First Dayton CyberKnife offers options to those who consider refusing treatment

"I did not want to have treatment for my prostate cancer," admits Frank, a contractor from Centerville. "My brother and a few of my older friends went through treatment and I had heard horror stories. My brother had surgery, and while his cancer is gone, the side effects will never go away. We can't even go to a football game anymore without him missing most of it to go to the bathroom." Many men who undergo a prostatectomy, the surgical removal of the prostate, can have long-lasting urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Some men feel these side effects are worse than the symptoms of the disease.

"When I was diagnosed I told my doctor that there was no way I was going to have my prostate taken out. I would take my chances with the cancer. So he sent me to see a cancer doctor at the hospital. The treatment sounded better, but I would have to leave work every day for over two months of radiation. There is no way I could afford to do that. I never know what job site I will be at." Frank was not sure what he should do. He wanted to refuse treatment and hope the cancer didn't grow, despite his family history. His quality of life is important.

Frank's wife discovered First Dayton CyberKnife while researching prostate cancer treatment options on the Internet. Frank says, "I was surprised the doctors I had already seen didn't tell me about this option. I was kind of disappointed, but as a businessman I understand they aren't going to promote something they don't do." The CyberKnife treatment is only offered at one cancer center in Dayton.

Once Frank did the research and discovered The American Society for Radiation Oncology has published many clinical studies supporting the effectiveness and safety of CyberKnife treatment for prostate cancer, he was all in. The most recent study, with six years of follow-up, proves the CyberKnife radiosurgery kills cancer faster, with less radiation and better cancer control rates, than ordinary radiation treatment or surgery. And the best part was proven fewer side effects. Patients who had treatment five to 10 years ago still had few, if any, side effects. Studies prove that men treated with the CyberKnife have the best quality of life over men who had other treatments for their prostate cancer.

Frank says, "After learning about the CyberKnife and talking with Dr. Ed Hughes, I knew I had made the right decision. I can't believe anyone would choose anything else. It was so easy. I didn't feel a thing during treatment. Most days I napped during the short time I laid there. I could even listen to my own music which helped me to relax." Frank had five treatments at First Dayton CyberKnife in March of 2012. His treatments took only one week. "It has been over two years since I had treatment and I still don't have any complaints. I wish more men knew about this treatment option. I am glad my wife found it, and I don't have cancer anymore. People need to do their homework to learn what is best for them."

Get more information on the CyberKnife treatment option offered at First Dayton CyberKnife.