Prostate Cancer

Survivor Spotlight:
Barry Showalter

Barry Showalter Explored Other Options Before Choosing Proton Therapy for High-Risk Prostate Cancer.

Barry Showalter is a 10-year prostate cancer survivor who encourages others to not worry if they are diagnosed with prostate cancer and to look into proton therapy for their treatment. While a biopsy did not show any evidence of cancer, his PSA of 30 indicated that he had high-risk prostate cancer.

As Barry researched treatment options such as brachytherapy and surgery, his daughter encouraged him to investigate proton therapy. When she mentioned proton therapy, he remembered reading about it in a magazine years ago in a urologist’s office, not realizing what proton therapy was used for. Barry reached out to the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, received a packet of information and scheduled his three-day workup and consultation appointment.

A few weeks later he was starting treatment in Jacksonville. While holding the water in his bladder during treatments was a challenge for him, the treatment experience was not bad at all for Barry. His radiation oncologist recommended 20 treatments of proton therapy and 25 treatments of IMRT to give him the best chance of cure for his high-risk prostate cancer. Today, his PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is regularly around 0.1.

As a retiree, Barry was able to stay in Jacksonville for his 45 treatments. He found a garage apartment to rent in the historic area and was able to enjoy his time here and learn about the city of Jacksonville. Barry met many interesting people treated for prostate cancer and other types of cancer. He also enjoyed hearing the doctors share their expertise at the patient luncheons and at the presentations when he came for follow-up appointments each year.

Barry and his wife are enjoying life in a great retirement community and travel whenever they can. As a proton ambassador, he has had several people reach out to him over the years to hear about his experience, and he unequivocally recommends proton therapy and the team at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.

“Would I do it again? You bet I would!”