was diagnosed with prostate cancer in July 2007 with a PSA of 4.39
and a Gleason score of 3+4=7 and a stage T1c. I studied about the
various methods. I had recently moved to a city that I didn't know the
urologist that found the cancer, so I went back to my former urologist
a hundred miles away. My wife and I talked to him about treatment. He
told us that he did a lot of surgeries in the past, but thought in my
case brachytherapy would be a better option. He very seldom does
surgeries now. I had the seed implants (Iodine 125) done on Nov. 29th
as an outpatient. The procedure took about 45 minutes, a couple hours
total time and went home right after. I have had very little
difficulties with the treatment. I have some discomfort when
urinating, other than that everything is going fine. I will go back
next month and have a PSA done to see what the results are. As for the
radiation, it is true that prolonged exposure to small children and
pregnant women is not advised for the first couple months. To play it
safe I slept alone for the first 60 days. After that it should be
alright according to my doctor. Here
is a follow-up on my first PSA after brachytherapy--- I had a PSA test
done on May 12 and had my visit with my urologist yesterday May 19. My
PSA was .33, but I still have some discomfort urinating and very mild
rectal pain. The urologist prescribed 800 MG of Motrin(Ibuprofen)to be
taken every 8 hours as needed for the pain. He said that the rectal
pain was probably cause by the prostate. I will have another exam of
the urinary tract done on Thursday May 22 to see what is going on
there. I will post again when I find out the results of the exam. I
am posting this to answer any question that someone may have about
brachytherapy. I hope this helps!!!
I had the follow-up exam and it appears that the radiation has caused some irritation in the urethra, lower part of the bladder and
the rectal wall. As for the urinary tract, I am receiving injections
of DMSO 50cc once a week for 6 weeks into the bladder to reduce the
irritation. So far I have had two injections and see very little
change. I will give the results when I complete the treatment.
I have completed my DMSO injections in the bladder and it worked quite well. I still have some discomfort in the rectal area, but it is slight and getting better. I return for a checkup with the doctor on 7-14.