BrachyTherapy(seed implantation)

Like earlier versions of FB I have lost 3 lengthy posts...a wrong keystroke loses all..advice:  improve algorythms are needed...anyhoo:  Brachy Therapy completed with 97 low dose permanently implanted May 15 after 5 month journey of worry, concern and conflicting opinions of MDs,, Urologists, and Oncologists.  Am blessed to have two medical systems I can access: Medicare (National Health) & Veterans Administration.  Got good and very bad advice from docs, family & friends.  Took bull by balls and surfed & read.  Best advice before choosing/taking medical advice:  read "Invasion of the Prostate Snatchers: No More Unnecessary Biopsies, Radical Treatment or Loss of Sexual Potency," by Ralph H. Blum & Mark Scholz, MD.  Took all into consideration.  Am happy with decision as I caught cancer in intermediate stage (Gleason 4+3=7 & 10.8 PSA & large prostate). Got referral to top oncologist in veterans system.  Interviewed on phone.  Went for two sessions.  Therapy by amazing team at McGuire VA Hospital in Eastern US..feeling on the mend with bowl & bladder approaching normal.  Tests in 6 months but still feel whole at 68 except no small babies or puppies in my lap for 2 months or sex without comdoms for 2 weeks.  Lots more to this story but for those living with a diagnosis:  take charge, do research, find experts who instill confidence.

  • Hi bobbert,

    Just wanted to welcome you on our site and thank you for telling us all about your story! I know we have many members on our forum who have also had treatment for prostate cancer and many have had side effects that affected their sexual potency.

    Here are a couple of threads that might be of interest to you and you may want to comment on. So feel free to have a look at this thread and also this one entitled a Taboo Subject for Men.

    You seem to be doing really well!

    Best wishes,

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi Bobbert,

    Like the lovely Lucie, thank you for posting your story, and well done for researching the alternative treatment. As my psa was quite high at 70, gleeson 3+3=6, I was told that brachytherapy was not suitable for me. I had two years of hormone therapy and 37 radiotherapy sessions. I have had a lot of side effects from the hormone therapy but have chosen to look on it as a small price to pay for the result I've had.

    The hospital nearest to me has now fairly recently started offering brachytherapy so hope more men can now be offered this treatment as it does seem to have far less side effects overall.

    Best wishes to you and I hope you make a full recovery, Brian.

  • Brian, 

    My net down...another US high dollar charade...I love questioning big gov't..anyhoo..our conments thoughful and welcome..I am happy I looked into treatment options..including ignoring/denying but surgery not my forte..so Brachy seemed a possibility..glad I researched as I did..too many men get antsy and have some surgery that may not be necessary..hope more men take the time to take charge of their own helalth!

    Bob

    Tulsa, OK  (Yippee! :-))

     

  • Lucie,

    My net down for 2 days..too much rain,,ty for putting me on the site..more men with prosate need to pause and research before radical surgery..told jokes in 2 hour procedure..Dr. Drew personally wheeled me out of the operating room..got me some lunch..during procedure we discussed new options on horizon,,,electircal signals that confuse cancer cells..Drew is *** cutting edge research at Univ Virginia.....got to take all with a grain (of salt) as is said.  Hope I can be of help in getting men to avoid the "prostate snatchers."

    Robert (Bob)

    Tulsa, Oklahoma

  • Hello Bob!

    Internet down for 2 days! How did you cope? In a way, it's good when that happens I find.

    You seem to have a great sense of humour - it's great to have you on our forum and you will meet many men here like Brian who have been through a similar experience. 

    I just wanted to let you know I removed your surname from your posts especially as you mention your location. We just want to protect our users' privacy since it's a public forum so I hope you won't mind if you're just Bob - it's a cool name anyway!

    Tulsa, Oklahoma. Wow.  Tell us more! What's it like to live there? Is it a beautiful place? Does the sun always shine? I guess not if you just got lots of rain :)

    Lucie

     

  • Thank you Lucie..doubtful I can be found.  Yes,  humor works in all phases of life.  Came from NY when I was 17...University of Oklahoma...Oklahoma City Area..moved to Tulsa area in 1996.  Love the Osage Hills, Lakes, Native people especially Cherokoee and weather.  Devoted my career to creating shelter programs with people who also did food, health, aging and adoption programs.  Here in Tulsa worked with regional planning commission to boost economies of two small communities-Collinsville, OK and Sand Springs, OK (where I retired).  My daughter lives close by.  All my X,s but the first one do not talk to me any longer but left them well suited to move on in life.  Love UK..in 1982 spent a month driving (left hand-standard shift) off motor-way thru London, Wales, Ireland, Scotland and back to London staying onlyat B&B's.  Rolling hills of much of UK look alot like Sand Springs.  I think the forum is so helpful..hope I can be of some comfort to those worrying like I did :-)