Brachytherapy as an option

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User

Posted 21 Apr 2022 at 12:52

Hi there

I have recently heard I need to start treatment for my cancer having a slightly raised PSA and gleason score of 7. I was diagnosed 8 years ago and have been under surveillance since. I was thinking of robotic surgery but the consultants at my hospital are recommending brachytherapy as I have localised low grade cancer, small prostate, I am very active and have good urine flow. They said that the side effects would be less, and with an active lifestyle this would be a better option. I am 55.

Would like to hear from people that have had brachytherapy especially recently as I believe the treatment is much more advanced than it used to be.

User

Posted 21 Apr 2022 at 17:08

Hi Peter, You should clarify with the consultant whether this will be HDR or LDR brachy. I am almost certain it will be LDR as you have low risk disease, this is also known as permanent seed brachy.

I hope @johntheprint will reply he has had this type of brachy and seems happy. With such low grade cancer I think surgery would be overkill. The side effects from brachy will be minimal.

Dave

User

Posted 22 Apr 2022 at 10:32

Hi Dave

Thank you for the reply.

Apologies I did forget to mention that I have been recommended Low Dose permanent seed Brachytherapy.

Peter

User

Posted 25 Apr 2022 at 11:26

Hi Peter,

I had Brachytherpy in 2016 at 70 with psa 2.19 and Gleason 3+4=7 with 5 out of 20 samples positive.I was also offered Robotic surgery but after looking at as much information i could find at the time and a friend also having it done i made the choice of Brachytherpy as i felt there where less side affects.

I am 5 years and 7 months on and feel i have had a reasonably journey and my psa is down to 0.05 and i was signed off by specialist in January 2021.

If you click on my Avatar you can see my journey so far.

John.

User

Posted 25 Apr 2022 at 15:43

Hi John

Thank for the message. I also had a look at your Avatar. Good information there.

I will be speaking to my consultant on 5th May and should have the procedure done by the end of the month.

Seems like the side effects are not the same for everyone. It's luck of the draw, we just have to hope for the best!

Look forward to a low PSA and sign off.

Peter

User

Posted 26 Apr 2022 at 10:06

Hi Peter,

There is no Guarantee with prostate cancer which every way you jump but i felt the Brachytherapy suited me at the time so i have to live with my choices.If i can be of any further help please ask.Good luck.

John.

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