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• A Scientist Researches His Own Treatment Plan

A Scientist Researches His Own Treatment Plan

Ray Peacock always had seen life with the careful gaze of a scientist. During his service in the U.S. Army, Ray worked as a physicst at the Army's Medical Research Lab in Fort Knox, Ky., researching injury thresholds of laser radiation. Ray was used to solving problems and disregarding the odds.

When a biopsy revealed a cancerous mass in his prostate in 2003, the best option he had was surgery. Doctors said there was a remote possibility of the tumor returning, since the operation only removes the main part of a tumor and can leave behind traces of the disease. Ray’s procedure went about as well as expected, and most of the tumor was removed.

Two and a half years later, the cancer came back. Doctors suggested intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), but Ray was worried about the radiation hitting more than just the cancerous cells, even though it’s more targeted than traditional radiation therapy. His doctors didn’t have any other recommendations, so he did what he had always done: He began researching solutions on his own.

While online, Ray discovered an alternative cancer treatment called proton therapy and how it is used to target prostate cancer cells. After digging around the Internet, he found the IU Health Proton Therapy Center, then named MPRI. At the time, it was one of only three such centers in the United States. Though 12 hours away from his hometown of Philadelphia, it was the closest one available to him. He asked his doctor if he would approve treatment at the center, and he did.

Ray’s insurance company also didn’t offer much resistance. It couldn't approve the treatment without a supervisor signing off on it, but Ray’s radiation oncologist helped him through the relatively simple process. He never had to reapply and never had his claim rejected.

Treatment was scheduled for 17 sessions over four weeks. Once he made it to Indiana, Ray adjusted quickly to his new temporary surroundings, thanks to a little Midwestern hospitality. He lived in a rented condo near a golf course. When he and his wife had a little free time, they trekked south to visit a casino in French Lick. He also toured nearby Indianapolis and Nashville, Ind., which is known for its gorgeous natural scenery, shops and museums. In between his day trips and leisure time, he underwent his proton treatments.

Ray's last treatment was in November 2005, and he remains cancer free. In the meantime, proton treatment centers have tripled in the United States, with many more in the planning stages. “People who are selling proton therapy are not selling a pig and poke,” Ray said. “Look at how many centers are going up. There are absolutes in the world. Proton therapy offers better results, less damage … you know you’re getting a good treatment.”

An advocate of proton therapy, Ray now tells his story now on his website www.myprotons.org, where he shares articles on his experience, as well more general articles about proton therapy. He also enthusiastically writes about the "zillion ‘new’ protons’ that fought his prostate cancer."