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Posted 4/2/2010 3:10 PM (GMT 0)
Afterglo and husband -

You have a good hospital there - Sunnybrook in Toronto ( I used to live in Toronto ). You have been given a wealth of information here and I applaud the clarity of what has been shared with you - I even understand most of it now !

In your signature, you state- Family History: yes - does your husband have a dad or brother with prostate cancer as well?

All the best to you both - and to emphasize what has been stated by others - whatever method or treatment your husband has , it should be his own final decision, to help with "ownership of the disease" and to help avoid post-whatever blame.

hugs
BRONSON
Posted 4/2/2010 3:47 PM (GMT 0)
Excellent advice, Alf. Thanks so much.
Posted 4/2/2010 3:58 PM (GMT 0)

You are so right about all the information stated in a way that is easily understood by those of us who have barely begun the journey.

You are quite correct as well, Branson, about letting hubby take ownership of this disease. I understand 'his body/his choice' and will gather info to be passed along to him.

His dad died at 65 from a combination of prostate and lung cancers. Our son is in his early 40's and has had PSA tests and DRE since he was 40.

Posted 4/2/2010 5:48 PM (GMT 0)

Re the comment about a seed coming out with the semen...that is a standard cautionary warning but is an extremely rare occurance.  Most brachytherapy procedures these days are done with
"stranded seeds".  That is, the seeds are linked together so that the expulsion of one is not likely at all  Ask your radiation oncologist and he/she should confirm that.

Tudpock

Posted 4/2/2010 9:33 PM (GMT 0)

I just wanted to add a note regarding early detection. Our PCP was very reluctant to provide the requisition for the PSA. He stated that there were too many false positives to make the results credible. Based on Kurt's PSA 2.4 last May and his normal DRE, it was almost a 'See, I told' you' situation until his father's medical history and Kurt's getting up frequently during the night were mentioned that we had the TRUS requisitioned. The results of that showed that there was a 'growth' about 3mm in diameter in his prostate. All of a sudden, there was interest.

I tell this 'cautionary tale' because I strongly believe that Kurt is not alone in this. He was quite willing to 'let it go' after his numbers were okay. Getting up to go to the washroom 4-5 times a night is not normalsmhair !!! So be forewarned, fellow prostate treatment candidates.yeah Don't be lured into complacency by numbers.

Posted 4/3/2010 12:10 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Afterglo,

My experience with seeds was somewhat different from what others in this forum have had.  I had the usual after effects from the seeds - difficult urination, burning, etc. for a while.  They gradually disappeared.  However, in my case, which appears to be very unusual, the seeds failed and I am now on Lupron hormonal therapy.  I have also had some serious problems with radiation proctitis (inflammation in the rectum with minor rectal bleeding), which was treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy - that helped and I am now stable (i.e. better). See my history below.

Despite that, I would choose the same procedure again - seed implants.  Because of your husband's age, I would favor the seeds.  As you have probably read in the forum posts, prostate removal is not without its own risks and side effects. However, it is his and your decision.  I wish you both only the best.

Gene in Md

Posted 4/3/2010 2:48 AM (GMT 0)

Thanks, Gene, for that very interesting and informative post. I wonder how often the 'seeds' don't work.

I'm so sorry that you had such an ordeal! Will the Lupron keep the cancer at bay forever, or will you continue to get the shots every few months?

Posted 4/3/2010 1:40 PM (GMT 0)
Afterglo, On the "exposure" question after the seed implant - I got all the same information from my radiolgist that has been reported earlier....stay at least 4 feet away from small children and pregnant women.  We have an 18 month old grandaughter and a pregnant daughter. I was told not to worry about pets (in our case, 3 cats who like their lap time) but I was concerned about them too despite assurances from the radiolgist not to worry. For my own peace of mind, I ordered a lead lap pad via the internet and used it for 30 days as necessary. I probably didn't need to do it....but it made me feel better. If you are interested, Google the following...Universal Medical Inc. Best wishes on your journey. Joe67
Posted 4/3/2010 2:45 PM (GMT 0)
Joe,

Thanks for the information regarding the possibility of radiation issues with a pet sitting on Kurt's lap. We have an 11 year old kitty who loves lap time with both of us. Honestly, that issue hadn't crossed my mind until you mentioned it. I will Google the site for sure.

Thanks so much.
Posted 5/30/2011 9:36 AM (GMT 0)

Hopeful in MD said...
Hi Afterglo,

My experience with seeds was somewhat different from what others in this forum have had. I had the usual after effects from the seeds - difficult urination, burning, etc. for a while. They gradually disappeared. However, in my case, which appears to be very unusual, the seeds failed and I am now on Lupron hormonal therapy.

Hi Hopeful - wanted to ask what period your rising PSAs covered. I have had rising levels from 0.6 (9 months after brachy) 1.2 (b+15) and latest 2.3 (b+25). Doc is organising MRI + possible biopsy and seems to prefer hormones as first course of action. Am interested to hear what advice you got as our situations seem very similar.

Thanks
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