Ldr brachytherapy newbie

User

Posted 15 Jul 2025 at 18:01

Cheers Kpc

I hope your health is improving after that bad run that you had.

Fingers crossed for your next psa test continues with a downward trend.

Bryan

User

Posted 15 Jul 2025 at 19:02

Thanks John.

Patience will have to be the name of the game so. I'm feeling a good deal more confident following yours and others comments .

Bryan

User

Posted 15 Jul 2025 at 20:19

Hey Bryan,

As others have already said, absolutely nothing to be concerned about in my opinion - a really good start in fact!

This is definitely the hardest part of choosing brachy - you're going to have to be patient for a good while longer yet unfortunately!

In the meantime, you should reassure and remind yourself that if you've had a successful implant (which you have), the treatment itself really doesn't fail very often - in my centre, it's literally less than in a couple of percent of patients - so with that on mind and a decreasing PSA, you've got plenty to be positive about 💪👍

Cheers!

Paul

User

Posted 16 Jul 2025 at 11:12

Thanks Paul.

Probably a bit of impatience on my behalf, expecting too much too quick.

Again after everyone's comforting words on here I've become grateful of my drop.

I'm actually lower than my first PSA test now that I think of it.

Otherwise life is tipping along pretty well

Thanks.

Bryan

User

Posted 16 Jul 2025 at 13:01

It's more usual to have EBRT and this preceded and accompanied by HT. It is the latter that causes a major drop for those patients so the PSA drop is less dramatic for those who do not have HT. Radiation rather than wipe out existing cancer cells immediately, damages their DNA so when they come to divide they are unable to do so and then die. This accounts for the fall in PSA being more gradual. Looks good here.

Barry

User

Posted 16 Jul 2025 at 20:59

Thanks Barry.

Yet another very helpful post, hopefully it will keep dropping as time goes by.

Bryan

User

Posted 21 Jul 2025 at 08:57

Many thanks to everyone on this thread, I wish everyone well. It's made a massive difference to me to be able to read about your journeys.

I'm lucky to have a choice of treatments and I've gone for Brachytherapy.

A brief summary - no symptoms, no family history.

PSA test just after 70th birthday mid-May 2025 showed 12.

MRI, biopsies soon after. Diagnosed early July T2 N0 M0, CPG 3, Gleason 7 (3+4)

No definitive route for treatment from specialists.

Local hospital doesn't offer brachytherapy so I may have to travel but it seems like the treatment that will get me back to my current health as quickly as possible.

Referral made and now waiting.

(Away for 2 weeks on a long organised holiday)

Thanks again.

User

Posted 28 Jul 2025 at 11:41

I've just had my latest PSA back, now 5 months after the procedure. 1.7, down from 3.2 last time. Consultant happy and has put me on 6 monthly follow ups.

I'm more than happy with that and can get on with the rest of my year now after the dodgy start I had.

User

Posted 28 Jul 2025 at 11:59

Hi Kevin, good news and hopefully all the problems you had are behind you now. I’m about 2 months behind you with my treatment and recovery and will give an update on my progress in October after my next PSA test and chat with my consultant. Enjoy the remainder of the summer and all the best for the future.

User

Posted 28 Jul 2025 at 21:37

Great news KPC, good to hear things have started down a much more positive path 👍💪

User

Posted 28 Jul 2025 at 21:52

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Many thanks to everyone on this thread, I wish everyone well. It's made a massive difference to me to be able to read about your journeys.
I'm lucky to have a choice of treatments and I've gone for Brachytherapy.
A brief summary - no symptoms, no family history.
PSA test just after 70th birthday mid-May 2025 showed 12.
MRI, biopsies soon after. Diagnosed early July T2 N0 M0, CPG 3, Gleason 7 (3+4)
No definitive route for treatment from specialists.
Local hospital doesn't offer brachytherapy so I may have to travel but it seems like the treatment that will get me back to my current health as quickly as possible.
Referral made and now waiting.
(Away for 2 weeks on a long organised holiday)
Thanks again.

Hey there.

The procedure is pretty good, no more painful than a biopsy, I'm going post 5 months, a few niggles but all under control.

Feel free to shoot the questions.

Bryan

User

Posted 29 Aug 2025 at 14:31

An update:

Have been to see the nearest Brachytherapy specialist, they are happy to go ahead. Pre op assessment and bloods all done. Have a date for mid September. That gives me a couple of weeks to get my head straight and hopefully keep fit and well. Good luck everyone.

User

Posted 29 Aug 2025 at 15:00

Hi Ford55.

Don't be too worried about the procedure, I would suffer anxiety pretty bad but Paul and a few of the lads on here put me at ease.

It's still a GA and a fairly complex procedure but the recovery is pretty good, the radiation will cause some bowel and bladder problems, but they will ease as the months go by.

All the best to you and let us know how you get along.

Bryan

User

Posted 30 Aug 2025 at 17:04

Good luck Ford - not that you'll need it - the procedure is a walk in the park, certainly no worse than a TP Biopsy in my opinion.

As Bryan said, you can expect some rose coloured urine for a few days and perhaps to pass a few clots (painlessly!) and then an increase in urinary urgency and frequency for a few weeks (take the tamsulosin/alfuzosin which you'll be prescribed which really helps) but everything settles down pretty quickly from my experience. I travelled back up North from London and walked the golf course watching my lad in a competition 24 hours after the procedure without problems and was back to playing myself in under 2 weeks.

For the vast majority, it really couldn't be any easier.

Cheers!

Paul

User

Posted 15 Feb 2026 at 10:51

Howdy all.

I'm just shy of a year since my brachytherapy procedure, I had my bloods done last week and my PSA is now down to 1.9 from a high of 8.6 approx , the consultant is very happy with the progress as an I, Im still taking tamouslion for assistance with the pee but other than that all is well.

Best wishes to all of ye, keep the best side out.

Bryan.

User

Posted 15 Feb 2026 at 11:08

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Howdy all.

Best wishes to all of ye, keep the best side out.

Bryan.

That's great news Bryan. Hope it keeps going in the right direction.

User

Posted 15 Feb 2026 at 11:39

Great news Bryan!🥳🥂

User

Posted 22 Feb 2026 at 14:15

Quick question.

Has anyone suffered pain in their epididymis post brachytherapy, it's happened me about 3 times over the last couple of months

Thanks

Bryan.

User

Posted 22 Feb 2026 at 15:12

Not here Bryan.

Quick google says epididymitis is rare but sometimes presents in about 1% of prostate BT patients. As its happened a couple of times, I'd have a chat with your GP or urologist - it looks as though normally, antibiotics will deal with the problem.

Usual causes are inflammation of the prostate and urethra and/or reduced urine flow causing bacterial inflammation. You would hope that if it's the 1st cause, it will improve as the effects of the radiation subside further and if its the second, antibiotics will help.

Defo worth a chat with someone actually medically qualified! Good luck!

User

Posted 22 Feb 2026 at 15:19

Thanks Paul.

I took some leftover antibiotics the last time it happened and it cleared, it only hurts on the left hand side, I'll go to the GP and get a supply of him.

Thanks again.

Bryan.

User

Posted 23 Mar 2026 at 14:05

Howdy all.

That whole epididymis pain cleared up in about a week and no problems since.

Thanks.

Bryan.

User

Posted 25 Mar 2026 at 20:44

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Howdy all.

That whole epididymis pain cleared up in about a week and no problems since.

Thanks.

Bryan.

Good stuff Bryan - did you get antibiotics or did it resolve itself without intervention?

User

Posted 09 Apr 2026 at 10:24

Howdy Paul and all.

It seemed to rectify it's self, a couple of ejaculations and gone, not that there was much to talk about but it's better than nothing I guess.

Thanks .

Bryan.

User

Posted 09 Apr 2026 at 10:50

Hello All,

I had also been lurking on this site for a few weeks since been diagnosed. Its been a rollercoaster of emotions for me.

I have been given treatment options and I am leaning towards LDR brachytherapy.
I have had initial consultations with an experienced Urologist/Oncologist Team who can Carry out the procedure.

i am 54, generally fit and go running most days.
I am concerned about possible after effect s of brachy.
any help or advice will be greatly appreciated

User

Posted 09 Apr 2026 at 11:15

Raven22,

Sorry you've had to join us, but you are very welcome.

There's a few of us on here who have been through LDR Brachytherapy. If you have a look a my posts it'll take you through my experiences. (Tested May 25, procedure mid Sept 25)

It's a great place to ask questions and always supportive.

All the best, Ford

User

Posted 09 Apr 2026 at 14:52

Hi Raven.

Sorry you've joined the club, but everyone on here will help you along your journey.

I had ldr brachytherapy over a year ago and all is going according to plan at the moment.

I was talking to a lad I know in my local, he had ldr brachytherapy 20 years ago ( he's now 81) and he said it's the best decision he ever made.

There's no wrong option, but having the option is the head wrecker.

Shoot any questions anytime.

Bryan

User

Posted 09 Apr 2026 at 16:01

Thanks for the warm welcome Bryan. The Option is indeed the Head wrecker.

Wow! The chap in your local 20yrs Post brachy is a legend and an Inspiration.!

And just when I thought I was getting a bit comfortable with the choice of ldr brachy, an additional Option of 5 -Fraction Proton beam therapy has been thrown into the mix for my consideration by an oncologist.

Glad to be supported by you all, felt alone , sad and lost for weeks.
I will try and read previous posts before throwing questions which may have already been answered .

User

Posted 09 Apr 2026 at 17:54

No such thing as a stupid question Raven,

There will be more lads with information coming your way on this thread, when I started asking questions here originally Paul asked me to start a new thread in order to promote brachytherapy as there are only a few threads .

Keep the best side out.

Bryan.

User

Posted 17 Apr 2026 at 22:39

Bit late to the thread sorry Raven...!

As far as worrying about the side effects of Brachy are concerned, I wouldn't.

From my experience, the procedure and side effects are no worse/probably less than having a biopsy.

With that said, most people post Brachy will have some increased urgency in the first 12 months but it's usually not much more than a bit of an inconvenience.

Cheers!

Paul

User

Posted 21 Apr 2026 at 14:49

Hello Paul,

Thanks. Words of comfort will always be appreciated , so you are not late at all.
Your comparison to a biopsy is helpful. I had a TP biopsy with 45 cores taken, was really sore down there but recovered reasonably well(with ice). Common After effects of that procedure for me pushed over 8 weeks.

Hoping to confirm my decision soonest and get presented with possible dates.

Many thanks for the support.

User

Posted 23 Apr 2026 at 19:06

Hi Newbie here...

Considering options between 5 session radiotherapy or Brachy.

Consultant reckons that the side effects are worse with Brachy especially burning when going for a pee and erectile dysfunction.

Have spoken to peer support and the nice guy that called reckoned he had no issues and was 5 years post treatment.

Anyone got any experience or views on these two treatments.

Thanks

User

Posted 23 Apr 2026 at 19:12

HDR brachy or LDR beachy? I had HDR brachy, there were no noticeable side effects after a week.

Dave

User

Posted 23 Apr 2026 at 21:55

Gee 2009,

If you have a look through my posts it'll show you my experience of PC & LDR brachytherapy.

PSA test May 25, procedure in Sept 25.

This is a great place to ask questions, tons of good people and a variety of experiences.

All the best.

User

Posted 24 Apr 2026 at 17:56

Hi...

For some reason when I click them I can't view and i get a message saying 404 forbidden.

User

Posted 24 Apr 2026 at 17:57

Hi.... its the seed implant

User

Posted 04 May 2026 at 15:58

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

I've just had my latest PSA back, now 5 months after the procedure. 1.7, down from 3.2 last time. Consultant happy and has put me on 6 monthly follow ups.

I'm more than happy with that and can get on with the rest of my year now after the dodgy start I had.

HI KPC, can't send PM's yet as my account is still a Newbie...

Was wondering how you are after 12 months on from treatment. What side effects please as still trying to come to a decision for Brachy or SABR.

Thanks

David

User

Posted 10 May 2026 at 20:54

Hi David - I am about 15 months out from my procedure. I have no ongoing issues to report. I am still taking alfrozin, but had to stop for a week when I forgot to reorder my prescription and had no problems. I might try to stop completely when I have my next PSA/consultant catch up in July.

The consultant has been very happy with the gradual decrease in my PSA, so I will stick with the programme and get my next bloods in July.

I'm just getting on with my life, thankful for the NHS and the treatment I got.

Very happy to help and support anyone who needs it, as the guys on here were great with me as I moved through my journey.

User

Posted 16 May 2026 at 22:41

I am 7 weeks post-LDR brachytherapy and really cannot complain too much at all. Like the rest of the guys on here, I have a weak stream and some urgency, whilst orgasm generates rather thin ejaculate and a bit of pain but obviously tolerable otherwise I would have stopped😀. Life carried on as normal the day after the procedure, which was a piece of cake.

CT and MRi scans show that the seeds were all in the prostate and the rectal spacer was doing its job. First PSA not until the end of July.

I must have seen every prostate expert in the land and hardly found one who even mentioned LDR brachy, but my own extensive research and great advice from the guys on this thread convinced me that this was the right treatment for me. So far at least, I couldn’t be more content with my decision.

User

Posted 09 Jun 2026 at 09:56

Hello Gee 2009,

jumping on this thread just so say I‘ve seen your PM. Unfortunately, my acct is still newbie so cannot send or reply to PMs just yet.

Will post again after the ldr procedure which I have now agreed to proceed with.

User

Posted 09 Jun 2026 at 11:00

Hello Ade,

Thanks for sharing this update, which is reassuring and a delight to read.
As I continue to draw strength from this group, I am hoping to describe my upcoming ldr procedure as a cakewalk too.

User

Posted 11 Jun 2026 at 07:58

Morning all, a big thanks to everyone on here for the support through this Journey.

I had the LDR brachy procedure yesterday, all went well and as planned with no complications. Back home now recovering.
I am now the proud owner of 113 seeds.

feeling a bit exhausted at the moment, but will jump back on this thread again to let you all know how I’m getting along.

User

Posted 11 Jun 2026 at 19:23

Well done Raven.

You'll be flying in a few days albeit a bit lethargic by times, nothing a wee nap won't sort .

Keep well.

Bryan

User

Posted 11 Jun 2026 at 19:41

Raven,

That's a big step out of the way. Hope the recovery goes smoothly.

Ford

User

Posted 03 Jul 2026 at 18:42

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Morning all, a big thanks to everyone on here for the support through this Journey.

I had the LDR brachy procedure yesterday, all went well and as planned with no complications. Back home now recovering.
I am now the proud owner of 113 seeds.

feeling a bit exhausted at the moment, but will jump back on this thread again to let you all know how I’m getting along.

Hi Raven 22.... How is the recovery going? Have opted for LDR but can't have it yet a recovering from a minor op that went wrong and caught sepsis !!

User

Posted 17 Jul 2026 at 15:19

Just got my latest PSA back, I'm 17 months out from my procedure.

Unfortunately, I've had an increase from 1.4 to 2 on my latest test. I'm about to phone the nurses to get advice re: whether this is a "bounce", as is well documented at my stage.

Nobody said it was going to be easy.

User

Posted 07 Aug 2026 at 13:59

Howdy all.

Paul had me in training for the PSA bounce and it looks like it's here, PSA was 1.9 in January and now it's up to 3.17.

It's 17 months from the procedure and I was tipping along well, it's pretty disheartening to see it go back up, doubt creeps back into the mind, we'll see what the consultant has to say on Monday.

Anyway let's hope it is the infamous bounce, we'll see what the next test brings .

Cheers all.

Bryan.

Edited by member 07 Aug 2026 at 15:59 | Reason: Typo

User

Posted 07 Aug 2026 at 15:10

Looks like we are in exactly the same boat. My consultant didn't seem concerned, says it's not unusual. He's scheduled another PSA in 4 months to check trend.

User

Posted 12 Aug 2026 at 09:25

Hey Bryan and KPC,

Sorry been AWOL recently with other life stuff(!) but I hope your got some reassurance from your consultant Bryan?

Both of you are exactly at the time where you'd expect to see bounce. Any increase after BT before 30 months is much much more likely to be bounce than failure. It's really only after 30 months that you start to wonder a bit more about wtf is going on! Even then, it may be 60 months before reaching true post procedure Nadir.

As I've said before, it's a long old journey and for me, that's the only downside of the treatment choice in my experience so far.

So, if you can, it's definitely best to stay positive and not exert too much brainpower on what I'm sure will be a temporary rise!

Logic should tell you that it's unlikely cancer would cause such a sudden increase - even without treatment you wouldn't necessarily expect to see that sort of rise in that sort of time. The fact that your prostate and the cancer in it has been, or is in the process of being, obliterated by radiation makes it even less logical that cancer should now be causing the rise - right? Right!

In fact many studies have shown bounces before 30 months to be a good indicator of future success. Almost all bounce patients end up being BCR free compared to non bounce patients and when you consider that it's a very small cohort who fail after BT anyway, having a bounce should actually be reassuring!

Of course, it's easy to say that and definitely not so easy to get the brain to accept! We all just want to see a straight line down and its natural to panic when it doesn't do that. But stay positive and take reassurance from the fact that bounce is a very real thing, you're at exactly the right time to experience it and ultimately it's a good prognostic indicator of future success!

User

Posted 15 Aug 2026 at 14:53

Hey Paul.

Thanks for your intricate reply as always, that's very reassuring , the consultant wasn't overly concerned and put me down for another test in 3 months,I hope all is well with you and yours , thanks again.

Bryan.

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