Brachytherapy or Radiacal Prostectomy?

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Comments

  • dachem
    dachem Member Posts: 3
    #22
    Brachytherapy advocate
    I posted this reply on another thread, and then I saw this one, so, in case you didn't see the other thread, I'll post it here also.

    I was age 62 when PC was discovered. Gleason of 6, PSA of 4.6. I chose seed implants and am totally happy with the outcome. That was 11 years ago, my PSA has stayed low and I have had no after-effects of the procedure at all. In fact, I played 18 holes of golf 11 days after the procedure and have continued to have an active life. I chose seeds because I thought they would have the smallest probability of radically affecting the quality of my life, and so far I think I made the right choice.
  • hesian
    hesian Member Posts: 4
    #23
    same boat
    Hi Jon, I was diagnosed in August and have much the scores, Gleason 6, PSA5.3, and 8 out of 12 positive with 2 more pre-cancerous. I am doing the research as well and at this time I'm leaning towards the Brachytherapy due to what seems like less possible side affects.I'm 54 and have three small children, and the thought of having to keep them at arms length for 6 weeks after the Brachytherapy is a big concern for me, but when I look at the precentages, it still seems better that the surgery. I've been told that having the cancer on both sides increases the difficulty of nerve sparing as well. Take your time and good luck with your decision.
  • chorton581
    chorton581 Member Posts: 15
    #24
    hesian said:

    same boat
    Hi Jon, I was diagnosed in August and have much the scores, Gleason 6, PSA5.3, and 8 out of 12 positive with 2 more pre-cancerous. I am doing the research as well and at this time I'm leaning towards the Brachytherapy due to what seems like less possible side affects.I'm 54 and have three small children, and the thought of having to keep them at arms length for 6 weeks after the Brachytherapy is a big concern for me, but when I look at the precentages, it still seems better that the surgery. I've been told that having the cancer on both sides increases the difficulty of nerve sparing as well. Take your time and good luck with your decision.

    same here
    The cancer treatment center in tulsa offers the HDR Brachytherapy.
    Since the seeds are not left in you will not be as radioactive and should not affect your children
  • jbrick
    jbrick Member Posts: 4
    #25
    just diagnosed
    Hi Jon,

    I am a Jon too and at 52 years old I was just diagnosed with PC in the last month. The good news was that I only had 1 out of 6 cores come back positive. The bad news is my PSA shot to a 9.2 and my Gleason is a 4+5/9. In my case I am being told that surgery is not the best option. With that said I gave all treatment options equal billing.
    I am leaning toward a very agressive radiation therapy plan which includes hormone therapy, brachytherapy and low beam therapy. My concern was and is same as yours regarding surgery. I have heard the same message from everyone and that is finding the best surgeon is huge when it comes to nerve sparing surgery.
    What I am also finding out no two situations are the same so as others say it well" do your homework, get a second opinion and don't look back when you do make that decision.
    Good luck!

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