Had brachytherapy (seed implants) today, 12/14/2011

Symptoms
Dave, I had brachytherapy in January of 2008 (Kaiser in Roseville, CA). I didn't experience any "burning" issues at that time but certainly had "urgency" issues. That's easy to deal with as long as the catheter is in place but after it's out you can become somewhat of a track star as you head to the bathroom LOL Oh, and yes, you can expect reduced flow for awhile - the surgery upsets your prostate (swelling) - but it will pass in time as things settle down.

You may also expreience urgency issues related to bowel movements. In my case this lasted for a few months and then went away. That's the good news. The not-so-good news (for me anyway) is that is all came back a few years later (about 2-1/2 years later as I recall) but only lasted a few months. When it did come back, I experienced the "burning" sensation you mention and, quite frankly, that concerned me. I also had a return of reduced flow issues and had to go back on terazosin for a few months.

At the same time, I also expreienced a PSA "bounce" so putting 2+2 together caused a little concern. The doctor said my situation wasn't "common" but does happen to some guys.

Here's my PSA history for your review. Don't get freaked out if you don't get a "zero" reading in the future.

06/13/05 2.5
10/20/06 3.8
08/10/07 4.8
11/09/07 3.5
01/04/08 3.4 Brachytherapy January 10, 2008
04/10/08 1.1
07/09/08 0.4
10/07/08 0.2
01/08/09 0.4
07/02/09 0.5
08/31/09 0.7
12/07/09 0.8
07/14/10 1.0
11/17/10 1.3
03/17/11 0.3
07/28/11 0.2

At his juncture, all is well. Hopefully my January test will continue to spport the beast has been beaten back.

Kentr said:

Symptoms
Dave, I had brachytherapy in January of 2008 (Kaiser in Roseville, CA). I didn't experience any "burning" issues at that time but certainly had "urgency" issues. That's easy to deal with as long as the catheter is in place but after it's out you can become somewhat of a track star as you head to the bathroom LOL Oh, and yes, you can expect reduced flow for awhile - the surgery upsets your prostate (swelling) - but it will pass in time as things settle down.

You may also expreience urgency issues related to bowel movements. In my case this lasted for a few months and then went away. That's the good news. The not-so-good news (for me anyway) is that is all came back a few years later (about 2-1/2 years later as I recall) but only lasted a few months. When it did come back, I experienced the "burning" sensation you mention and, quite frankly, that concerned me. I also had a return of reduced flow issues and had to go back on terazosin for a few months.

At the same time, I also expreienced a PSA "bounce" so putting 2+2 together caused a little concern. The doctor said my situation wasn't "common" but does happen to some guys.

Here's my PSA history for your review. Don't get freaked out if you don't get a "zero" reading in the future.

06/13/05 2.5
10/20/06 3.8
08/10/07 4.8
11/09/07 3.5
01/04/08 3.4 Brachytherapy January 10, 2008
04/10/08 1.1
07/09/08 0.4
10/07/08 0.2
01/08/09 0.4
07/02/09 0.5
08/31/09 0.7
12/07/09 0.8
07/14/10 1.0
11/17/10 1.3
03/17/11 0.3
07/28/11 0.2

At his juncture, all is well. Hopefully my January test will continue to spport the beast has been beaten back.

PSA bounce following Brachy
Kentr
Congratulations on your great PSA #s. The Radiation Oncology Center at Kaiser in Roseville maintains an excellent data base on all it's N.Cal Brachytherapy and has an excellent track record of success. They have implanted over 3500 patients over the past 8-10 yrs , and found about 30% of their pts had a PSA bounce during the first 2-4 yrs before declining to a PSA nadir following the 5th year.

DaveRN94 said:

Thanks so much friends
Thanks to you both. It is so comforting to walk this path with others, isn't it. I have gleaned more information from many here than from medical professionals. If you don't ask some of them, they do not offer.

The burning has significantly decreased and the urine stream has seemed to increase, both good to see. I am encouraged.

Thanks Kentr for the details on the "bounce" which I will be looking for down the road. Some say the bounce is a good thing, often indicating sucsessful radiation results.

Good going Dave
Glad to hear things are settling down so quickly for you. As far as the "bounce" thing goes, I've read the same thing about it possibly being good - I haven't got a clue Oh, here's a tip. in order to avoid a "false" high psa reading in the future, a few days ahead of time avoid sexual activity, riding a bike and other strenuous acivity.

jct9841 said:

Had my Brachytherapy as well...
Dave,

Seed implant performed on 12-9-11

Left without catheter.

Had strong burning for a couple of days. Gone now.

Flow was low for a day or so but I guess the Flomax kicked in and now no problem.

I have not been too sore and did not use cold compresses.

So far so good and waiting for the first PSA reading.

John

Hey John
How the heck did you escape without a catheter? LOL Shortly after I awoke from surgery this cute little thing was asking me if I had passed any urine yet. I told her I hadn't had anything to drink in over 24 hours so there was nothing to pass. She said, "Well, we need to put in a catheter then." Sheesh, I HATED that thing!

Read my previous comment (tip) to Dave about your next PSA test

Kentr said:

Hey John
How the heck did you escape without a catheter? LOL Shortly after I awoke from surgery this cute little thing was asking me if I had passed any urine yet. I told her I hadn't had anything to drink in over 24 hours so there was nothing to pass. She said, "Well, we need to put in a catheter then." Sheesh, I HATED that thing!

Read my previous comment (tip) to Dave about your next PSA test

Catheter and aches and pains...
Kentr,

I guess the fluids came from the IV. Post procedure, lying flat on the gurney, a nurse put a container between my legs and said, "see if you can go. We need 30 ML." It's still foggy in my mind but I produced more than enough to avoid the catheter.

When the bottle of urine was retrieved one nurse called out, "pee dance." About 5 ladies cavorted and danced in honor of my excretion. At least that's what I remember in my groggy state.

In the last couple of days I'm experiencing very sore testicles and flu like body aches and pains. This happen to anyone?

Thanks for the PSA test tips.

Later,

John

rch said:

PSA bounce following Brachy
Kentr
Congratulations on your great PSA #s. The Radiation Oncology Center at Kaiser in Roseville maintains an excellent data base on all it's N.Cal Brachytherapy and has an excellent track record of success. They have implanted over 3500 patients over the past 8-10 yrs , and found about 30% of their pts had a PSA bounce during the first 2-4 yrs before declining to a PSA nadir following the 5th year.

kaiser experience
RCH can you give me the link to the information you cite? I am consulting with one of the radiologist and leaning heavily toward Bracy. Any one have Bracy and IMRT? Of the Bracy, procedures performed how many were hi dose vs low dose. Do you have a Dr to recommend?

Thanks

Jerry

Cancer gone in 2012~

Kentr said:

Symptoms
Dave, I had brachytherapy in January of 2008 (Kaiser in Roseville, CA). I didn't experience any "burning" issues at that time but certainly had "urgency" issues. That's easy to deal with as long as the catheter is in place but after it's out you can become somewhat of a track star as you head to the bathroom LOL Oh, and yes, you can expect reduced flow for awhile - the surgery upsets your prostate (swelling) - but it will pass in time as things settle down.

You may also expreience urgency issues related to bowel movements. In my case this lasted for a few months and then went away. That's the good news. The not-so-good news (for me anyway) is that is all came back a few years later (about 2-1/2 years later as I recall) but only lasted a few months. When it did come back, I experienced the "burning" sensation you mention and, quite frankly, that concerned me. I also had a return of reduced flow issues and had to go back on terazosin for a few months.

At the same time, I also expreienced a PSA "bounce" so putting 2+2 together caused a little concern. The doctor said my situation wasn't "common" but does happen to some guys.

Here's my PSA history for your review. Don't get freaked out if you don't get a "zero" reading in the future.

06/13/05 2.5
10/20/06 3.8
08/10/07 4.8
11/09/07 3.5
01/04/08 3.4 Brachytherapy January 10, 2008
04/10/08 1.1
07/09/08 0.4
10/07/08 0.2
01/08/09 0.4
07/02/09 0.5
08/31/09 0.7
12/07/09 0.8
07/14/10 1.0
11/17/10 1.3
03/17/11 0.3
07/28/11 0.2

At his juncture, all is well. Hopefully my January test will continue to spport the beast has been beaten back.

Happy camper here
Just got my latest PSA reading from January 14 test - PSA was 0.1 - yipeeeeee!

Kentr said:

Symptoms
Dave, I had brachytherapy in January of 2008 (Kaiser in Roseville, CA). I didn't experience any "burning" issues at that time but certainly had "urgency" issues. That's easy to deal with as long as the catheter is in place but after it's out you can become somewhat of a track star as you head to the bathroom LOL Oh, and yes, you can expect reduced flow for awhile - the surgery upsets your prostate (swelling) - but it will pass in time as things settle down.

You may also expreience urgency issues related to bowel movements. In my case this lasted for a few months and then went away. That's the good news. The not-so-good news (for me anyway) is that is all came back a few years later (about 2-1/2 years later as I recall) but only lasted a few months. When it did come back, I experienced the "burning" sensation you mention and, quite frankly, that concerned me. I also had a return of reduced flow issues and had to go back on terazosin for a few months.

At the same time, I also expreienced a PSA "bounce" so putting 2+2 together caused a little concern. The doctor said my situation wasn't "common" but does happen to some guys.

Here's my PSA history for your review. Don't get freaked out if you don't get a "zero" reading in the future.

06/13/05 2.5
10/20/06 3.8
08/10/07 4.8
11/09/07 3.5
01/04/08 3.4 Brachytherapy January 10, 2008
04/10/08 1.1
07/09/08 0.4
10/07/08 0.2
01/08/09 0.4
07/02/09 0.5
08/31/09 0.7
12/07/09 0.8
07/14/10 1.0
11/17/10 1.3
03/17/11 0.3
07/28/11 0.2

At his juncture, all is well. Hopefully my January test will continue to spport the beast has been beaten back.

update please?

I am considering brachytherapy in Roseville/Kaiser. How are you doing these days?