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Has Anyone Had Radiation Seeds Implanted in Tumor?

Has Anyone Had Radiation Seeds Implanted in Tumor?

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5 Posts | Page(s): 1

Hello, My husband was diagnosed with localized unresectable advanced pc, he has completed chemo treatment of gemzar/cisplatin and just finished radiation 6wks ago. His ca-19-9 is down to 38 and we feel very fortunate that his markers went down, his high was about 400. He has done well with chemo and radiation with few side effects. His doctors are telling him that he is a candidate for Brachytherapy, implanting radiation seeds into the tumor. The tumor is about the size of a lemon. I wanted to know if anyone has had this procedure and if the results are good. We have been told that the side effects of this procedure is that he may become diabetic and may lose weight and would have to take pancreatic enzymes to replace the enzymes lost. Thank-you for your help.

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Kaezee

So sorry to hear your husband is ill. My husband was dx with pc in Dec. his tumor is 4 cm We start Chemo on the 20th. (No one seems to be in a hurry to treat this thing) I've heard of the seeds, but know no one who has had this procedure. Would you please keep me informed as to how this works for you? I'm grasping at any straw and twig to help my husband. My prayer is that all goes well for your husband.

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Dianecy

We talked to the radiation oncologist about this procedure. Surgery is required to get to the tumor and radiation seeds are inserted into the tumor. We have been told that there may be side effects, including becoming diabetic which would require insulin shots, loss of weight due to lack of enzymes, weakened immunity and also the risks of surgery. We met with the Dr. last week and plan to meet with him again next week with a list of questions we need answering. This procedure, Brachytherapy is commonly used for prostate cancer, not sure how widely used for pc. When we know more I will let you know. I wish your husband well with the chemo treatment. Your husband will be in my prayers and I will pray that the doctor's treating him will have the knowledge, wisdom and courage to treat him the best way possible.

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Elly850

Perhaps you could also put your question also on the pancreas cancer board of the JHH website. This discussion forum is visited by hundreds of PC-patients and caregivers every day. http://pathology.jhu.edu/pancreas_chat/ Good luck, Wielly

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Elizabeth09

Hi Iam so sorry to hear about your husband. I was wondering if you could tell me what hospital he is going to for the radiation procedure? Is it a trial?

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5 Posts | Page(s): 1