Follow Rick Dancer’s journey as he undergoes Calypso Radiation Therapy for prostate cancer
It takes a team to treat prostate cancer. In this first of six videos, Rick decides to use Calypso radiation therapy and talks to his doctor, Dr. Arthur Hung at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, about treatment options, OHSU’s coordinated approach to prostate cancer treatment and “staying in the game”. View now
Part Two “Beacon Implantation”
With support from his wife, Rick mentally gets ready to start radiation treatment for his prostate cancer. The first step involves implanting Beacons in his prostate; Dr. Christopher Amling at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute performs the procedure.
Beacons are tiny capsule-like seeds that communicate with the Calypso machine during treatment, improving the capability to target radiation only to the tumor, thus avoiding healthy tissue. View now
Part Three “The Simulation Process”
Rick gets set for radiation therapy, both physically and emotionally: CT scan, body molds and tiny tattoos—all to keep his body in position so radiation can be aimed accurately.
Dr. Hung at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute explains how the Calypso machine allows radiation doctors to monitor the tumor continuously, pinpoint the cancer and minimize side effects. View now
After meeting with his prostate cancer care team including OHSU Knight Cancer Center lead nurse Florence Seelig and radiation therapist Bonnie Leudhoff to discuss his 28-day treatment plan and side effects, Rick has his first radiation session—and is pleasantly surprised. View now
Part Five ”Treatment Midpoint”
At the midpoint of his treatment, Rick comes to the happy realization that radiation “doesn’t suck,” that the Calypso machine is like a “protector,” and that he can still work out two hours a day. Dr. Hung at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute explains how the three Beacons help the team track the prostate’s location during treatment. View now
To all those men who’ve just been diagnosed with prostate cancer: your world is not over. With his 28 days of radiation completed, Rick says a poignant goodbye to his OHSU Knight Cancer Institute prostate cancer treatment team. Relieved and happy that the prostate cancer treatment is finished, he considers his future as a cancer survivor. View now
Contact Rick at dancernews@gmail.com
