A year is a bit too long.  I am not a physicist either, but one thing I learned
when I had to research Prostate cancer treatment methods was that Google is
something I can no longer live without!

I Googled LINAC (Linear accelerator): one result was from Wikipedia, and that is
another amazing resource.  Go here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linear_particle_accelerator

Now for "black hole" -- First of all I did not think that there is the sort of
relationship that you suggest between black holes and protons.  That is borne
out by Google and Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_hole
and

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proton

Good luck with your research!

Google On!!!!

Fuller

--- In protoninfo@yahoogroups.com, "Bill" <bill_s_22032@...> wrote:
>
> I have not been able to answer a couple of seemingly simple questions dimly
related to proton therapy.
>
> First, in conventional radiation therapy, what does a linear accelerator
accelerate?  I thought it was photons but don't photons travel at the speed of
light?  If so it should be impossible to accelerate them.
>
> Then, what is the difference between a proton and a black hole?  Protons are
inconceivably tiny but are very dense (heavy) for their size.  How close to
black hole status do they come?
>
> These questions may appear dumb to a scientifically trained individual but
I've been puzzling over them for more than a year and have no answers.  Can
anyone help?
>

I have not been able to answer a couple of seemingly simple questions dimly
related to proton therapy.

First, in conventional radiation therapy, what does a linear accelerator
accelerate?  I thought it was photons but don't photons travel at the speed of
light?  If so it should be impossible to accelerate them.

Then, what is the difference between a proton and a black hole?  Protons are
inconceivably tiny but are very dense (heavy) for their size.  How close to
black hole status do they come?

These questions may appear dumb to a scientifically trained individual but I've
been puzzling over them for more than a year and have no answers.  Can anyone
help?

Bruce,

Thanks for the rapid response.  There are some here that have fought the
insurance and won.  I do not know if there has been a success against Humana or
not.  I gather the Humana is an HMO? HMO's appear to be much harder to prevail
upon. That said, one of our members, Paul Morgan, DID successfully win an appeal
against his HMO.

Here are my initial thoughts:

1. With your early stage situation you do have plenty of time to fight this
battle. Do not get in a hurry. I would plan on a PSA check every 4 months to
make sure there is not a sudden acceleration in the progress of the "beast" as I
call PC. Use the recommended precautions prior to the blood draw: No sex, heavy
lifting, bike riding, or heavy exercise at least five days prior to the blood
draw, and no prior DRE. Also use the same lab to do the analysis.

2.Be sure and ask Anderson's Financial Dept. if there is any help that they can
offer to assist you in your appeal.

3.Since you DO have the luxury of time, and it is near the end of the year, is
there any chance that you could switch insurance companies to one that will
cover proton therapy?  If so check with MDA for the ones that will that you may
have access to.

4. If you cannot switch, there is a successful appeal document in our files: See
"Successful Appeal Document Morgan in our Files. I suggest not copying it
verbatim, but use it as a guide to prepare your own.

5. At this point I would not go to the expense of a lawyer.  We had one other
member who fought Kaiser of California with legal assistance, and was
unsuccessful in the appeal.

One other question, what is your situation regarding work? are you able to work
around the time required to do the PT?  I would presume so, since you are in
Houston.

Keep us posted, and feel free to post any questions. Be sure to look over our
Files for more info.

Fuller



--- In protoninfo@yahoogroups.com, Bruce Farmer <bfarmerjr@...> wrote:
>
> Fuller,
> Thank you for the welcome.
>
> A little about my situation:
>      I'm 59 y.o., in July I had urinary track pain, with some blood in
> my urine. Alarmed, I when to my doc the next morning, he did basic
> testing and prescribed an antibiotic, and scheduled me to a urologist,
> they wanted to track down the reason for the blood in the urine.
>
>      PSA 1.9(this is low...PC never enters my thoughts). Next was
> scheduled a MRI of my complete urinary tract without and with
> contrast. Then cystoscopy and biopsy back to back, this all happened
> rather quickly over 3 to 4 weeks.
>
> And the urologist calls with results.
>      Prostate cancer in 1 of 10 needles, small amount.
>      Gleason 6 (3+3).
> My fiancée and I go into see the Urologist, for the follow up consult.
> By this time I'm looking into PC and know just enough to ask for a
> second pathology reading of the biopsy and further consults. (the
> Urologist makes it know he can do the robotics surgery, I get out of
> him he has done about 50 robotics and got the hang of it after about
> 20 or so)
> I get a bone scan. Its clean.
> I see a radiation-oncologist in the same system( he was rushed that
> day, I didn't feel good about this r-o, but he orders, and soon I get
> an endorectal MRI).
> I'd asked that all my path go to MDA. With luck I get into MDA's multi
> disciplinarian consult system( urologist and radiation-oncologist
> consults, one then the other the same day). By the time we get to MDA
> the endorectal MRI is there. Not extra-capsular. We like the radiation-
> oncologist, ask questions and get her take on cure probability, side
> effects... This all sounds good, MDA move forward with insurance
> authorization, denied, then my doc and ins medical director consult,
> denied number 2, the insurance's paid expert denies, that is number 3.
> At this point I'm preparing for an appointed state review. Have any of
> you gone through this and is it best to have an attorney prepare this
> appeal?
>
> Grateful by all measure. I feel lucky to have discovered my PC so
> early and so small, unlike my good friend having his discovered in
> stage 4( he fought hard and long two years and passed away 2006, age 54)
>
> I don't have infinite time to fight my insurance, but I'm ready to
> fight them for my life,  the my quality of life.
>
> Good to be here,
> Bruce
>

who says: "I live in the Houston area and I am pursuing PBT with MDA. However,
Humana has denied treatment as "not medically necessary" and I am appealing
Texas DI for an independent review."

Buce, some folks here can offer advice on the insurance.

Please tellus your age, PSA when diagnosed, and Gleason score.

Thanks for joining.

Fuller

Dear JC:
Excuse the typo. My journal address is:http://protondon.blogspot.com/
Don O.


--- In protoninfo@yahoogroups.com, "donandmar" <donandmar@...> wrote:
>
> Dear JC:
> Marckini discusses this issue in his book on p.67. He says"35 percent of men
report some change in their sexuality." My physician at UFPTI advised me that I
would finish treatment with about the same degree of potency that I brought to
the table. Personally I experienced about a 10 to 15 percent reduction in my
potency, but it could be due to the aging process. For more detail check out my
journal at http://proton.blogspot.com/
> Incidently Marckini discusses the impact of most all treatments on potency. 
Don O.
>
> --- In protoninfo@yahoogroups.com, "jnc0101" <jnc0101@> wrote:
> >
> > I could use some help finding published research on the risk of impotence
arising from prostate proton therapy.  All I'm finding is unsubstantiated
statements by people with a wide range of opinions.
> >
> > Thanks in advance,
> > JC
> >
>

Yes - Gerry Troy is an important part of working with patients and those who
support them. Gerry, however, announced this Wednesday that he will be retiring
from UFPTI sometime next year and heading back to California.  No doubt UFPTI
will be working hard to find a replacement to carry on what he has established.

Here is another "unsubstantiated" opinion: Proton Therapy is the one treatment
for prostate cancer with the LEAST impact on sexual capability.

Stack the treatments up and compare the reports, unsubstantiated or not. Lets
see now, you have surgery: At least a fifty percent chance likely to result in
impotence; cryotherapy: A very famous doctor specializing in cryo is quoted as
saying: "If a man is potent after I treated him, I have not done my job.";
hormone therapy (ADT): This is DESIGNED to make a man impotent; it is chemical
castration.; brachytherapy: (this is internal radiation, don't forget), is
"right there" on the nerves surrounding the gland. Plus it is invasive; finally
standard photon radiation: If a person has a choice between standard photon
radiation and proton radiation in my opinion "THAT IS A NO BRAINER!"
Just my opinions of course, and as all here know, I am extremely biased against
surgery, and freely admit that I am a "PROTON ADVOCATE!"

Fuller

--- In protoninfo@yahoogroups.com, "jnc0101" <jnc0101@...> wrote:
>
> I could use some help finding published research on the risk of impotence
arising from prostate proton therapy.  All I'm finding is unsubstantiated
statements by people with a wide range of opinions.
>
> Thanks in advance,
> JC
>

Sharon, I am sure this discussion is not meant to be a "selling" thing.  I think
that we each tend to push one site over another if we went there.  I am as
guilty as any of this.

However, I always ask where the person lives. It is my opinion that there is
enough anxiety and "disruption" in the daily lives of a prostate cancer patient
without the additional effort of planning and executing a cross county "move,"
because that is what it is. You are moving for two months minimum.  Therefore,
if someone lives nearer one center than another, I feel that they should at
aminimum, check that center out.

Fuller

--- In protoninfo@yahoogroups.com, "sharon93_19008" <sfgordon93@...> wrote:
>
>      I am surprised that today's messages seem to be "selling" one proton site
over the others.  Fuller has always made the point that the treatment is
equivalent at all the sites.  We have tried to give information about all the
sites without promoting one over the others.
>
>       I really find the current discussion distasteful and would appreciate if
it would stop.
>
>                               Sharon
>

Cal's question is designed to make you ask: "Who is Gerry Troy?"

Thanks Cal!!!

Well, Gerry is a great guy who was "recruited" by UFPTI from guess where??? 
Loma Linda!! He ran their patient services program for several years.  He has,
no doubt, a great deal to do with the outstanding services that you will receive
at UFPTI.  I do not know this first hand, but as I said before, I have a close
personal friend that went to JAX for his proton therapy, and he swears by him!
Others do also. Call Jax and get his number, and speak with him!

If you are in FL, why not at least, have aconsult at UFPTI. It will be a "second
opinion" and as such should be covered by insurance.  You might just find
something out!

Fuller

--- In protoninfo@yahoogroups.com, zz Jones <zzzzjones@...> wrote:
>
>
> Does Gerry Troy have anything to do with making Jacksonville work so well?
>
> Cal Jones (BOB 8/00) zzzzjones@...
>
> Liberty Station, Point Loma, California, USA
>
> Sent by my ACER AspireOne Black Laptop via CyberElves Communication
> ...and have a great day.
>
> ......y que tengas un buen dia.
>
> ... noch einen schoenen Tag.
>
> .. a fish without an eye is "fsh"
>
> or "ghot"?
> To: protoninfo@yahoogroups.com
> From: ppreuss@...
> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:46:31 +0000
> Subject: [protoninfo] Jacksonville Proton Institute
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>       I have no doubt that Loma Linda is a fine place - however I wonder why
someone on the East Coast, and even in Florida would consider it over the
Univeristy of Florida Proton Therapy Institute (UFPTI) at Jacksonville.  I am a
resident of upstate New YOrk - way upstate.  I have traveled 1200 miles to be
treated at Jacksonville after seeking information from two other proton therapy
centers.  Let me tell you - from my own experience and from what I have learned
from the many other prostate cancer patients here - not all proton therapy
centers are the same.  Some have older technology.  Some have long waiting
lists.  Some are not really interested in treating old men with prostate cancer.
Some are only interested in treating certain easy to treat prostate cancers. 
Here in Jacksonville I found it really quick to gain admittance and they
processed all the necessary work regarding my insurance coverage - whereas
another center required me to go through all the hastle.  Over 60% of the
patients here are prostate cancer patients - so I am among a large pool of
fellow travelers and do not feel alone or isolated.  We have a Tuesday group
that goes out for lunch if we want, there is a Wednesday "lunch bunch" here at
the center put on by UFPTI, and tonight, Thursday there is a dinner outing for
those that want to go.  There is a caregivers support group as well as some
special events.  I have received 21 of my 39 treatments and have found a home
away from home as well as the comfort of knowing that not only have I made the
right decision regarding protons but I made the right decision regarding the
center to come to.  UFPTI felt right from the start when I spoke to the first
contact person and it remains that way when I go home from treatment each time
when the security guard waves me out of the special parking lot.  Besides - I
happen to be here when the weather is just perfect. Jacksonville is a wonderful
citgy and my wife and I joined the local YMCA and also got our library cards and
have been taking advantage of both along with all of the local attractions.  So
think about the total picture when selecting a center.  Yes we may have six or
seven up or coming on line but only a couple (I think) truly want to REALLY
serve older men with prostate cancer.
>

I second Dean's message, as my wife and I rented Joy's two bedroom house just up
the street fopm Dean's duplex accommodations.  Joy will provide pictures by
e-mail.  All depends of course on start times and rental availabilities.  If it
does not work out, there are plenty of others available.  I can provide Joy's
email addy if you want it.

Fuller

--- In protoninfo@yahoogroups.com, "crownvic28786" <linddg@...> wrote:
>
>
> My wife and I spent our time at Loma Linda last winter in a duplex owned by
Joy Guy. It should be on the list you received. We were very pleased with the
apartment cost, upkeep, furnishings etc. Joy is also a very nice person to rent
from. It was about 6 or 7 blocks and I walked to all appointments except for a
couple of rainy days! I would suggest living within walking distance, as others
have, to avoid the parking hassle at the hospital.   Dean
>
>

Dear JC:
Marckini discusses this issue in his book on p.67. He says"35 percent of men
report some change in their sexuality." My physician at UFPTI advised me that I
would finish treatment with about the same degree of potency that I brought to
the table. Personally I experienced about a 10 to 15 percent reduction in my
potency, but it could be due to the aging process. For more detail check out my
journal at http://proton.blogspot.com/
Incidently Marckini discusses the impact of most all treatments on potency.  Don
O.

--- In protoninfo@yahoogroups.com, "jnc0101" <jnc0101@...> wrote:
>
> I could use some help finding published research on the risk of impotence
arising from prostate proton therapy.  All I'm finding is unsubstantiated
statements by people with a wide range of opinions.
>
> Thanks in advance,
> JC
>

you got to be kidding!  Distasteful??  All I'm trying to do is share my thoughts
on my experience at UFPTI.  If that is "selling" so be it!

Ed

--- In protoninfo@yahoogroups.com, "sharon93_19008" <sfgordon93@...> wrote:
>
>      I am surprised that today's messages seem to be "selling" one proton site
over the others.  Fuller has always made the point that the treatment is
equivalent at all the sites.  We have tried to give information about all the
sites without promoting one over the others.
>
>       I really find the current discussion distasteful and would appreciate if
it would stop.
>
>                               Sharon
>

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

I am surprised that today's messages seem to be "selling" one proton site
over the others.  Fuller has always made the point that the treatment is
equivalent at all the sites.  We have tried to give information about all the
sites without promoting one over the others.

       I really find the current discussion distasteful and would appreciate if
it would stop.

                               Sharon

I could use some help finding published research on the risk of impotence
arising from prostate proton therapy.  All I'm finding is unsubstantiated
statements by people with a wide range of opinions.

Thanks in advance,
JC

As a graduate of UFPTI (12/08) I cannot say enough about their professionalism
and they care they gave us.  I do not hesitate in recommending this proton
center as I truly believe they are a "center of excellence".  Gerry Troy and his
staff do an excellent job of creating a positive atmosphere for patients and
family to bond.

Ed Manning

--- In protoninfo@yahoogroups.com, "Bill" <bill_s_22032@...> wrote:
>
> Cal, Gerry certainly doesn't hurt.  He heads a three person patient services
staff that does an outstanding job of taking care of the non-medical issues that
some patients encounter, as well as leading a program of activities for all
patients.  As you know Gerry was at Loma Linda for many years and brought a
chunk of their philosophy with him.  But he is far from the only reason patients
are so enthusiastic about UFPTI.  Absolutely everyone I delt with there seemed
genuinely competent and were just nice people.  The doctors, nurses, and gantry
crews were uniformly great.  Gerry is just one panel of a very nice picture.
>
> --- In protoninfo@yahoogroups.com, zz Jones <zzzzjones@> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Does Gerry Troy have anything to do with making Jacksonville work so well?
> >
> > Cal Jones (BOB 8/00) zzzzjones@
> >
> > Liberty Station, Point Loma, California, USA
> >
> > Sent by my ACER AspireOne Black Laptop via CyberElves Communication
> > ...and have a great day.
> >
> > ......y que tengas un buen dia.
> >
> > ... noch einen schoenen Tag.
> >
> > .. a fish without an eye is "fsh"
> >
> > or "ghot"?
> > To: protoninfo@yahoogroups.com
> > From: ppreuss@
> > Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:46:31 +0000
> > Subject: [protoninfo] Jacksonville Proton Institute
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >       I have no doubt that Loma Linda is a fine place - however I wonder why
someone on the East Coast, and even in Florida would consider it over the
Univeristy of Florida Proton Therapy Institute (UFPTI) at Jacksonville.  I am a
resident of upstate New YOrk - way upstate.  I have traveled 1200 miles to be
treated at Jacksonville after seeking information from two other proton therapy
centers.  Let me tell you - from my own experience and from what I have learned
from the many other prostate cancer patients here - not all proton therapy
centers are the same.  Some have older technology.  Some have long waiting
lists.  Some are not really interested in treating old men with prostate cancer.
Some are only interested in treating certain easy to treat prostate cancers. 
Here in Jacksonville I found it really quick to gain admittance and they
processed all the necessary work regarding my insurance coverage - whereas
another center required me to go through all the hastle.  Over 60% of the
patients here are prostate cancer patients - so I am among a large pool of
fellow travelers and do not feel alone or isolated.  We have a Tuesday group
that goes out for lunch if we want, there is a Wednesday "lunch bunch" here at
the center put on by UFPTI, and tonight, Thursday there is a dinner outing for
those that want to go.  There is a caregivers support group as well as some
special events.  I have received 21 of my 39 treatments and have found a home
away from home as well as the comfort of knowing that not only have I made the
right decision regarding protons but I made the right decision regarding the
center to come to.  UFPTI felt right from the start when I spoke to the first
contact person and it remains that way when I go home from treatment each time
when the security guard waves me out of the special parking lot.  Besides - I
happen to be here when the weather is just perfect. Jacksonville is a wonderful
citgy and my wife and I joined the local YMCA and also got our library cards and
have been taking advantage of both along with all of the local attractions.  So
think about the total picture when selecting a center.  Yes we may have six or
seven up or coming on line but only a couple (I think) truly want to REALLY
serve older men with prostate cancer.
> >
>

Cal, Gerry certainly doesn't hurt.  He heads a three person patient services
staff that does an outstanding job of taking care of the non-medical issues that
some patients encounter, as well as leading a program of activities for all
patients.  As you know Gerry was at Loma Linda for many years and brought a
chunk of their philosophy with him.  But he is far from the only reason patients
are so enthusiastic about UFPTI.  Absolutely everyone I delt with there seemed
genuinely competent and were just nice people.  The doctors, nurses, and gantry
crews were uniformly great.  Gerry is just one panel of a very nice picture.

--- In protoninfo@yahoogroups.com, zz Jones <zzzzjones@...> wrote:
>
>
> Does Gerry Troy have anything to do with making Jacksonville work so well?
>
> Cal Jones (BOB 8/00) zzzzjones@...
>
> Liberty Station, Point Loma, California, USA
>
> Sent by my ACER AspireOne Black Laptop via CyberElves Communication
> ...and have a great day.
>
> ......y que tengas un buen dia.
>
> ... noch einen schoenen Tag.
>
> .. a fish without an eye is "fsh"
>
> or "ghot"?
> To: protoninfo@yahoogroups.com
> From: ppreuss@...
> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:46:31 +0000
> Subject: [protoninfo] Jacksonville Proton Institute
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>       I have no doubt that Loma Linda is a fine place - however I wonder why
someone on the East Coast, and even in Florida would consider it over the
Univeristy of Florida Proton Therapy Institute (UFPTI) at Jacksonville.  I am a
resident of upstate New YOrk - way upstate.  I have traveled 1200 miles to be
treated at Jacksonville after seeking information from two other proton therapy
centers.  Let me tell you - from my own experience and from what I have learned
from the many other prostate cancer patients here - not all proton therapy
centers are the same.  Some have older technology.  Some have long waiting
lists.  Some are not really interested in treating old men with prostate cancer.
Some are only interested in treating certain easy to treat prostate cancers. 
Here in Jacksonville I found it really quick to gain admittance and they
processed all the necessary work regarding my insurance coverage - whereas
another center required me to go through all the hastle.  Over 60% of the
patients here are prostate cancer patients - so I am among a large pool of
fellow travelers and do not feel alone or isolated.  We have a Tuesday group
that goes out for lunch if we want, there is a Wednesday "lunch bunch" here at
the center put on by UFPTI, and tonight, Thursday there is a dinner outing for
those that want to go.  There is a caregivers support group as well as some
special events.  I have received 21 of my 39 treatments and have found a home
away from home as well as the comfort of knowing that not only have I made the
right decision regarding protons but I made the right decision regarding the
center to come to.  UFPTI felt right from the start when I spoke to the first
contact person and it remains that way when I go home from treatment each time
when the security guard waves me out of the special parking lot.  Besides - I
happen to be here when the weather is just perfect. Jacksonville is a wonderful
citgy and my wife and I joined the local YMCA and also got our library cards and
have been taking advantage of both along with all of the local attractions.  So
think about the total picture when selecting a center.  Yes we may have six or
seven up or coming on line but only a couple (I think) truly want to REALLY
serve older men with prostate cancer.
>

I have no doubt that Loma Linda is a fine place - however I wonder why someone
on the East Coast, and even in Florida would consider it over the Univeristy of
Florida Proton Therapy Institute (UFPTI) at Jacksonville.  I am a resident of
upstate New YOrk - way upstate.  I have traveled 1200 miles to be treated at
Jacksonville after seeking information from two other proton therapy centers. 
Let me tell you - from my own experience and from what I have learned from the
many other prostate cancer patients here - not all proton therapy centers are
the same.  Some have older technology.  Some have long waiting lists.  Some are
not really interested in treating old men with prostate cancer.  Some are only
interested in treating certain easy to treat prostate cancers.  Here in
Jacksonville I found it really quick to gain admittance and they processed all
the necessary work regarding my insurance coverage - whereas another center
required me to go through all the hastle.  Over 60% of the patients here are
prostate cancer patients - so I am among a large pool of fellow travelers and do
not feel alone or isolated.  We have a Tuesday group that goes out for lunch if
we want, there is a Wednesday "lunch bunch" here at the center put on by UFPTI,
and tonight, Thursday there is a dinner outing for those that want to go.  There
is a caregivers support group as well as some special events.  I have received
21 of my 39 treatments and have found a home away from home as well as the
comfort of knowing that not only have I made the right decision regarding
protons but I made the right decision regarding the center to come to.  UFPTI
felt right from the start when I spoke to the first contact person and it
remains that way when I go home from treatment each time when the security guard
waves me out of the special parking lot.  Besides - I happen to be here when the
weather is just perfect. Jacksonville is a wonderful citgy and my wife and I
joined the local YMCA and also got our library cards and have been taking
advantage of both along with all of the local attractions.  So think about the
total picture when selecting a center.  Yes we may have six or seven up or
coming on line but only a couple (I think) truly want to REALLY serve older men
with prostate cancer.

My wife and I spent our time at Loma Linda last winter in a duplex owned by Joy
Guy. It should be on the list you received. We were very pleased with the
apartment cost, upkeep, furnishings etc. Joy is also a very nice person to rent
from. It was about 6 or 7 blocks and I walked to all appointments except for a
couple of rainy days! I would suggest living within walking distance, as others
have, to avoid the parking hassle at the hospital.   Dean


--- In protoninfo@yahoogroups.com, "at_the_turn" <at_the_turn@...> wrote:
>
> Going to Loma Linda next week to get the Pod fitting, tests, etc. and also
will be looking for housing.  Any "inside tips" as to the best places to look
(prices vs. quality of housing, etc.???).  I do have the housing list Loma Linda
provides but I wanted to get somebody's advice as to the "do's and do nots" of
finding a place to stay.
> Any other tips would be appreciated as well.
>
> Damon
>

Sherry,

My name is Carol and my husband, Paul, was treated at Loma Linda in 2007. His highest pre-treatment PSA was 3.5. His current PSA is 0.2.

You have received replies from other members outlining a lot but I just wanted to respond to the statement in Fuller's introduction that you hadn't heard from LLUMC "as they said they would …". IMO, the best approach with them is to be proactive. We didn't wait for them to call. In fact, by calling persistently (I was the persistent one) we were able to get a consult appointment three weeks early, thereby allowing the treatment to start three weeks early. We called and reminded the intake person that we were a 4-5 hour drive away and that we could be there in a day's notice. Apparently that did the trick. They called with a cancellation the  very next day.

On another subject, regarding the Loma Linda "fluff" that is referred to by several posters, there is some of that, IMO. However, we didn't go there for the "fluff". We went there for the proton technology. Don't get me wrong. We did attend several social functions on a weekly basis but we did stay clear of the Wednesday night meetings unless there was a specific speaker we wanted to hear (too much "fluff" and a lot of repetition). So, over the course of two months, we probably attended only 2-3 Wednesday night meetings. However, we didn't miss a Tuesday night "pot luck" or a Thursday night "dining out" with the group. This was simply our preference.

Hope this helps.

Carol

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