Congratulations, George, from another Loma Linda alum. It was nice to see all those familiar technicians (though I never got that kiss from Livia)!.

I would add that proton therapy is totally covered by Medicare and most major insurance companies.

George, thank you so much for sharing your story.  Awareness and education are the best tools we have to combat this disease.  One in 3 people will have some form of cancer in their lifetimes and we need remove the stigma of diagnosis and treatment.  Best of luck to your continued journey of wellness.

Hi George - First, thanks for sharing your story. I've always been a fan of your calm, smooth just tell it like it is reporting style. With todays advances in cancer treatment I'm sure you will do just fine and experience a full recovery. My Dad who had similar PSA/Gleason numbers was treated last year w/ the cryotherapy and his follow up exam showed he was doing just fine. God bless you and your wonderful family !!

Hello George. Welcome to your NEW life it will be nothing like your old one. No matter what happens from today on you will always be a cancer survivor. This August I will be a 30 year multiple cancer survivor. I'm 51 now. Best of luck to you.

Bravo, George. Such encouragement from one who has "walked the walk". I so admire you for your generous spirit in sharing your story. Ever since Katie Couric first shared her husband's battle, the way has been set for those in the biz to help us all to live a more positive life...one day at a time. congratulations and keep up the good.  Harriet A Seattle Wa

George Lewis here...
Glad to report that I emerged from the treatment with only minor side effects.  I experienced some burning on urination during the nine weeks of therapy, but that's mostly gone now.  Yes, I still have a sex life although at age 65, I'm not the young stud I was at 25.  The little blue pills help.  I'm very happy to be alive and I intend to go on living for quite a while now.

My father (Wes Smith)returned from Loma Linda as a graduate the middle of May, 2008.  He can't begin to spread the word about Proton Treatment fast enough!  In 4 short weeks his PSA went from 13 to 4.  Like many of you, his urologist didn't appear to know much about proton treatment and did not recommend it.  After reading  Bob Marckini's book and visiting with Dr. Goad in Oklahoma City, my dad decided Proton Treatment would be his treatment of choice.  He called Loma Linda and started the process.  In February, my parents took off for California.  They felt the care my dad rec'd was wonderful and the people they met will be life long friends.  

My parents live in Alva, OK, and are more than willing to share their experience with anyone interested in Proton Treatment in this part of the country.      

George,

About two years ago, I went through a similar experience and have had a very positive result. But I think the real lesson is to ask a lot of questions and don't assume that the doctors know all the answers.

In my case, at 62 the doctors said my PSA should be in the 5-to-6 range and my test came back at 18.5!

They said ominously that it had to be prostate cancer and scheduled me for a prostate biopsy. They took 21 samples and found no cancer in all but one, which contained "transitional" bladder cells.

They then did a cystoscopy (the most painful procedure I have ever been through) but found no bladder cancer. But by this time, my prostate was so enlarged that urine flow was completely blocked, the bladder becoming distended and I started going into kidney failure.

Because of earlier double-hernia/hydrocele surgery (which started this whole thing) they could not perform prostate surgery until I had sufficiently recovered from that. I had to wear a Foley catheter for about ten days, then to self-catheterize every few hours for about six weeks.

Now for the good news: the prostate surgery was successful, they removed most of it and found cancer cells in only one percent of the tissue. They believe they got it all.

My bladder control is now fine and, with one exception, my sexual function is normal. The exception is what they call the "dry orgasm".

When I asked my doctor later why he hadn't mentioned that I'd have no semen, he said he couldn't imagine at my age why I would care.

It probably would not have changed my course of treatment had I known, but it's a reminder that doctors can be awfully arrogant about other people's lives. Ask a lot of questions and do online research.

All in all, I was very lucky. It was quite an ordeal but, as they say, that which doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

And no one has been able to explain that off-the-chart PSA. It turns out the test is only about 25% accurate!

p.s. You won't remember me, but we met at Mojave airport where we were both covering the flight of SpaceShipOne.

George,

As the saying goes, " I shall not die of a cold. I shall die of having lived."- Willa Cather

Good Luck and God Bless

Jon

Have you heard about the link between low vitamin D and some cancers (including prostate, breast and colon).

Have they tested your vitamin D level?
I've heard that there can be a difference between 'normal range' & optimal range.

George,  I have always enjoyed watching you do segments on the Today show or nightly news.  Your professionalism is always top notch.  I expect to see you keep fighting.  People in your positions have always become part of the family.  I laugh at their comments and have been a loyal Today watcher since a kid in the late 50s.  

I don't have any first hand experience with prostrate cancer and have been getting my 'pokes' for years.  First time my doctor put on his glove, turned, and said 'I always save the best for last!'  I have lost a father-in-law (aged 52) and my own mother (75) to various forms of cancer so I have lived through the impact before.

I wish you all the luck in the world, pal.I'll say a prayer, probably many, for you.  You have a great but unfortunate, opportunity to shed even more light on these disease, as have Hoda, Tony Snow, and others.  I know you will.  Thank you.

Doug Naffziger
Ball State University
Muncie, IN

George, thanks for sharing your story and the helpful information.  Your career at NBC always has been characterized by helpful, accurate information. I pray that your recovery will be complete.  

Many blessings to you and your family as you continue along your life's journey.  Thank you for sharing your cancer story.  I wish for you many years ahead to keep doing what you love.

George,
Welcome to the Club. I had PC twice. Radical in '91 and Proton in '02. Believe me, Proton was EASIER.  My wife survived breast cancer in '81.  So I share your pain on that count. I suffed my panic mode when she was diagnosed and when I was diagnosed it was not big to the panic mode level  I think all of us who went to Loma Linda for treatment came away with a NEW vision of Life. I know that I feel blessed by just being there.
 "Live till you die; and enjoy the journey"  
Bob Jones

George Lewis, you rock! Both my Dad and my Father in Law came down with prostate cancer. My Dad had it 15 years ago, and he didn't have the options that you have today. It was a bit rough, but it went away. My father In Law just had it, and he has come through it!

I would say the worst of this is not that your prostate cancer, but the COMMUTE from Santa Monica to Loma Linda. Now that takes patience!!

USC has one of the best urological programs, eveything WIll work out!!

Greetings and congrats from an LLUMC alumni in North Dakota. As you know, you made the right decision. I was convinced the day I got there - December 4, 2007. It was a beautiful, sunny, 70 degree So. California day. The high in Bismarck that day was 7 degrees. Duh!!!
Sixteen months later my PSA is down from a pre-treatment high of 8.5 to 0.9. I can't thank the people a Loma Linda enough for their friendliness, excellent care and the courage of their convictions that led to this fantastic treatment center. Best decision I've made since I asked my wife to marry me!
Great advice for every man - get checked.
Thanks for using your media experience and connections to bring this to everyone's attention.

Hi George
I have followed you for years I wont say how long. I'm sorry to hear about your illness but happy things are going well. We can put a man on the moon and a robot on Mars but we can't cure Cancer. I don't have a family history of Cancer. As for me ( a black baby boomer), if I had Cancer or any illness I'd just have to die. I don't have health insurance and can't afford it so I'd need help from maybe Canada, Mexico or even Cuba but I'd be hosed if I waited for the United States to help.  I just try to keep it real as I watched Blacks beg for help during the Katrina Storm as the President and Law Makers did nothing.  I read the Bush aides had to ask NBC for the tape they had while in New Orleans as I live in California I watched Bush at a campaign fund raiser as he was out here on the West Coast at the time.
I wish you well and will pray you love a long and healthy life. Stay positive and smile that's what life is all about.

George....great presentation, enjoyed it as much as knowing you while we were at LLUMC. The day after Peg and I got home, my next door neighbor informed me of a colleague at work whose father passed away because of PCA, his brother has it and now at 45 years old he was diagnosed.  Scheduled for surgery that week, he sought a second opinion in Houston.  Told him about Proton treatment and gave him the CD and brochure from LLUMC and he is now a patient at MDAnderson.  It makes a great day when the word is out.  We're doing great and all bodily functions are working top notch.
Enjoyed sharing time together.  Bob

George,

Thank you for your segment and congratulations on your proton treatment.  I'm happy to hear that your doing well and I'm extremely happy to see a segment about proton therapy treatment.  Proton radiation seems to be one of the best kept secrets that few people know about or have even heard of.  Thank you for getting the word out on national TV.  
With all of that said, I am a little disappointed that you didn't touch upon the benefits proton radiation has on pediatric cancer.  Almost a year ago, my then 2 year old son, was diagnosed with a rare spinal ewings sarcoma when he woke up paralyzed.  He underwent immediate surgery, 14 rounds of chemotherapy and 25 sessions of proton radiation at MD Anderson in Houston Texas.  It was a year of pure HELL!  My son just recently turned 3, walking and I'm glad to say he's in remission.  If it wasn't for my father who insisted on  proton radiation treatment, I feel my sons doctors would not have told us about this option and let him go through common x-ray radiation.  As you may be aware, x-ray radiation kills/ damages everything in it's path.  In his case, or any growing child for that matter, some of his vertebrae would always be the size of a 2 year olds and many of his organs would have been damaged with years of multiple surgeries.  
With everything my son has been through, he has maintained a positive attitude and is currently nominated from our children's hospital for the Champion Award through the Children's Miracle Network.

I strongly feel proton radiation kept him from being paralyzed or worst yet, death.  I also strongly feel  that the benefits from proton radiation on childhood cancer greatly needs to be mentioned and if possibly, have a segment on children who have successfully gone through this treatment.  My wife and I have become strong advocates for proton radiation and we are very excited that a neighboring city, Hampton Virginia, is currently building a proton center with many more planned nation wide.
Again, congratulations on your successful proton treatment and letting the public know that there is an alternative option available.  If you would like to find out more about my son, please visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/jacobralston.

Thank you,
Jim Ralston

God bless you George!

God Bless you, George, as you continue to write the next chapter of your life.  Thank you for sharing your story and for giving hope and strength to others that may be going through battling cancer.  Also, for giving them advice about getting screenings early to help diagnose and treat cancer in its earliest stages.  

George, thnks for sharing your story. My sister utilized proton beam radiation in Boston for chondro sarcoma. Loma Linda's machine was "not working" at this time. I went with her and she served as a guide for Boston right after her treatment. Sadly, she recently had a craniotomy (2 frontal lobe tumors) and suffered a stroke during this surgery. After spending months in therapy since she was paralyzed on her left side- she is back at life with a new zest. When I think of the silly things we complain about- I remember the strength of people such as my sister and yourself! Never give up! And please, go to see your doctor for regular exams!

Thanks for sharing your story.  I was diagnosed in January and had Da Vinci in April.  So far, so good. I had no family history or symptoms.  My PSA went from 2.6 to 5.8 in one year and a Gleason score of 7. My oncologist is one of the top people in the field (he studied under Gleason) and recommended surgery because of my age (57) and level of physical fitness. My PSA is now 0.2 and I was back to my pre surgery fitness program one week ahead of schedule.

George, THANK YOU for your story on Prostate cancer and Proton therapy. My Dad was diagnsed and the urologist did the same thing recommended and even PUSHED for surgery. Then in passing mentioned that HIS father had Proton ( so it was good enough for the surgeons dad?) So in July of 2005 my parents packed up, drove across the country to Loma Linda and my dad had his treatment. It is JUST like you described careing and a radiation vacation.

THANK YOU AGAIN.

George:
At 53 I was diagnosed with Prostate Ca. My PSA was only 2.1, but after a yearly physical, my doctor thought she felt a "lump".  My Gleason Scale was a 7.  I reviewed Dr Arnon Krongrad's Laporoscopic Prostatectomy. I had laporoscopic robot surgery at the VA in LaJolla, Ca.  Now I have full bladder control and erections! Greatful to the cancer suvivor networks.    

Dear George, I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and was fortunate enough to have caught it early just like you.  I went to Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas and received the Robotic Surgery.  This was the best option for me since my bladder was enlarged.  I had the surgery last March (07) and it was nerve sparing, so I now, after little more than a year,  have bladder control and am not impotent.  My wife and I feel extremely blessed that we can enjoy great sex together and have beaten the cancer.  I can recommend this type of treatment and am happy for you & the success you have accomplished with your treatment option.  God Bless
Harold Heath, Lake Charles, LA

My husband found out he had prostate cancer last Dec. and after researching he decided on the DaVinci method of treatment with Dr. Shah at St. Joseph's Hospital in Dunwoody, GA. Everything went amazingly well and he was able to regain continence with very little leakage right away and get rid of the pad completely within 2 months. He was able to have sex 6 wks. after surgery with the help of the pump and the purple pill (all covered by ins.); he is looking forward to having sex without assistance in the near future but it is such a blessing to men that they can have sex so soon afterwards. He was very happy with his treatment plan and would do it that way again; his psa is now .01, the cancer is gone....we are so thankful to god.

Dear George,
I had robotic prostate surgery in March of 07 and feel blessed that it was successful.  My wife and I have a great sex life again and cancer is gone.  I wish you the best.  Harold Heath, Lake Charles, LA

Dear George,
I had Robotic Prostate Surgery last March and feel blessed that I am back to my normal life.  I had no side effects since it was nerve sparing.  Best of luck to you.  Harold Heath, Lake Charles, LA

George:

As a Gantry #3 May 18, 2008 Proton Bob survivor I would love to talk with you about our shared experiences.  Good to see yours and my team again as they are all great people saving alot of lives.

Hi George,  I'm 70 and widowed.  I was diagnosed in March of 07'.  A lot choices I make because I live alone.  I opted for the beam radiation, seed implants and hormones.  I have finished all of that but don't yet have my prognosis.  My last PSA is the last of August so maybe then I'll know more.  I had a good attitude thru all of this.  One reason was because I have an unusual hobby.  I do ufo research and I started that because I ran into an unusual situation that was filled with ufos.  I got a lot of close up photographs and other experiences.  A lot of the best stuff is on my website at http://CosmoStarMan.Tripod.com/  Look it up.  
I guarantee you that even if you don't believe in those things you will find this very interesting and a real promoter for that good attitude that we all need during stressful times.  It also helps to keep looking up and enjoy each beautiful day.  Best to you.  Gil

George,
Your story struck a personal chord with me.  In 1996, at 43 years old, I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.  Less than 30 days after the diagnosis, I had my prostate removed.  After surgery, it was then determined that the tumor was on the "surgical margin", meaning they were not sure if all of the tumor was removed.  Because of that, I went through an additional 6 weeks of radiation therapy.  I am now 56 years old (after being told that without treatment, I would not live to 50).

Three years ago, after nine years of regular PSA readings of 0.0, my PSA started to climb, quite a shock after thinking I was cancer-free after all those years.  I am now in the "watching and waiting" mode, with PSA tests every three months.  It is getting close to the point where additional treatment options will need to be considered.

This is getting long, so I will try to wrap it up.  In the last 12 years, I have learned many things about prostate cancer, and even more about myself.  The two most important are 1) never give up hope, and 2) which you touched on in your report:  Like you, I would never have made it through this without the love of a good woman.  My wife has been by my side through all of the ups and downs (some of the downs were VERY down).  She has been my personal angel.

Hold your friends close, and your wife closer, and never give up hope.

Hi Mr Geoge im sorry that your going trough your situasion but i can teel that you are very strong and tuff person and im pretty sure that god is looking out for you and your going to come out  just fine like a brand new man take care you and your family god bless everyone

DEar George: This is Jimmy Miller. So glad to hear of your good report. I listen to NBC nightly news frequently and wish you the best Are you a Christian? A christian is one who feels sorry for the worng he has done, has turned from the wrong, and has prayed to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior. Have you done this? If not, consider this most important decision very carefully. You may beat cancer, but the Lord Jesus Christ has defeated death for everyone. If you have any questions about this, please e-mail me. God bless you, Jimmy Miller, New orleans, La.

God bless you, George!  I feel great joy for you and your loved ones in knowing you caught your cancer "in time".  What an uplifting article to read.  Enjoy those future grandkids and spoil the heck out of them....

George,
Welcome to proton.bob.  I was at Loma Linda from Feb.-April 2001.  I have no side effects and know that I was blessed to find out about proton treatment.  Bob Marckini has done great work in spreading the word.  

Congrats, I am glad to see your experience went so well. My husband was diagnosed just two weeks ago with a PSA 8.7 Gleason 3.3, he begins his hormone treatment this week. I am curious as to what was the determining factor in your choice to subscribe to the Proton radiation over the other therapeutic options such as surgery or Bracytherapy radiation? I wish you well and  a long life without reoccurrence.

Rwad your article with much interest. I had a radical prostatectomy in January of 2004 at age 61 with a PSA of 4.13 and a Gleeson of 6. Today I am healthy, running 30+ miles a week and trying to raise the level of awareness about Prostate Cancer and overcome the stigma of incontinence and impotence that permeates the disease. I run an antique car show on Long Island New York at which we provide free PSA testing and donate the money raised to free PSAs to be offered here on Long Island.
To date (2006/2007) at the show we have done 270 PSA screens and caught six elevated and sent these men on to their doctors for further testing and evaluation. Anyone who would care to start heir own show or participate in my show please log on to www.licruizinforacure.com and see what we are all about. If you are over fifty five, this will also bring back memories of the fun days of the fifties and sixties with the nostalgia of the old cars.

George-

I too was diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer.  As an oncologist, I was knowlegable enough to know that most men with early prostate cancer don't die of the disease.  I elected to have robotic surgery.  I was home the next day, at work within 5 days, and have minimal side effects (meaning erectile dysfunction is not a problem).  I am curious as to why you would choose a procedure that required 45 days with no certainty that all the cancer was irradiated.

-Steve

Congratulations, George, on a great story. Trust a true newsman to be able to make a personal challenge a learning story for the rest of us. Think back 40 years and you may remember my name as one of your cameramen at KFMB-TV in San Diego. As was said in the 60s, keep on truckin'!

Mr. Lewis,

I received the results of my biopsy the day before Thanksgiving (2007).  I have prostate cancer.  I was given all the alternatives and of course I read up on everthing I could.  I was told to not rush into my decision.  I decided on brachytherapy and went through the exam to make sure I was an acceptable candidate.  Everthing checked out fine and I received my procedure on February 11.  My followup visits have all been fine and as I write this I should be at about 12 1/2 percent radiation (120 days).  I feel optomistic about my chances of complete recoverly.  As you did, I was open to everyone about my cancer because I want everyone to make sure to have their psa checkups.  I think about half the deacons at my church have undgone some kind of surgury or radiation treatment for prostate cancer.  Whatever the results, I feel I made the right decision for me

I am hoping that you have excellent results and maybe we can talk about this many years from now.

Sincerely,

Guy Tucker  

Thank you very much. I wish you and all you love the best. I go in for my second biopsy in about 2 weeks. I also wish my family and loved ones the very best. Dissemination  of good information is what is needed and that is what you are doing. Best wishes. Tony Gigliotti

Hi George-
Thank you for telling your story.

Like you, I also was treated with "Proton Therapy" with great results and virtually no side effects. Since my cancer was aggressive, Gleason 8, I underwent (6) months treatment with Lupron, (hormonal blockade) after Proton Therapy. I was treated at the University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute located in Jacksonville, Florida. When i started treatment my PSA was 4.0. My biopsy showed Gleason scores of 3+3=6, plus 4+4=8.  As of today my PSA is <0.01 and my prostate shows NO sign of cancer.

Good luck, and many hours of research brought me to Florida Proton and the wonderful treatment I received there.  I couldn't be more pleased. It was truly a Radiation Vacation.

Best of luck to you.

Thank you for your comprehensive info on Prostate cancer.. I have recently been diagnosed with the disease... my urologist never mentioned proton therapy..I am 79 years old in reasonly good health ( have had two stents) and am wary about surgery.. what is your opinion for Proton therapy in my case... many thanks... Marvin Witte

Geeorge,
As a former colleague of yours from San Diego News 8 I remember your ability to dig down to the vital essence of a story. You've done it again! You're a hell of a good role model for those who share your predictament. Hang in there. You know what to do.

As a cancer survior, I say to you, "Go foward and know that each day is a gift and enjoy and enjoy for as long as you have."  You will be there to walk your daughters down the aisle!  Believe and have Faith.

B.J. Lyon, WA State

George,
 I watched the show today with tears streaming down my face. I was so thakful that you have had your treatments and am continuing to do well  my prayers are with you. I lost my father to the horrible death of Prostate Cancer. He went from a strong, proud big man , to just wasting away. He was 6'5" and weighed his highest at about 265. When he passed away he could't have weighed more than 100 lbs. I ask that every male reading this story to please go and have a prostate check when they are recomended by their physicians. Trust me a few minutes of being "uncomfortable" is nothing to what could be. All five of us children as well as my mother stood around his bed and watched him take his last breath. In a way it was almost a relief because we knew he was not in anymore pain. I loved my father very very much and miss him so much, so please if you read this message have a check up and also talk to your friends about it too. It could be the most important information and help you could give to a friend or family member as well as helping to someday save their lives. Thake care george and god bless you and your family!!!    

Dear George,  Saw you on TV tonight and want to thank you for sharing with the world. I had prostate treatment five years ago and only told my wife and son. It was hard to talk about, I think a lot of men keep silent. I elected to have external radiation plus seeds. My PSA was 6.5 and Gleason was also 7. I had a early psa bounce and then my psa has been on the way down. It took five years for my psa to reach  undetectable... now I want to talk about it and tell the world. We all need to let it out and not hold back like I did.  Low psa to all.  Will

Dear George,
From someone currently receiving proton treatment for prostate cancer at Loma Linda, I want to say thank you for sharing your experience.  It was great to see some of my technologists in the video.  You were definitely the talk of our Wednesday support meeting tonight (and yes, we do laugh a lot).  Being here is a great experience.

I have been diagnosed prostate cancer, my worry is what kind of treatment is available for me as I'm diabetic and with a pace maker with defibilator.  I'm 63 years old.

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