I Would Like To Speak With People Who Have Prostate Cancer

My father has just been diagnosed with prostate cancer. So far he only has the info and recommendations given to him by his urologist which is a complete removal of the prostate. Up until tonight he was unaware of some of the side effects. I was wondering if anyone out there has some firsthand experience with the treatment called "brachytherapy" and Cancer Treatment Centers of America. I have what they sent me in the mail, but I would like to hear from "an average Joe". Any info would be helpful. Thank You!

Dear Melanie P.,

I've just come across your message and thought I'd reply though some months have passed.

I note your reference to CTCA and I wonder if you've seen a message on My Cancer Compass regarding various treatments for prostate cancer which mentions brachytherapy.

There are also several websites about prostate cancer which are directed by Don Cooley and which include many contributions from PCa patients and their families/friends.

I've had PCa for some years and had external beam radiation therapy and later hormone therapy. At present I'm not having treatment but have regular PSA tests.

I do hope that your father progresses well.

Best wishes

Peter G.

(in Richmond, Surrey, UK).

I have had experience with Cancer Treatment Centers of America. I like the approach of Dr. Kelly, there, who is supportive of "Intelligent Watchful Waiting" and not doing immediate surgery. I am doing this and after approximately 3 years seem to be doing OK. My plans are, if my PSA levels exceed 10 and remain at that level for two additional readings, I will have their method of brachytherapy done. I, too, was diagnosed by a urologist who would have done surgery right away if I had agreed. My PSA levels fluctuate a lot (more than 100%) sometimes within a few days. However, I learned that part of the problem was the urologist was having my blood drawn just before my DRE. The literature very clearly indicates that if one has cancer cells, manipulation of the gland can cause an increase in PSA. Keep this in mind and insist that blood be drawn in advance of the DRE.
I hope my comments have been helpful.
Roy D.

Melanie,

I am NOT a physician!
I'm a man who had early-stage PCa in 2001 at age 65 and chose to have surgery performed at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore by Dr. Alan Partin.
I'm very happy with my choice.
Radiation would have caused great difficulty for me because I had a "very low-calibre urine stream" before my diagnosis.
For men who don't have a problem urinating, radiation is often greatly preferable to surgery performed by a typical "pretty good" urological surgeon. A prostatectomy is a tricky operation, usually not done well. Brachytherapy is a good treatment for early-stage PCa. CTCA is a reputable institution that has cured many men. Their brachytherapy is usually HDR, high-dose temporary seeds, plus XRT, external radiation therapy.
One branch of CTCA is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Where are you? (I'm in Stillwater, OK.)

Unless your father is able and willing to seek out a top-notch urological surgeon, I recommend against surgery.

Subscribe to the PPML and RP e-mail lists at www.prostatepointers.org.
Good luck and best wishes!
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John C.

After extensive research, I chose traditional radiation. I read of a pencil beam radiation that i now feel might have spared me this result of impotence and occasional incontinence. I was leaning this way when my PSA suddenly shot up to a 17. I became concerned that the cancer might spread so I panicked and went to the nearest radiation center for immediate treatment. Cancer wise the result has been good. I have tested .0004 PSA four times for the last two years, and the nodulee on my prostate has shrunk, but I regret that my sexual abilities for an erection did not survive. I wonder if I had tried the brachiotheraapy if I would have had better results.
It seems that this is a problem that I do not find well addressed by the medical community.

I had a radical prostatectomy at the age of 59 when my PSA count had reached 28. That was three years ago and I rejected radiation follow-up treatment in favor of occasional injections. My PSA count has remained below 1 since then. I agree that the medical community does not have much to offer in the way of advice on treating the problem of dysfuncion after prostate surgery.
I obtained a penis pump (which cost around $300.00 & was covered by insurance) but found it doesn't work very well. It enables you to get a semi-erection, but is not very 'partner' friendly. I would be interested in hearing from someone who has had this prostate procedure and has discovered something that actually works.

Melanine,
I found it very helpful to talk to patients who had the surgery and the seeds. I went with the seeds against my uroligist reccomendation. I am 71 and chicken I guess and was told I was a canidate for either procedure. I would suggest that whatever the decision he go where they do it full time. I went to Chicago Prostate Center in Westmont, IL. Dr Moran.
It has been 3 years. I am working to regain sexual function but I'm not sure how much I'm to have at 71. Over all I think I made the right decision, when the side effects of both procedures are considered.
Best to you,
Joe