiation for localized cancer. It is used a lot in children't brain tumors, and in men's prostate cancer.
Right now there are 7 centers in the USA, the first being Loma Linda Univ. in So. Cal.
The adom is split, and the proton part is directed into a beam of light which hits the tumor, and over the time of treatment the beam kills the cancer cells. It is used because there are fewer side effects, no cutting, no chance of infection. The beam stops at the cancer cells and doesn't go into the body, or out the other side. I have nothing but praise for the local people, very efficient, caring, well trained, etc.
It is heartbreaking to see all the children there in the waiting room.
In case anyone cares, the other centers in the USA are Mass General in Boston, Indiana Univ, here, MD Anderson in Houston, TX, OK City, and Univ. of PA. There is one being built in Miami which will be open in about a year. They are generally connected to a univ. or teaching hospital due to the cost, and the need for specialized training.
We went to the Piano section of the Jazz fest. last night. Very nice. Tonight is the downtown street fest, hope I can find a place to park.
Sara in Fla.

posted by Sara in Florida @ 10:26 AM