Diagnosed with PC today

Had a pelvic CT and volume testing completed at MD Anderson and met with several Oncologists from the Prostate Cancer team. Thanks to the Healing Well forum and everyone who have contributed, especially Yooper and Jim, I am planning treatment for early December. It was very nice to speak with both a surgeon and an RO who were very supportive of each other and compassionate to my situation. I have decided to pursue LDR Brachytherapy as I feel it is the best treatment for my personality and lifestyle. Hoping to knock this out once and for all and I can't ask for more than a fighting chance. Thanks to each of you and I will continue to stay engaged with this forum for the sake of all in this battle... BertR.

Bert - glad you've been able to make a decision. That's a big step.

You'll do fine with brachy.

Keep us updated.
Andrew

Bert, glad we were able to be of some help. Importantly, you did your due diligence by getting educated and talking with docs from different disciplines so you could be confident with your decision. Good job. Now go get this thing cured and get on with your normal life!

Best of luck and I look forward to hearing about your progress.

Jim

Might be. I've had three. First was to diagnose a rectal bleeding issue. That was when I was 40. They did finds some polyps that had to be removed.

It's not a fun procedure (the prep is the worst part) and you don't hear of this that often as a pre-brachy step. Still, if you have any colon cancer risk factors, it might be good. Likely your GP would be talking to you about that when you hit 50 anyway. There's no real harm in it, so if you want the data and can afford to do it, couldn't hurt (much). However I am not convinced it's going to be all that useful.

but then, I'm not a doctor - just some random guy on the internet.
Andrew

I am sure Andrew is talking about the preparation for the colonoscopy the night before. I just had one 4 weeks ago and the prep started at 4:00 the afternoon before. After my colonoscopy I loss 7 lbs. so you can imagine how much I had to "clean out" for the colonoscopy. My doctor raved about what a good job I did. Believe me, it is all about the Meds he gave me called Suprep Bowel Prep Kit and a clear liquid diet all day. You pour a bottle of Suprep into a cup then top it off with water, a total of 16oz. of liquid. After you drink that, you drink 2 more bottles of 16 oz. of water in 1 hour. Then you do it again at 10:00P.M. I had diarrhea for 36 hours but squeaky clean bowels.

Good way to drop 7 lbs. in a hurry!

My mom died of colon cancer so I will be doing this every 3 years now.

Bill from Florida

BigRich - regarding your question on having the colonoscopy done - I found this study that may be of interest and also provide a bit of an insight on why this is being suggested for you. Note some of the Dr's involved in this study are out of M.D. Anderson:

"Screening colonoscopy before prostate cancer treatment can detect colorectal cancers in asymptomatic patients and reduce the rate of complications after brachytherapy"

www.practicalradonc.org/article/S1879-8500(11)00353-5/abstract