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Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer

MikeBlanche
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  1. Side effects of Brachytherapy 

At the age of 70 in November 2017 I had a mini TURP.

IN APRIL 2018 I received brachytherapy treatment with 135 radioactive pellets inserted. All good that follows PSA levels since always around 0.0245.

In November 2020 the soles of BOTH feet started to develop a tightness as though a film stuck across the whole foot. May 2021 refer problem  to GP various tests checked no result. The following year saw a neurologist who said no conclusion and denied me a nerve conductivity test. I reported the feet problem back to the Brachy support team and was told it was not related. Various avenues explored, osteopaths, podiatrists, MSK, nothing.

In meantime feeling in BOTH feet becoming worse. Greater tingling. Up in calveuscles tightness and more prone to cramp.

Recently more tests including a nerve conductivity test and conclusion is my condition is symptomatic of AZONAL NEUROPATHY.   The nerve problem in the peripheral area is triggered by some development further up the body, in the groin area. I always  suspected this as the area because it occurred in BOTH feet at the same time.

At the time of my Brachytherapy I don't recall being warned of this as a possible side effect and would 135 pellets be considered an excessive radiation dose?

I have dug further into to matter to find there is a whole host of possible nerve related side effects from erectile dysfunction to peripheral neuropathy 

As male I would appear to have to have chosen or rather chosen for me peripheral neuropathy.

Thank you and I appreciate your response.

Mike 

  • Hello Mike and thank you for posting,

    I am sorry to learn of the symptoms you have been experiencing and have now been diagnosed with neuropathy this must be difficult.

    I am afraid as nurses not involved in your medical care we cannot comment on whether or not the dose of brachytherapy is considered high. Nor can we provide a medical or second opinion. Each person's treatment is planned individually and will depend on things like how much of the prostate gland was affected by cancer, and what type of brachytherapy is recommended such as permanent seeds or High-dose brachytherapy.

    Only the team who treated you and knows your situation can comment. I appreciate this is difficult as you are likely to have been discharged from the hospital. I don't know if your GP might be able to advise you.

    I was unsure if it has been confirmed that the neuropathy you are experiencing has been caused by your cancer treatment. I have looked into this and I cannot find any information that suggests it is a common side effect of radiotherapy and have only been able to find limited information with rare case studies not necessarily prostate cancer.

    It is difficult because everyone is different and will have different side effects including rare side effects.

    It might be worth seeing if there is a late effects clinic at the hospital where you were treated and where your GP might be able to refer you.

    I am sorry I cannot be more helpful, though I hope this helps a little.

    If you would like to speak to one of our nurses we are available between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and the freephone number to call is 0808 800 4040

    Jemma

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