Hi - I am just completing 6 weeks (30 treatments) of fractionated proton beam treatments at Mass General in Boston. I have a small tumor - can't recall the exact size - and I still have quite good hearing. Don't know how I will be down the road but so far this has been fantastic. There is no pain involved and so far, no side effects. My doctor said I may have gradual hearing loss possibly. The proton beam method seems to me to be the newest and best because it is more focused and does less collateral damage to good tissue. I live in Maine but have a relative I am staying with in Massachusetts or I wouldn't be able to do this. As it is I ride the commuter train for an hour to Boston, then take a 10 minute walk to Mass General, have the treatement (about 20 minutes in all) and then ride the train for an hour back. If I hadn't been able to stay here I would have had to have the surgery. The treatments seemed like a better choice as they are less invasive and had less potential for side effects and the success rate was very good 98% I think. The fractionated (low dose) treatments are preferred because of less damage to good tissue and not such a shock to the tumor. I can't say enough good things about Mass General and my doctor (Jay Loeffler) - both are totally squared away and efficient! I am often a critic of bad service and inefficiency and that hospital and his office are outstanding - run the way you think things should! I've taken the high side and thought of this as my "urban adventure"! Hope this info might help anyone considering fractionated proton beam therapy.
