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Brachytherapy going forward

User
Posted 01 Jul 2018 at 08:50

Hi Tom,

Thanks for your reply,sounds like you  are winning too long may it go on.I must say in general i am feeling a lot better over the last year and less tired and apart from returning from our trip to Spain early last December to sort out an elderly 98 year old mother in law but that is another story all is fine.

Keep in touch with your next results and good luck.

Regards John.

User
Posted 01 Jul 2018 at 09:16
Well done on your results John.

Best Wishes for future success in them

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails
User
Posted 25 Sep 2018 at 14:06

Hi all,

Today I have reached two years from my Brachytherapy operation at Mount Vernon and all is well with my Psa dropping slowly from 2.19 in September 2016 to 0.39 in June 2018.with my next blood test due in January 2019.I still get up a couple of times a night for the toilet but with no great urgency but this is much the same as before my operation.

ED is much the same but i still get four blue pills a month on prescription but it could be age related at 72 and don't expect it to improve much. 

Regards John.

User
Posted 24 Dec 2018 at 12:52

Hi Guys & Girls,

I have just got my latest blood test PSA results and the my PSA is down to 0.22 from 0.39 in June 2018 not a bad Christmas present.I was a little worried about this result so got it in before Christmas as the last test had only dropped from 0.44 to 0.39 and i was worrying about a possible bump.

I can know relax until the oncology meeting on the 8th of January and have a few beers and wines.

Wishing all the members and families a peaceful Christmas & New Year and thanks for all your support.

John & Pat.

User
Posted 24 Dec 2018 at 15:12

Great news John and Pat. Have a relaxing Christmas. Best wishes, Ian.

Ido4

User
Posted 24 Dec 2018 at 16:08

Yes great news John and Pat ... Have a great Christmas and New Year. 

I have an appointment on 8th Jan at The Christie with my Urologist to discuss the next stage of my journey.

Will post the results when available.

Regards Tom   

User
Posted 24 Dec 2018 at 16:19
Great result John, enjoy Christmas!
Barry
User
Posted 08 Jan 2019 at 04:13

Hi campers,

Just had telephone call to cancel my appointment with my oncologist tomorrow and given a new date for next week and at the same time given a new member from the oncology team.Ok my PSA is down and it was good to get the results before Christmas but I do seem to get a few dropped meetings does that mean they are happy with my progress so far or is it  i live to near to the hospital.

 

John.

User
Posted 08 Jan 2019 at 07:18
Sounds more like your onco has left and patients are having to be fitted into other oncos' diaries.
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 08 Jan 2019 at 08:18

I had one meeting with a different consultant oncologist last year and one with a registrar before returning to my original consultant. On both occasions my usual consultant was in the clinic. Not sure why.

Hope appointment goes well next week.

Ian

 

Ido4

User
Posted 15 Jan 2019 at 15:24

Hi Lads and ladies & Brachy Pals,

Just back from my latest oncology meeting at the Lister Hospital and after a good meeting they have extended my tests to one year so fingers crossed that 2019 could be a better year for us.

Hoping you all have a better year too.

Regards John.

User
Posted 24 Jul 2019 at 06:49

Hi all,

Just a small update I am 34 months on from Brachytherapy in September 2016 and six months into the 12 monthly blood tests and still feel a little worried about leaving the PSA tests that long.I had a chest infection a couple of months ago that laid me up in bed and had me really worried and of course thinking is it the cancer starting somewhere else.But i found after a course of antibiotics i did not realise that the infection had been making me feel rough for months before and I was thinking it maybe the after affects of the brachytherapy, and general stress I was having from other sources that made me so tired and having no interest in doing anything.

I still tune in every day to keep up and give input where i can but there seems to be very few members going for the Brachytherapy treatment at the moment so i am unable to comment on procedures i don't understand but wish you all well with your treatment.

John.

 

 

User
Posted 24 Jul 2019 at 07:03

I have my high dose rate brachytherapy (HDR) in 2-3 weeks time, after I finish my radiotherapy.

User
Posted 24 Jul 2019 at 09:12

Hi Andy,

Good luck with your operation and don't worry about the procedure I found a lot better than i was expecting and was in and out of Mount Vernon in two days.

John.

User
Posted 24 Jul 2019 at 22:23
Hi John, just because the oncologist only wants annual PSA tests, that doesn't necessarily mean that you can't ask your GP practice for a PSA test at the 6 month mark. I suppose the issue is, if there was a little rise the onco wouldn't want to see you to discuss it and would say wait until the planned annual test and see what that says. So getting the in between test could just cause you unnecessary anxiety.
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 25 Jul 2019 at 10:39

Hello John the Print, I am possibly 'Father of the LDR House' on this forum and like you. read the new posts every single day when in or out of the country. This posting is for you John and I want you to know my situation 10 years after diagnosis. Lyn the Matron is absolutely correct in advising you to seek mid year PSA Blood test results via your own G.P. which is exactly what I have been doing for almost 10 years now. I have just returned home from my GP practice with a print out of my blood test result taken on Monday 22nd July and can see that it is now 2.8 having been at 2.4 six months ago. I am due to see my much admired Consultant next week when we will discuss the need for further treatment or not. If you read my profile you will see my PSA history but in summary I am informing you that the lowest it has ever dipped to is 1.0 which is therefore my nadir. In my case the  Consultant is hinting at further treatment when my PSA reaches 3 but my input to this will be to suggest 5 which should take about another 3 years, fingers crossed on that, by which time I will be 78 years old. I play Golf 3 sometimes 4 times each week and have always kept a diligent eye on my weight which today comes in at 11st.11lbs.

John the Print and anyone come to that who would like any more information please feel free to contact me via prostatecancer.UK or by email direct.

John, you sound like a very nice man to me and I embrace you as a fellow LDR PCa survivor(so far.)

 

 

Edited by member 25 Jul 2019 at 10:41  | Reason: Spellling.

User
Posted 25 Jul 2019 at 15:00

Hi Michael,

Nice to hear from a fellow Brachytherapy member that goes back a few years before my procedure.I was lucky to have heard of brachytherapy before my diagnosis as a business friend had the procedure two year before my problems and i may well have gone for the radical procedure that the specialist was telling me was the best option.My friend had the all clear(as much as you can with prostate cancer)but i will never know if he beat it as he died of a heart attack just after he retired at 65.

I was happy at the meeting with the Brachytherapy specialist as he thought i was suitable for the operation and so far my PSA has dropped at each blood test to 0.22 in January.

Good luck with your next meeting with your specialist .

 

John,

 

User
Posted 19 Dec 2019 at 09:42

Hi All,

I decided to get my Psa test in before Christmas and my Oncology meeting in January to give me a little peace of mind as it's been a long year since i went over to 12 monthly tests.

I am really pleased to say that my Psa has dropped again to 0.18 from 0.44 in December 2018 this makes it 39 months on Christmas day since my Brachytherapy operation at Mount Vernon.

The last two years have been very difficult for us with elderly parent needing 24/7 care with many callouts day and night so i did not have much time to think about the Brachytherapy and if i was winning or not and it was a relief when she passed on in November 10 days before her 100th birthday.

Wishing all our members the best of luck with their treatments in 2020 and wishing you all a Happy Christmas and New Year.

 

Regard John & Pat.

User
Posted 19 Dec 2019 at 11:42

Great news on your PSA. All the best for Christmas and 2020.

 

Ido4

User
Posted 19 Dec 2019 at 19:23
Good to hear of your ongoing progress John. I am due a PSA test this month and a consultant appointment in January 2020 so fingers crossed. Most of the side effects of my brachy have gone away ( done in October 2018 ) apart from ED but I had that before the brachy in a milder form. I now have "wet" orgasms having been dry for 12 months. I suppose I can't complain being 77 years old.

Still taking Tamsulosin but only every three days.

John

Gleason 6 = 3+3 PSA 8.8 P. volume 48 cc Left Cores 3/3, Volume = 20% PSA 10.8 Feb '19 PSA 1.2

Jan '20 PSA 0.3 July '20 0.1 Jan. 21 < 0.1 Dec 21 <0.01 June '22 <0.01 April '23  <0.01

User
Posted 14 Jan 2020 at 13:48

Hi Guys,

I had my yearly oncology today at the Lister in Stevenage they seem happy with my  Psa 0.18 three years on from my Brachytherapy in September 2016. But i did speak to them about my  tiredness and lack of energy and could it be anything to do with my prostate treatment but they think it maybe because of the last two years looking after our elderly mother in law  24/7 call day and night and maybe also the chest infection i had in June this year.

So have been signed of for another 12 months get the wife's hip sorted then  a holiday in the sun.

Wish you all a better year.

John & Pat. 

User
Posted 22 Oct 2020 at 11:56

Hi Guys and Girls,

It's been a long year and the worry starts again as the dreaded blood test is due next month with the added problems of going to the hospital for it but prefer to get it out the way before Christmas.

But the good news is the wife is three months from her hip replacement and getting around very well, down to  only one stick to beat me with.

It still looks like travel to Europe in the van is off and any other travel so staying safe in the village is the future.

I try to log in every day to follow you guys and give helpful advice from the Brachytherapy side.

regards John.

User
Posted 22 Oct 2020 at 14:12

Hi John,

Great news about your wife doing so well after her hip replacement.

Always an anxious time with PSA tests.  Hope all goes well for you and Pat going forward.

Ange x

User
Posted 23 Oct 2020 at 09:52

Hi John, glad to hear your wife is doing well and down to one stick! 
Best wishes for your PSA test, the test anxiety never leaves us unfortunately.

Ido4

User
Posted 23 Oct 2020 at 11:40
Hi again John ... so pleased to hear the positive news about your wife. My wife may be starting on this journey as she is on co-codamol for the pain in her hip at the momwnt! The thought of a long wait for a replacement hip is not helpful.

Good luck with the next PSA test...my next one is due in Dec. It's currently 7.9 and rising slowly! Must try and be positive!!! I'm still here!!!

Regards Tom

User
Posted 23 Oct 2020 at 12:22

Hi John, my wife had 2 x hip replacements and is now nearly back to normal. My Brachy has worked well PSA well down. My motorhome hasn't been abroad this year at all, I usually go twice a year. My PSA test due Dec. has been postponed and a new date to be advised, I am not too worried, my PSA is so low I think moving to 12 months instead of 6 months won't be a problem.

ED is not so good, but it was not good before the Brachy, but now seems worse, the Caverject works but I have had a couple of "mishaps" resulting in a bit of bleeding/bruising so I am a bit wary now.

There was short period when the ED seemed to be much less of a problem but alas it didn't last long. My prostate has made heroic efforts to recover, it is now producing small amounts of thin ejaculate.

Roll on the Covid vaccine, I will be first in line!

John

Edited by member 23 Oct 2020 at 12:24  | Reason: Spelung

Gleason 6 = 3+3 PSA 8.8 P. volume 48 cc Left Cores 3/3, Volume = 20% PSA 10.8 Feb '19 PSA 1.2

Jan '20 PSA 0.3 July '20 0.1 Jan. 21 < 0.1 Dec 21 <0.01 June '22 <0.01 April '23  <0.01

User
Posted 25 Nov 2020 at 12:58

Hi Brachytherapy pals and their wife's.

I wasn't to happy going to the hospital for my blood test this week with all the Covid precautions but apart from having to stand in the corridor waiting for the test it was only about an hour in all and £3 50p for parking ouch.

I rang this morning with the normal worry head on to get my results as a year is a long time to wait and seemed worse as we have been locked down in the village since last April apart from food shopping once a week with Pat staying in the car because of her operations.

Well i am pleased to report a good drop again from 0.18 last year to 0.08.so maybe we can relax and celebrate Christmas for the first time in three years even if it's still at home and maybe plan for some travel in the Motorhome next year. Just the Ed to sort out next and maybe get some weight off.

Good luck with your own journey's Regards John.

 

 

Edited by member 25 Nov 2020 at 13:40  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 25 Nov 2020 at 16:02

Hi John, great PSA result. Hope you have a good time at Christmas.

 

Ido4

User
Posted 25 Nov 2020 at 16:13

Hi Idol,

Thank you mate it's been a heavy few years so hopefully we can all have a better Christmas with our loved ones if only for a few days.

Regards John.

User
Posted 26 Nov 2020 at 09:13
Congratulations 'John The Print',

Fantastic PSA Numbers.

My own PSA since the LDR back in 2010 never dipped under ONE but remains steady at 2.4 for which I remain grateful.

Brilliant encouragement from you for others hesitating on treatment paths.

Michael. aka 'Chigwell2010'.

User
Posted 26 Nov 2020 at 12:43

Hi Michael,

Thanks for your comments but it always gets a bit worrying when your 12 monthly test date comes around again and the lock down doesn't help too.

We don't have many Brachytherapy guys on here and it was difficult in 2016 to make a decision between Brachytherapy and Robotic removal so friends like you did help going forward as it was maybe a life and death decision and both the surgeons thought their option was the best.You say your numbers are stable but not dropping any more so has the doctors given you any options of further treatment yet.

I always found this site and it members so helpful in the early days so try to log in every day and give advice when i can but would never push anyone towards any of the options as they must make their own choice in the end.

Regards John.

User
Posted 26 Nov 2020 at 13:38
A stable PSA below the threshold for the person's age is an acceptable outcome for LDR as there is less damage to the prostate than with external beam RT - so happily there is no reason for Chigwell's doctors to be considering further treatment 👍
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 26 Nov 2020 at 14:20

I am running a new Prostate Brachytherapy UK support group this evening on Zoom, if anyone is interested.

Details are on the end of my profile. Please email me if you intend to come along.

User
Posted 27 Nov 2020 at 10:20
Whatto Matron, Whatto Johntheprint and Whatto all LDR Veterans,

Matron, you are correct there is less Radiation damage to surrounding areas with LDR but I must inform you that I was

suffering with rectal bleeding 4 years after treatment which according to the Consultant was undoubtedly caused by the

Radiation in 2010. An ARGON machine was employed to Zap the damaged blood vessels and happily there has never

been a repeat. I also inform you (with fingers tightly crossed) that my eminent Professor of Urology informed me in my

annual check up(Telephone due to Covid) that he had never known a LDR procedure to require further treatment once

past the 10 year point.

John, I have kept detailed records of every PSA test since I was first tested back in 10/2005 which amounts to a total of

39 tests in all and you can please accept from me that YES it does get less of a worry over the years but you must still

keep at least one eye on the ball. Like you I visit here every single day on the lookout for individuals that my experiences

may help in their own treatment decision making.

I salute all the guys and girls who continue to offer support, advice and comfort to those souls who are ever emerging

into the world of Prostate Cancer.

Michael (Chigwell 2010)

User
Posted 27 Nov 2020 at 15:06

Hi Lynn and Michael,

Thanks for the information you always come up with more Brachy details that i can find on my Goggle searching.

A lot of my searches seem to be old news from 2006 when Brachytherapy was not regarded as it is today.

I think Lynn and Johsan where the first to greet me on this site in 2016 and it was nice to have some friendly words of encouragement at a worrying time.

I heard from the hospital by text yesterday that they have put my phone meeting with the urology specialist nurse back to early March from December but that's no problem as i have my numbers in time for Christmas.

Regards John. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by member 27 Nov 2020 at 15:09  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 08 Dec 2020 at 15:58

Hi Guys & Gals,

As with most of us and the covid restriction for appointments i was waiting for my latest  Oncology call from my nurse but instead was surprised to speak to my Specialist / Surgeon that done my Brachytherapy operation in September 2016.He was very pleased with my recent Psa test of 0.08 and after a short conversation has signed me off.

John.

User
Posted 08 Dec 2020 at 17:02

Great news John, really pleased for you.

Best wishes to all going through treatments for PCa.  

Angex 

User
Posted 08 Dec 2020 at 18:27
This is super news. Our onco says that in the future, people will look back and be horrified that men used to have their prostate removed surgically. Every successful brachy is a step towards kinder less life-changing treatment in the future
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 08 Dec 2020 at 20:05

Hi Lynn,

Thanks for all your help in my early days It really helped as you have supported a lot of members on here.

I will still sign in every day and try to help other members but not push to my option at any time.

As to being signed off it does not mean you are cured of the beast but maybe you can look at the ED part of it still not good but we must still try. wishing all your men well in the future.

Regards John.

User
Posted 08 Dec 2020 at 22:19

That is really good John.

Your PSA is very low for someone who still has a prostate. Did you have hormone therapy, and if so, do you know if your testosterone has returned?

User
Posted 09 Dec 2020 at 07:34

Hi Andy62,

I think looking back i had a textbook Brachytherapy with no major problems just the straight operation into Mount Vernon night before operation  then operation next day and home next day with a bag off pills.I had no hormone treatment before and have never had my Testosterone checked ever.

Regards John.

User
Posted 09 Dec 2020 at 09:41

Fantastic news John. Very pleased for you.

 

Ido4

User
Posted 09 Dec 2020 at 13:12
Well done JohnthePrint,

Please continue to monitor the arrival of newcomers who will surely be impressed by your history.

Congratulation.

Michael (Chigwell2010.)

User
Posted 09 Dec 2020 at 13:32

Hi Michael,

Thanks mate but i think you are the leader with your 10 year history with Brachytherapy but as i said before you can only offer help and ideas from our prospective without over egging it.I was lucky that i had heard of Brachytherapy from a friend that had gone through it with good results at the time and this made me look into both procedures with help from friends on here otherwise i may have taken the advise the first surgeon was offering me with the Robotic procedure and there was no guarantee of good or bad side affects what ever way i jumped.Stay well my friend and have a great Christmas .

Regards John.

User
Posted 09 Dec 2020 at 16:26

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
Hi Andy62,

I think looking back i had a textbook Brachytherapy with no major problems just the straight operation into Mount Vernon night before operation  then operation next day and home next day with a bag off pills.I had no hormone treatment before and have never had my Testosterone checked ever.

Did you do the two treatments in a day, or just a single treatment (which I'm not sure if Mount Vernon offered)?

User
Posted 09 Dec 2020 at 17:58

Hi Andy

I only had the one treatment to insert the seeds ie Low dose Brachytherapy the two part one is called High Dose Brachytherapy where they insert rods for a set dose each  day, but as with the seeds LDB nothing is left in.

Regards John

User
Posted 09 Dec 2020 at 22:04

Ah sorry, I misremembered and thought you'd had HDR.

User
Posted 14 Dec 2020 at 10:05
Hi John ... Great to see your PSA is still very low....Certainly appears that your LDR Brachy has been very successful.

Unfortunately in my case it appears to have been only partially successful.

My latest PSA was 8.6 so clearly demonstrating a slow upward trend!!

Having a telephone conversation with the hospital on 18th Dec so will update on my thread with details of the outcome

Regards Tom

User
Posted 14 Dec 2020 at 12:57

Hi Tom sorry to hear your numbers are rising again but I am sure the team will get on your case soon.We both started off in the same year on the journey when we where short of brachytherapy members so made it hard to make decisions on the best treatment to have.

Good luck on the 18th and keep us in the loop, we are all supporting you.

John.

User
Posted 16 Aug 2021 at 15:18

Hi Guys & Girls,

5 Years since Brachytherpy .

I decided to get my PSA blood test a little earlier this year as contact with our surgery is very on and off and it is going over to e-consultancy that i tried for my medication review last week. very easy to complete but the email or telephone call promising a reply by 6.30 the following day did not appear and still waiting.

As Pat my wife had an appointment at the hospital i popped in to the Macmillan centre to see if i could bypass my surgery for a PSA blood test and was lucky to get a blood test done while  Pat was having her appointment.

After a phone call this morning i was pleased to hear my PSA is down to 0.05 from 0.08 last years relax till next year.

Regards John.

 

 
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