Re: Brachytherapy - what's the real pluses and minuses

[Guest guest]

Welcome aboard! That is the crazy thing about the various therapies

that are offerred. As Alan had just commented that there is no 'right'

decision, everyone has to come to their own conclusion. Much different

than the typical doctor/patient scenario. Take all information into

consider and make your decision. Naturally, I would speak with

individuals who have gone through the various procedures.

I still have not and am in the active surveillance mode. Just saw the

urologist last week and we have scheduled another visit in July. I

found it very interesting about the PCA3 test and am going to

investigate. Right now, they want me to get another biopsy in July.

Best to you

Dan

-- In ProstateCancerSupport , Gerald LaGrange

wrote:

>

> Hi,

>

> Am 56, diagnosed with low risk PC. Going for therapy consult 1/12. 

Choices are external radiation, brachytherapy, and removal.  Leaning

heavily towards brachytherapy. I would love to hear from folks who have

undergone this procedure and who can tell me the pluses, minuses,

and post therapy issues and how long such issues might last. 

>

> Thanks

> jlag

>

[Guest guest]

I was treated with brachytherapy about 14 months ago, at the age of

59. Like you, I was diagnosed as 'low risk'.

A year out, my PSA is .4, down from 5.0, so at least so far, it has

been successful. I experienced pretty typical side effects: soreness

for a few days afterward, some burning with urination for a week or

two, some urinary urgency for several weeks, more frequent bowel

movements for several weeks. Also a burning sensation during sex the

first few times.

None of these side effects were big deals - if I was still working, I

could have gone back to work a day or two after the procedure. And the

side effects were completely gone within 4-6 weeks. In that time, I

wouldn't even have finished IMRT or proton therapy yet!

But, there are no guarantees. I had a good experience, but that

doesn't mean everyone will. I think the fact that I was fairly young

(for a prostate patient), and in good health helped, but most of all I

had a radiation oncologist with a lot of experience doing

brachytherapy. I think it is really important to find an experienced

doctor, and one who will share his track record with you, to plan and

perform the brachytherapy.

In terms of minuses, I can't really think of any, given the

alternatives. Some don't like the idea of being radiated, some don't

like the idea of leaving foreign objects in their bodies, some like

the finality of having their prostate removed and examined - I

wouldn't try to argue with anyone if they don't find brachytherapy

appealing. But my experience was really good, and the medical

literature would seem to say the success rate of brachytherapy is at

least as good as the alternatives. Good luck with whatever you decide.

> Hi,

>

> Am 56, diagnosed with low risk PC. Going for therapy consult 1/12. Choices

> are external radiation, brachytherapy, and removal. Leaning heavily towards

> brachytherapy. I would love to hear from folks who have undergone this

> procedure and who can tell me the pluses, minuses, and post therapy issues

> and how long such issues might last.

>

> Thanks

> jlag

>

>

>

--

Bob in NV

[Guest guest]

I was treated with brachytherapy about 14 months ago, at the age of

59. Like you, I was diagnosed as 'low risk'.

A year out, my PSA is .4, down from 5.0, so at least so far, it has

been successful. I experienced pretty typical side effects: soreness

for a few days afterward, some burning with urination for a week or

two, some urinary urgency for several weeks, more frequent bowel

movements for several weeks. Also a burning sensation during sex the

first few times.

None of these side effects were big deals - if I was still working, I

could have gone back to work a day or two after the procedure. And the

side effects were completely gone within 4-6 weeks. In that time, I

wouldn't even have finished IMRT or proton therapy yet!

But, there are no guarantees. I had a good experience, but that

doesn't mean everyone will. I think the fact that I was fairly young

(for a prostate patient), and in good health helped, but most of all I

had a radiation oncologist with a lot of experience doing

brachytherapy. I think it is really important to find an experienced

doctor, and one who will share his track record with you, to plan and

perform the brachytherapy.

In terms of minuses, I can't really think of any, given the

alternatives. Some don't like the idea of being radiated, some don't

like the idea of leaving foreign objects in their bodies, some like

the finality of having their prostate removed and examined - I

wouldn't try to argue with anyone if they don't find brachytherapy

appealing. But my experience was really good, and the medical

literature would seem to say the success rate of brachytherapy is at

least as good as the alternatives. Good luck with whatever you decide.

> Hi,

>

> Am 56, diagnosed with low risk PC. Going for therapy consult 1/12. Choices

> are external radiation, brachytherapy, and removal. Leaning heavily towards

> brachytherapy. I would love to hear from folks who have undergone this

> procedure and who can tell me the pluses, minuses, and post therapy issues

> and how long such issues might last.

>

> Thanks

> jlag

>

>

>

--

Bob in NV

[Guest guest]

Hey

I'm 52. Did HDR Brachytherapy a year ago August. My procedure entailed a one night stay in the hospital. Four treatments spread over the two days. Home the second night. I have had a steady decline in PSA for the last sixteen months. I have had no post therapy issues. In my case, it's been all pluses and no minuses. So far.

Subject: Brachytherapy - what's the real pluses and minusesTo: ProstateCancerSupport Date: Friday, January 9, 2009, 3:22 PM

Hi,

Am 56, diagnosed with low risk PC. Going for therapy consult 1/12. Choices are external radiation, brachytherapy, and removal. Leaning heavily towards brachytherapy. I would love to hear from folks who have undergone this procedure and who can tell me the pluses, minuses, and post therapy issues and how long such issues might last.

Thanks

jlag

[Guest guest]

Hey

I'm 52. Did HDR Brachytherapy a year ago August. My procedure entailed a one night stay in the hospital. Four treatments spread over the two days. Home the second night. I have had a steady decline in PSA for the last sixteen months. I have had no post therapy issues. In my case, it's been all pluses and no minuses. So far.

Subject: Brachytherapy - what's the real pluses and minusesTo: ProstateCancerSupport Date: Friday, January 9, 2009, 3:22 PM

Hi,

Am 56, diagnosed with low risk PC. Going for therapy consult 1/12. Choices are external radiation, brachytherapy, and removal. Leaning heavily towards brachytherapy. I would love to hear from folks who have undergone this procedure and who can tell me the pluses, minuses, and post therapy issues and how long such issues might last.

Thanks

jlag

[Guest guest]

G’day jlag?Gerald

If you go along to my website at http://www.yananow.net/Experiences.html#brachy

you will find the experiences of 30+ men who chose brachytherapy. Most of them

will be happy to answer any questions you have after they read their stories.

Experiences of virtually every other treatment

option are also on the site which now has over 570 stories of men who’ve

been down the track ahead of you.

All the best

Terry Herbert

I have no medical

qualifications but I was diagnosed in ‘96: and have learned a bit since

then.

My sites are at www.yananow.net and www.prostatecancerwatchfulwaiting.co.za

Dr

“Snuffy” Myers : " As a physician, I am painfully aware that most of

the decisions we make with regard to prostate cancer are made with inadequate

data "

From: ProstateCancerSupport [mailto:ProstateCancerSupport ] On Behalf Of Gerald LaGrange

Sent: Saturday, 10 January 2009

7:22 AM

To: ProstateCancerSupport

Subject:

Brachytherapy - what's the real pluses and minuses

Hi,

Am 56, diagnosed with low risk PC. Going for therapy consult

1/12. Choices are external radiation, brachytherapy, and removal.

Leaning heavily towards brachytherapy. I would love to hear from folks who have

undergone this procedure and who can tell me the pluses, minuses, and post

therapy issues and how long such issues might last.

Thanks

jlag

[Guest guest]

G’day jlag?Gerald

If you go along to my website at http://www.yananow.net/Experiences.html#brachy

you will find the experiences of 30+ men who chose brachytherapy. Most of them

will be happy to answer any questions you have after they read their stories.

Experiences of virtually every other treatment

option are also on the site which now has over 570 stories of men who’ve

been down the track ahead of you.

All the best

Terry Herbert

I have no medical

qualifications but I was diagnosed in ‘96: and have learned a bit since

then.

My sites are at www.yananow.net and www.prostatecancerwatchfulwaiting.co.za

Dr

“Snuffy” Myers : " As a physician, I am painfully aware that most of

the decisions we make with regard to prostate cancer are made with inadequate

data "

From: ProstateCancerSupport [mailto:ProstateCancerSupport ] On Behalf Of Gerald LaGrange

Sent: Saturday, 10 January 2009

7:22 AM

To: ProstateCancerSupport

Subject:

Brachytherapy - what's the real pluses and minuses

Hi,

Am 56, diagnosed with low risk PC. Going for therapy consult

1/12. Choices are external radiation, brachytherapy, and removal.

Leaning heavily towards brachytherapy. I would love to hear from folks who have

undergone this procedure and who can tell me the pluses, minuses, and post

therapy issues and how long such issues might last.

Thanks

jlag

[Guest guest]

G’day jlag?Gerald

If you go along to my website at http://www.yananow.net/Experiences.html#brachy

you will find the experiences of 30+ men who chose brachytherapy. Most of them

will be happy to answer any questions you have after they read their stories.

Experiences of virtually every other treatment

option are also on the site which now has over 570 stories of men who’ve

been down the track ahead of you.

All the best

Terry Herbert

I have no medical

qualifications but I was diagnosed in ‘96: and have learned a bit since

then.

My sites are at www.yananow.net and www.prostatecancerwatchfulwaiting.co.za

Dr

“Snuffy” Myers : " As a physician, I am painfully aware that most of

the decisions we make with regard to prostate cancer are made with inadequate

data "

From: ProstateCancerSupport [mailto:ProstateCancerSupport ] On Behalf Of Gerald LaGrange

Sent: Saturday, 10 January 2009

7:22 AM

To: ProstateCancerSupport

Subject:

Brachytherapy - what's the real pluses and minuses

Hi,

Am 56, diagnosed with low risk PC. Going for therapy consult

1/12. Choices are external radiation, brachytherapy, and removal.

Leaning heavily towards brachytherapy. I would love to hear from folks who have

undergone this procedure and who can tell me the pluses, minuses, and post

therapy issues and how long such issues might last.

Thanks

jlag

[Guest guest]

Gerald

When I made the decision in 1996, I chatted to lots of people, including the specialists.

I remember it as a most difficult time.

I had a list of pros and cons (good things verses bad things) and sort of did a risk test - what side effects I was prepared to live with and what benefits I wanted.

I must admit to have had an inkling for seeds, but I had to choose surgery as the radiation would have caused more problems due to the fact that I had inflammation around the uretha. As it happens it was the right choice as the surgeon had major problems with the tumour in the inflamed area.

As you have been told it is for you and your partner to chat through, the pros and cons and chose what is right for you. By all means read experiences, they will help you build a picture. It will be your choice that matters, take your time, but once made and done - don't look back and say I wish...

Which ever one you choose nobody here will say you should have.....

Best wishes

Brachytherapy - what's the real pluses and minuses

Hi,

Am 56, diagnosed with low risk PC. Going for therapy consult 1/12. Choices are external radiation, brachytherapy, and removal. Leaning heavily towards brachytherapy. I would love to hear from folks who have undergone this procedure and who can tell me the pluses, minuses, and post therapy issues and how long such issues might last.

Thanks

jlag

[Guest guest]

Gerald

When I made the decision in 1996, I chatted to lots of people, including the specialists.

I remember it as a most difficult time.

I had a list of pros and cons (good things verses bad things) and sort of did a risk test - what side effects I was prepared to live with and what benefits I wanted.

I must admit to have had an inkling for seeds, but I had to choose surgery as the radiation would have caused more problems due to the fact that I had inflammation around the uretha. As it happens it was the right choice as the surgeon had major problems with the tumour in the inflamed area.

As you have been told it is for you and your partner to chat through, the pros and cons and chose what is right for you. By all means read experiences, they will help you build a picture. It will be your choice that matters, take your time, but once made and done - don't look back and say I wish...

Which ever one you choose nobody here will say you should have.....

Best wishes

Brachytherapy - what's the real pluses and minuses

Hi,

Am 56, diagnosed with low risk PC. Going for therapy consult 1/12. Choices are external radiation, brachytherapy, and removal. Leaning heavily towards brachytherapy. I would love to hear from folks who have undergone this procedure and who can tell me the pluses, minuses, and post therapy issues and how long such issues might last.

Thanks

jlag

[Guest guest]

Gerald

When I made the decision in 1996, I chatted to lots of people, including the specialists.

I remember it as a most difficult time.

I had a list of pros and cons (good things verses bad things) and sort of did a risk test - what side effects I was prepared to live with and what benefits I wanted.

I must admit to have had an inkling for seeds, but I had to choose surgery as the radiation would have caused more problems due to the fact that I had inflammation around the uretha. As it happens it was the right choice as the surgeon had major problems with the tumour in the inflamed area.

As you have been told it is for you and your partner to chat through, the pros and cons and chose what is right for you. By all means read experiences, they will help you build a picture. It will be your choice that matters, take your time, but once made and done - don't look back and say I wish...

Which ever one you choose nobody here will say you should have.....

Best wishes

Brachytherapy - what's the real pluses and minuses

Hi,

Am 56, diagnosed with low risk PC. Going for therapy consult 1/12. Choices are external radiation, brachytherapy, and removal. Leaning heavily towards brachytherapy. I would love to hear from folks who have undergone this procedure and who can tell me the pluses, minuses, and post therapy issues and how long such issues might last.

Thanks

jlag