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User

Posted 27 Feb 2025 at 17:55

Hi all

I eventually plucked up the courage to post after lurking on this site for many months.

A quick overview and story.

I'm 51, had my bloods done on January, psa4.2, bloods redone in February psa5.4 ugh, doc sends me to the rapid prostate clinic appointment in April, dre and checkover the urologist says nothing sinister but we'll send you for a Mri anyway.

Mri in June and I'm told 4 weeks for the results, the phonecall comes and I'm told I'm pirads 5 and I'll need a biopsy to rule out cancer, my life imploded, it felt like the beach scene in saving private ryan. Biopsy in August and I get the results on October to say I'm Gleeson 3+4 but they're happy that's slow growing ( sorry I don't have any other data).

The urologist said .most men your age get the prostate out, I wasn't very keen on a prostatectomy having researched the potential post op struggles that some have so i talked to an oncologist and he referred me on to his colleague that does brachytherapy.

I met the brachytherapy oncologist in January, I asked him what he'd do (knowing the answer) and he said he'd have it out but that's my opinion he said ,no choice is wrong here.

Anyway long story short I had the brachytherapy yesterday and as Paul on here said pain / discomfort wise it's much the same as the biopsy, so far so good in the peeing department no problems there, and hopefully everything carries on well from here.

Thanks very much to all members on here , ye really give hope and help to us lurkers until we get the courage to post, if anyone has any questions feel free to shoot.

Thanks again.

Bryan

Edited by member 27 Feb 2025 at 20:10 | Reason: Typo

User

Posted 27 Feb 2025 at 17:55

Hi all

I eventually plucked up the courage to post after lurking on this site for many months.

A quick overview and story.

I met the brachytherapy oncologist in January, I asked him what he'd do (knowing the answer) and he said he'd have it out but that's my opinion he said ,no choice is wrong here.

Thanks very much to all members on here , ye really give hope and help to us lurkers until we get the courage to post, if anyone has any questions feel free to shoot.

Thanks again.

Bryan

Edited by member 27 Feb 2025 at 20:10 | Reason: Typo

User

Posted 22 Mar 2025 at 13:19

Hi Bryan and KPC,

Sounds like you're both making good progress. I was similar in terms of increased urgency and not much end product for the first few months although it never really bothered me because I'd seen my Dad go through it 20 years earlier and I guess I expected worse than I got (he had EBRT alongside LDR BT in the US and was therefore properly bombarded with the effects of the radiation).

The only time I really noticed the urgency was when I forgot to take the Alfuzosin. That urgency definitely disappears over time though (as therefore does the need for Alfuzosin/Tamsulosin) so just be patient and I'm sure it will all return to normal once the radiation starts to diminish and stops aggravating everything down there!

Similarly Bryan, as the cumulative effect of the treatment continues to build, expect the ejaculate to disappear completely and the sensation to remain different. But again, 20 months on and for me, the sensation has been back to what I would consider completely normal for months. The volume of ejaculate has increased but not back to normal levels (I suspect it never will).

User

Posted 22 Mar 2025 at 13:27

Also of course, make sure you're doing the obvious - I made sure I drank more than normal amounts of water/fluids and I think that made for a much more satisfactory flow even though the number of visits was still more than 'normal'!

I also initially found coffee increased the urgency (probably unsurprising) so I cut back on that for a while but now it has no more effect on the waterworks than pre-procedure.

User

Posted 13 Apr 2025 at 19:00

Sounds a bit annoying KPC - are you religiously taking Tamsulosin (or Alfusozin)? Might be worth trying to speak to your CNS or consultant even before your next appointment - my consultant prescribed me another tablet to take if I had problems with the waterworks which the Alfusozin didn't help with. I never needed it but the fact it was prescribed rather indicates that (a) they expect a more 'severe' reaction in some people and (b) there are obviously other drugs out there which may help with the initial side effects 🤷‍♂️

Other thing may be to just get a dip test at your GP to rule out a UTI as its pretty similar sounding symptoms.

Good to hear everything else is going OK though and I'd be pretty confident things will settle down over time - although I don't think I had quite the same reaction as you, I definitely remember an increased urgency and frequency but 2 years on nearly and I'm now 100% back to where I was pre procedure.

User

Posted 13 Apr 2025 at 21:12

No airport alarms for me either when I flew 6 weeks post op....beginning to think it's all a myth 😂

Edited by member 13 Apr 2025 at 21:13 | Reason: 6 weeks not 8!

User

Posted 27 Feb 2025 at 19:57

Good job Bryan, hard part done now! (It wasn't that hard was it! 💪)

Glad everything's working 'normally' so far, I'm sure that will continue but any concerns reach out to the medics or ask on here if you have any niggles.

Great to see another BT thread and journey on the forums, there aren't huge numbers of them compared to RP experiences so it's really good to see more information disseminated first hand to help others who might come afterwards with their decisions.

Keep us updated with your progress, hope it all goes as well for you as for the overwhelming majority of people who choose to have Brachy 👍

Cheers, Paul

User

Posted 01 Mar 2025 at 10:27

Yeah, I reckon I was pretty roughly manhandled into position for my first biopsy because on one side, hamstring, adducter and lower back were awful for literally weeks afterwards. Was OK after the BT so maybe they were nicer to me that time 🤷‍♂️

Back passage was always 'tender' after both biopsies and BT but I realised why when I saw the ultrasound probe at my 2nd biopsy!! Size of your thumb they said.....my arse!😂

User

Posted 29 Mar 2025 at 09:16

Hi Paul.

Very sorry for the late reply and update ( somehow my wife convinced me to buy a van to be converted into a camper 😯)

So that has taken up all my headspace this week, between buying, collecting ,working and all the sh*t in between.

I arrived 30 mins early for the scan and I was brought in straight away, job done in 10 mins and I went to the waiting area for my oncologist (who is a lovely man with a great manner) he brought me in early and said he'd look at the scan later in the week but it was only to see if I needed to go back to surgery but this hasn't happened in his 15 years of preforming brachytherapy.

He asked if I was taking my Tamsulosin and did I forget to take one, I said i did once and it caused bother, he said to keep taking them and have a go at easing back around July and see how it goes, our next meeting will be over the phone in July where I'll have my psa done the week before to see where I'm at, he's happy how the procedure went.

I told him I've been in conversation with you and you had the psa bounce, he said it happens 1 in 4 but the outcome for people that get it can actually be better in the long run.

Anyway so far so good, I'm living a nearly normal life and I'm happy out with the procedure and the early outcome and I hope it continues in the same fashion .

Great weather ahead this week Paul so I'd imagine you'll be a busy man playing as much golf as you can fit in, 😉

Thanks.

Bryan

User

Posted 30 Mar 2025 at 10:54

Thanks again Paul.

It's a cracking day out there so I'd say your ripping up the golf course again!

Cheers for softening me up for the possible chance of the bounce, I can imagine that it's a little bit soul destroying when you want the numbers going the other way, but sure we can only live in the moment we're in as my mate keeps drilling into my head.

I think the missus blind sided me with the van, she had been banging on about it over the last two years and next thing it's in the driveway! Your boat sounds like it was a fabulous bit of kit.I certainly will tap into your knowledge on 12v electrics along the way, this project will be a challenge for sure.

You make sure to get a nice holiday ( and a new boat) in the near future and hopefully you get positive results on your next psa blood test🤞🤞

Thanks again and keep well.

Bryan

User

Posted 13 Apr 2025 at 20:06

Hey KPC

I'm only back from holidays and it went petty well I think, we did loads of the usual and plenty of walks.

The only thing I made sure of was to have my next toilet break well planned , I've found that mind over matter can play a big part if I don't know where the next stop is.

Otherwise I'm going pretty good I think and hope, go enjoy yourself and relax.

Bryan

Edited by member 13 Apr 2025 at 20:08 | Reason: Typo

User

Posted 13 Apr 2025 at 20:45

Thanks folks - Did you have any problems at the airport @Bryaner?

I'm going to give the hospital a quick call tomorrow and see if I need change of drug or a test for a UTI. Things have been going very well up to now, so it's hopefully a minor setback.

Edited by member 13 Apr 2025 at 20:46 | Reason: spelling

User

Posted 13 Apr 2025 at 20:56

No bother at the airport at all ( even though I wanted to flash my card😅😅)

I hope you get all sorted before your trip, and the best of luck.

Bryan

User

Posted 17 Apr 2025 at 20:48

Not entirely unexpected KPC - I'm sure things will settle down in the coming weeks and perhaps the extra dose of Tamsulosin will do the trick in the meantime.

Shame about the caffeine and wine but good luck and all the best - hopefully you can re-introduce the vices in short order! 😂

User

Posted 01 May 2025 at 20:23

Heading the right way KPC, let's hope it keeps going that way.

Enjoy the holiday

User

Posted 01 May 2025 at 22:27

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

I've just had my first PSA back. 3.2. Down from 4.6 - That's after 11 weeks. I'm heading for the consultant appointment on Monday, so I should get a better idea if everything is heading in the right direction then.

Have a great weekend folks.

Sounds good KPC 👍 it may be 1, 2 or even 3 years before you reach your post brachy nadir but a 30% decrease within 3 months looks like a good start 🍻

User

Posted 01 May 2025 at 22:42

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Hi KPC.....

....For me it’s been quite comforting reading someone else is going through a very similar situation, makes me happier that it is “normal”. I’ve been on 2 Tamulosin for 6 days but am thinking of going back to 1 after tomorrow as my consultant thought 1 week was max time I should be on 2 a day, something about lowering the blood pressure. Hope your consultation goes well on Monday and have a great holiday.

Hi John,

Of course, everyone is different but the first few months post Brachy are the most likely to throw up the most accute radiation side effects - so you're right not to get too anxious at this stage, I'm sure it will improve 👍

I'm not medically qualified and I don't know your history but as far as I was aware, double dosing Tamulosin isn't an issue normally - if it's helping your symptoms make sure you check with your GP/CNS/Consultant before altering your regime 👍

All the best!

User

Posted 20 May 2025 at 19:22

Omg, that sounds absolutely awful Kevin. Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.

How long after the brachy procedure did you have the CT scan to confirm placement/lack of migration of the seeds? I seem to remember mine was at about 2 weeks and the consultant told me if they hadn't gone anywhere by then they weren't going to. (I had one migrate to a seminal vesicle but that was it and apparently nothing to worry about).

I can't believe they didnt spot poor intial placement or migration at that scan - it's the whole point of it.

I presume you've been referred back to oncology? Hope you get a bit more clarity on what's gone on and what, if anything, needs to happen going forward.

Wishing you a speedy return to 'normality'.

User

Posted 21 May 2025 at 15:07

Jaysus

There's a serious investigation needed there Kevin.

I had my scan 4-5 weeks after the procedure, and he was happy , he told me he hadn't had a failure in 15 years.

I hope you're feeling somewhat better.

Bryan

Edited by member 21 May 2025 at 15:09 | Reason: Typo

User

Posted 24 May 2025 at 11:36

I'll report back after my catch up call with the consultant, which is due on Tuesday. I'm definitely looking for answers as to what happened, as I was in a good place with how the treatment appeared to be progressing.

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User

Posted 27 Feb 2025 at 19:57

Good job Bryan, hard part done now! (It wasn't that hard was it! 💪)

Glad everything's working 'normally' so far, I'm sure that will continue but any concerns reach out to the medics or ask on here if you have any niggles.

Keep us updated with your progress, hope it all goes as well for you as for the overwhelming majority of people who choose to have Brachy 👍

Cheers, Paul

User

Posted 27 Feb 2025 at 20:57

Thanks Paul.

You were spot on about the procedure, my blood pressure went bonkers 160/109 at first, I have a very overactive mind and as calm as I thought I was the hamster in the head was running flat out, it settled down after a while and I was good to go.

There must have been a team of 10 people in the theatre when I was wheeled in, all very nice, professional and calming, a bit of gas then the injection and boom I'm awake in recovery, wheeled back down in about 30mins to my bed.

I had to wait to pass 100ml of fluids, which at one stage seemed like it was never going to happen , but the missus got me to stand up to get dressed and the magic happened, 300ml I got out so I was well happy.

They sent me home with a weeks supply of antibiotics and a repeat prescription of tamsulosin hydrochloride which is great for the flow so far.

Thanks for all your encouragement along the way, you were a massive help, I hope to be posting here in 10 years time helping people out like you are, and raising awareness of the Ldr route that seems to get swept under the carpet.

Cheers

Bryan

Edited by member 27 Feb 2025 at 21:02 | Reason: Typo

User

Posted 28 Feb 2025 at 10:00

I think the GA and general stress of everything is what messes with your ability to urinate immediately afterwards rather than the procedure itself.

After my first biopsy under GA, I was almost admitted overnight because I just couldn't pass enough despite drinking gallons of fluids. As soon as the consultant signed me off and I was discharged, I was pi**ing like a racehorse for the rest of the night! 🤣

Second biopsy under LA and no problem as soon as the procedure was finished.

After Brachy and another GA, it seemed to take ages again but once started, there was no stopping🤣🤣

User

Posted 01 Mar 2025 at 09:36

Yeah the mind is a powerful machine, my BP was 130/85 after the procedure so back to normal levels when I relaxed, the main pain I'm having is me legs and arse, I can only put it down to being in the stirrups for over an hour.

Otherwise I'm going very well, blood gone from the pee, flow is spot on, pain in the perineum nearly gone, I'm pretty tired but enjoying the 30 min naps on the couch.

Onwards and upwards and fingers crossed for the future.

User

Posted 01 Mar 2025 at 10:27

Back passage was always 'tender' after both biopsies and BT but I realised why when I saw the ultrasound probe at my 2nd biopsy!! Size of your thumb they said.....my arse!😂

User

Posted 01 Mar 2025 at 10:56

Yeah i saw the ultrasound probe when they were doing the imaging to see if I was a suitable candidate for brachy and it was larger than I thought it would be, but I was fairly used to unwanted entries at that stage 😁😁😁.

The small of me back, arse and legs are in shocking condition today, they must have pulled some shapes outa me.

User

Posted 01 Mar 2025 at 11:20

Get throwing back the Ibuprofen Bryan, hopefully it will take the edge off! 💊💊

Maybe future advice for BT'ers should be a few hours of yoga and pilates pre procedure to make sure you're limbered up and supple enough to be manipulated into position! 😀

🧘‍♂️🧎‍♂️ 🧘‍♂️🧎‍♂️🧘‍♂️🧎‍♂️

User

Posted 01 Mar 2025 at 11:41

That would be very good advice Paul, it certainly would help post procedure. Yep I think I'll have to succumb to taking a few pain killers, I suppose in the grand scheme of things it's very good that's my only complaint 🙂🙂

Edited by member 01 Mar 2025 at 11:45 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 04 Mar 2025 at 19:59

Day 6 post brachytherapy procedure.

Pee flow seems to have declined a good bit, I'm thinking this because the radiation is starting to hit the prostate and the urethra nearly a week on, it's not bad but a slight inconvenience.

User

Posted 05 Mar 2025 at 17:56

Hey Bryan,

Sounds about right. I noticed reduced flow and a bit more urgency for a few months. I remember being a bit frustrated at the151st Open at Royal Liverpool because I had to keep visiting the toilets scattered around the course but usually without much end result and then by the time I'd made it back to my friends, the urgency had already started again......rinse and repeat!

That was exactly two months post procedure and whilst a bit annoying, I didn't find it the end of the world and it didn't stop me getting on as normal (just with more frequent loo stops!). It definitely improves a lot though as the radiation effects wear off and I can't tell any difference pre and post procedure now and probably didn't after about 6 months.

I did stay on the Alfusozin for those 6 months or maybe a bit longer and did notice a difference if I missed a tablet but again, the need for them disappears over time - use them whilst you need them though definitely,

My consultant also sent me home with another tablet 'Mirabegron' which he told me to take *if* I needed it or had problems peeing. I didn't so I never took them but if you feel as though you're overly struggling, don't hesitate to get in touch with the consultant/nurse specialist for advice as they might give you something else to help.

User

Posted 05 Mar 2025 at 21:05

Thanks Paul.

As I said its just an inconvenience, I'm back at work the last two days and all is going grand, I tipped down for a few pints over the weekend with no adverse effects at all so that was another plus.

I'm getting a CT scan on the 23rd of this month and then a chat with my oncologist, I'm presuming just to see the placement of the seeds is ok.

I'd say you had some step count at the open, it's a long haul going round the course nevermind zig-zagging over and back to the Jack's!

Thanks for sharing your experience again.

Bryan.

User

Posted 22 Mar 2025 at 12:00

Just over 3 weeks now.

Urine flow can be hit and miss some days, I'm finding it have to push a good bit of the time.

Ejaculate has diminished a good bit and the sensation is different albeit still pleasurable and worth it.

Sometimes I can be in a bit of a rush to empty my bowel but nothing major, just use the loo when you have one available.

Other than those few minor inconveniences I'm very happy how the procedure has gone so far, hopefully things keep going in a positive fashion.

Keep well everyone.

Bryan

User

Posted 22 Mar 2025 at 12:28

I had the LDR brachytherapy procedure done at the start of Feb, after 2 years of active surveillance and a slight rise in PSA from 3.5-4.2 between Oct-Dec '24. Everything went as planned on the day and I would say it wasn't any worse than the biopsy in terms of post procedural pain and recovery.

Initial diagnosis was Gleason 3/4, T2, one core from 16 on biopsy. However, I have an extensive family history, including father, uncle and brother (2 had operations and one external beam radiation treatment), so they were keen to get me in for MRI's and biopsy early (PSA was only 3.1) which worked out well re: diagnosis.

Side effects so far - A bit tired on occasion, weak urine flow, more frequent trips (Usually 1/2 early morning and every hour during day for very small amounts after sudden urge to go), but overall all good and heading for my CAT scan next week to see if the implants are properly positioned before May appt for PSA update.

Happy to help/support via PM if anybody wants to reach out.

Edited by member 22 Mar 2025 at 12:29 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 22 Mar 2025 at 13:19

Hi Bryan and KPC,

User

Posted 22 Mar 2025 at 13:27

I also initially found coffee increased the urgency (probably unsurprising) so I cut back on that for a while but now it has no more effect on the waterworks than pre-procedure.

User

Posted 23 Mar 2025 at 09:16

Thanks Paul.

I'm heading to St lukes tomorrow for a CT scan and a chat with the oncologist, heading on holidays next week for a long awaited rest.

I'm on the road a good bit with my job so it can be hard to get the required amount of fluids in , but I'd say I get 2 litres a day in anyway.

I'd say I'm not too far away from running dry on the ejaculate, it's a strange feeling down there but a feeling none the less, I never knew how important that little b****** of a gland was 😂

So far so good I have to say , if this works out as it should I'd be very happy, I'm living my life pretty normally with no major adverse effects so far😉

Thanks for the advice again, how's all running for you these days? I hope you're keeping well.

Thanks,

Bryan

User

Posted 27 Mar 2025 at 22:38

Hey Bryan,

Hope the scan showed everything was in order (mine showed a seed had migrated to one of the seminal vesicles but apparently not a problem! 🤷‍♂️)

Enjoy your hols, hoping to get away myself before my next PSA test early May when I'm hoping to see another fall and indication that my 'bounce' is definitely on the way down....🤞🤞

Cheers! 🍻

User

Posted 29 Mar 2025 at 09:16

Hi Paul.

Very sorry for the late reply and update ( somehow my wife convinced me to buy a van to be converted into a camper 😯)

So that has taken up all my headspace this week, between buying, collecting ,working and all the sh*t in between.

I told him I've been in conversation with you and you had the psa bounce, he said it happens 1 in 4 but the outcome for people that get it can actually be better in the long run.

Anyway so far so good, I'm living a nearly normal life and I'm happy out with the procedure and the early outcome and I hope it continues in the same fashion .

Great weather ahead this week Paul so I'd imagine you'll be a busy man playing as much golf as you can fit in, 😉

Thanks.

Bryan

User

Posted 29 Mar 2025 at 12:53

Yep, just back from golf(!) and all sounds positive your end Bryan 👌

Funny re the van - after my first biopsy came back negative, I decided life was too short and to 'celebrate' bought a 58ft narrowboat shell - just the steel, nothing else! Spent every spare hour of the next 9 odd months fitting it out - it was my pride and joy! Then, we decided to sell after, I don't know, 5 or 6 years (it wasn't very cool for our teenage son by that stage!) and within a couple of months of selling, I had a second biopsy which came back positive! Strange the way the world works sometimes!

All being well, will definitely be a narrowboat owner again in the future (when the teenager flies the nest!) but in the meantime if you need any advice on 12v electrics or the like, I'm your man! 🤣🤣

Yes, there seems to be some evidence that bounce can be indicative of better longer term outcomes and I hope that's the case but before that, the PSA level has to get down pretty low (ideally under 0.2 I suppose) and I'm still a long way off that at the moment but hopeful nevertheless!

As I've said before, it can be disconcerting to see a rise even when you're aware of it being a reasonable possibility and tbh I think I wasn't patient enough before pressing for PET scans and MRI's etc within about 12 months. You have to give it some time and there's plenty of evidence out there that suggests it's really really difficult to differentiate between failure and bounce within 24-36 months and re-biopsying within that sort of time is largely inconclusive because of the nature of PCa cell death.

As you might be able to tell, I'm preparing you for bounce because you're 'young' (and I think bounce is more common than 1 in 4 for us young-uns!) but hopefully, it won't be something that you'll actually need to worry about and you'll straight line down to less than 0.2! 💪

Edited by member 29 Mar 2025 at 12:54 | Reason: typos

User

Posted 30 Mar 2025 at 10:54

Thanks again Paul.

It's a cracking day out there so I'd say your ripping up the golf course again!

You make sure to get a nice holiday ( and a new boat) in the near future and hopefully you get positive results on your next psa blood test🤞🤞

Thanks again and keep well.

Bryan

User

Posted 13 Apr 2025 at 15:44

Quick update, 9 weeks out from the procedure.

I have been struggling a bit with toilet trips increasing to 15/20 a day, with an urge to get there quick, a pause before anything comes out and burning/verging on painful sensation during and after. Worse if I have anything to drink after about 8pm, then it's 4/5 times during the night. Also have a bit of pain and discomfort generally in the prostate area, I have previously had prostatitis and would say this is similar, pain wise. I got a bit ahead of myself and made the mistake of drinking 1/2 bottle of red wine one night, which definitely made things worse for me next day. I'm considering halting my 2 cups of coffee in the morning next, to see if that improves matters.

I've had my CAT scan and everything seemed OK and the implants in the right place, doing my first PSA the week after this one. Consultant on the 5th May.

I have booked a holiday abroad for the day after the consultant appt, hoping things will have improved a bit by then. I got my card from the hospital explaining the procedure if I set off the X Ray machines.

Overall though, everything has been positive and hoping this is a minor phase that will pass.

User

Posted 13 Apr 2025 at 19:00

Other thing may be to just get a dip test at your GP to rule out a UTI as its pretty similar sounding symptoms.

User

Posted 13 Apr 2025 at 20:06

Hey KPC

I'm only back from holidays and it went petty well I think, we did loads of the usual and plenty of walks.

The only thing I made sure of was to have my next toilet break well planned , I've found that mind over matter can play a big part if I don't know where the next stop is.

Otherwise I'm going pretty good I think and hope, go enjoy yourself and relax.

Bryan

Edited by member 13 Apr 2025 at 20:08 | Reason: Typo

User

Posted 13 Apr 2025 at 20:45

Thanks folks - Did you have any problems at the airport @Bryaner?

I'm going to give the hospital a quick call tomorrow and see if I need change of drug or a test for a UTI. Things have been going very well up to now, so it's hopefully a minor setback.

Edited by member 13 Apr 2025 at 20:46 | Reason: spelling

User

Posted 13 Apr 2025 at 20:56

No bother at the airport at all ( even though I wanted to flash my card😅😅)

I hope you get all sorted before your trip, and the best of luck.

Bryan

User

Posted 13 Apr 2025 at 21:12

No airport alarms for me either when I flew 6 weeks post op....beginning to think it's all a myth 😂

Edited by member 13 Apr 2025 at 21:13 | Reason: 6 weeks not 8!

User

Posted 17 Apr 2025 at 16:50

Got checked by the GP for a UTI and it's come back all clear. Hospital saying it's the peak of the radiation so things are just a bit agitated - Should settle in a couple of weeks. They've also recommended Tamsulosin is increased to twice a day for a month.

In the meantime, no coffee, tea or strong drink for me.

User

Posted 17 Apr 2025 at 20:48

Not entirely unexpected KPC - I'm sure things will settle down in the coming weeks and perhaps the extra dose of Tamsulosin will do the trick in the meantime.

Shame about the caffeine and wine but good luck and all the best - hopefully you can re-introduce the vices in short order! 😂

User

Posted 01 May 2025 at 16:31

Have a great weekend folks.

User

Posted 01 May 2025 at 20:23

Heading the right way KPC, let's hope it keeps going that way.

Enjoy the holiday

User

Posted 01 May 2025 at 21:40

Hi KPC, I’ve been following the original post and your journey as I’ve just had Brachytherapy and the side effects you described after 11 weeks I’m just going through something very similar after about 5 weeks. For me it’s been quite comforting reading someone else is going through a very similar situation, makes me happier that it is “normal”. I’ve been on 2 Tamulosin for 6 days but am thinking of going back to 1 after tomorrow as my consultant thought 1 week was max time I should be on 2 a day, something about lowering the blood pressure. Hope your consultation goes well on Monday and have a great holiday.

User

Posted 01 May 2025 at 22:27

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Sounds good KPC 👍 it may be 1, 2 or even 3 years before you reach your post brachy nadir but a 30% decrease within 3 months looks like a good start 🍻

User

Posted 01 May 2025 at 22:42

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Hi KPC.....

Hi John,

All the best!

User

Posted 07 May 2025 at 10:51

I'm happy to start my own thread, as I am conscious I'm on someone else's at the moment. Just let me know.

I was due to go on holiday on Monday, after my consultant's appt, but I've not been very mobile and developed a few side effects I have been dealing with, so I postponed for a few months.

In the weeks before I went to my consultant appt, about 10 weeks out from treatment, I developed a constant pain in the region of the prostate. I would describe this as like having prostatitis (constant throb with occasional worse stabs), which I was prone to for many years before being diagnosed with PC and treated. I was taking paracetomol and brufen for this, but last weekend it wasn't having much effect. The upping of the dose of Tamusolin has dealt with the previously described urination issues, which are much milder than a few weeks back.

Anyway, I went on Monday and the consultant was happy with the PSA drop, said 2 Tamusolin are fine unless there are any side effects and not too concerned about the pain, saying just keep going with the regime and things will settle down.

Unfortunately, the symptoms got worse later on Monday and I went to the GP yesterday, who prescribed antibiotics for prostatitis and gave me codeine for the pain. Within 2 hrs of taking them, I was doubled up in agony with stomach cramps. I read the side effects and this seems to be classic reaction, so I'm now waiting for a call back to see what to do next.

So, I'm updating my journey for anyone considering brachytherapy who may have suffered from prostatitis, as it appears the radiation doesn't agree with it and it can cause unwanted side effects. Anyone else had any such issues?

Edited by member 07 May 2025 at 10:55 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 18 May 2025 at 20:43

Hi Kevin,

What a nightmare. I've not heard of existing prostatitis being a contra indication for brachytherapy yet I know there are other things that would absolutely preclude BT as a treatment path.

Bumping in case anyone else has experience and hoping everything has settled down for you a bit in the last week or so.

Edited by member 18 May 2025 at 20:44 | Reason: grammar

User

Posted 20 May 2025 at 08:25

Hi Kevin

It sounds like you're having a tough time of it for sure, I'm nearly 12 weeks in , I had a bad 2 weeks where I felt like I couldn't pee at all but I'm a good deal better now.

Bowel movements are a lot more regular but manageable, I hope everything clears up for you soon.

Bryan

User

Posted 20 May 2025 at 14:06

Unfortunately, the GP's diagnosis was wrong. I didn't have prostatitis. I was getting more and more ill as the week went on, unable to do much apart from sleeping and eating a small amount.

A week ago on Sunday, I wakened up with a nasty abscess in my perineum which needed immediate hospitalisation. I'll spare any gory details of the morning.

Got to hospital and was immediately admitted. I explained everything about the brachytherapy and watched a series of nurses and doctors scratching their heads re: what I was on about. They gave me oramorph for the pain, which made me completely ill for an hour and was replaced by some other pain killer they gave me.

I was then given a CT scan, followed by an MRI, which showed "seeds in the perineal cavity, which they said had caused the large abscess. They hadn't ever heard of this as a potential side effect associated with brachytherapy.

Long story short, I had an operation under general anaesthetic to drain the abscess, 5 days in hospital, intravenous IV drips and painkillers 24/7. I was sent home with an open wound still draining and given local nurse support with my dressings.

I am now home (Can't work, or do anything apart from lying on the couch recovering and keeping my hygiene levels as high as I possibly can for fear of further infection) and looking for answers re: how the seeds got there and if they are still there. Furthermore, I am concerned this escapade has interfered with the original brachytherapy procedure and will have to be looked at further.

A nightmare, yes.

User

Posted 20 May 2025 at 19:22

Omg, that sounds absolutely awful Kevin. Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.

I can't believe they didnt spot poor intial placement or migration at that scan - it's the whole point of it.

I presume you've been referred back to oncology? Hope you get a bit more clarity on what's gone on and what, if anything, needs to happen going forward.

Wishing you a speedy return to 'normality'.

User

Posted 21 May 2025 at 12:16

I had my first CT scan post procedure at about 10 weeks. I then had my catch up with the consultant, at which nothing seemed amiss.This infection had started to take a grip at that stage, as I highlighted to the consultant as feeling like prostatitis. He said keep taking ibrufen and paracetomol for the pain.

I then had another CT scan and MRI on admission to hospital. I'm trying to get to the bottom of what, if anything, changed in between to cause the infection, or if they missed the displaced seeds at the first CT scan.

User

Posted 21 May 2025 at 15:07

Jaysus

There's a serious investigation needed there Kevin.

I had my scan 4-5 weeks after the procedure, and he was happy , he told me he hadn't had a failure in 15 years.

I hope you're feeling somewhat better.

Bryan

Edited by member 21 May 2025 at 15:09 | Reason: Typo

User

Posted 24 May 2025 at 06:13

Hi Kevin, just caught up with this thread and sorry to hear about the problems you’ve had, wishing all the best for a full and speedy recovery

User

Posted 24 May 2025 at 11:36

User

Posted 26 May 2025 at 20:44

Consultant phoned me today. Says the abscess is unrelated to the procedure and will not affect it going forward. I still think I need another mri to be sure there are no more stray seeds.

Would not recommend a perianal abscess if you want to be doing anything for the next few weeks.

Onwards and upwards, next psa is July.

User

Posted 26 May 2025 at 20:56

Sounds more encouraging Kevin, good to hear it won't affect the effectiveness of the treatment. 👍

Avoid perineal abscess noted! 😬

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