There is a considerable amount of prostate cancer information on the Internet, and numerous prostate cancer treatment options available to men diagnosed with the disease.
The treatment decision is a very personal one, and one that has little effect on the cure, but significant impact on side effects and the quality of life following treatment.
Numerous studies have shown that all prostate cancer treatment options cure cancer at statistically the same rate. Even Johns Hopkins, the 'prostate cancer surgery capital of the world,' in a 2005 Health Letter has stated,
“Recent studies demonstrate that newer types of radiation are as effective as surgery, which was once thought to be the surest way to a cure. And as radiation techniques grow ever more precise, side effects may be more limited and treatment and recovery made easier.”
Proton Therapy offers a promise of cure that is at least comparable to other prostate cancer treatment options, but without the pain and discomfort and with fewer, if any, side effects.
The Brotherhood of the Balloon (BOB) is a group of prostate cancer patients who have chosen
Conformal Proton Beam Radiation Therapy (Proton Treatment). The organization was formed in December 2000 by several patients
of the Loma Linda University Medical Center Proton Treatment Center. Today
we have nearly 6,000 members, representing all 50 U.S. States and 25 different countries. Support is provided by Loma Linda University Medical Center.
Members represent people from all walks of life including medical, science, engineering, education, clergy, legal, agriculture,
law enforcement, building trades, large and small business, airline, government, finance, military and the arts.
One interesting fact is that an increasing number of men from the medical profession are choosing proton therapy to treat their prostate cancer..
The BOB maintains a private database, which includes members' vital statistics, along with pretreatment cancer stage, follow-up
PSA records and other information. The purpose of the BOB is to provide an aftercare communications forum, where members share
information on any subject related to their treatment, the healing process, and preventing a recurrence. Members also promote prostate cancer prevention at
public forums and willingly share their
experience of Proton Treatment with others who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, as a way of helping them decide among prostate cancer
treatment options.
Visitors can access the site to learn more about Proton Treatment for prostate cancer and the Brotherhood of the Balloon. Visitors will also be
able to communicate with members to gain information about their personal experiences of Proton treatment.
Balloon?
What is the significance of the Name “Brotherhood of the Balloon?”
The only criteria for membership in the BOB is having been diagnosed with prostate cancer and choosing Proton treatment. One need not have completed proton therapy to join.
During treatment, the Proton Beam is focused on the prostate gland plus a 12 millimeter (half-inch) margin around the gland. Treating this extra margin helps to kill any cancer that may have escaped the gland .
This margin of safety may include part of the rectum, which is adjacent to the prostate. In order to protect the posterior (outside) wall of the rectum from radiation, a small, lubricated balloon is inserted into the rectum
and inflated with water prior to each treatment. A secondary function of the balloon is to help immobilize the prostate, by pushing it up against the pelvic bone..
So, our fraternity has the infamous “balloon” as the common denominator for all members.
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