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HDR Brachytherapy question

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Posted 3/9/2016 1:16 PM (GMT 0)
Some of you have read my previous posts and saw my situation. I am researching all my options and am leaning heavy toward HDR Brachytherapy. I have an appointment with Dr Peter Rossi at Emory next Thursday 03-17-16 to discuss it. For those of you that have had HDR Brachy and or have heavily researched it I have a question. I know this is a pretty straight forward question but here goes. Can you still ejaculate after HDR therapy? I know with surgery there is still orgasm's but they are dry. I have heard there is still a possibility that you still can after HDR. Is this true?

I know that to some this is a vain reason but that is one thing that has me leaning toward HDR since it and surgery have close to equal cure rates. That may not mean much to some but at 49 without that I feel like I am being put out to pasture.

Post Edited (habhammer) : 3/10/2016 2:18:18 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 3/9/2016 1:46 PM (GMT 0)
From my experience the answer is yes, but the amount is greatly reduced. This is generally true with any of the radiotherapy treatments including permanent seeds and external beam (IMRT/IGRT etc.). In my case I had both HDR and IMRT so my prostate was very well radiated. It still functions, but not at the pre-treatment level. As you mention, surgery eliminates the prostate altogether and thus no ejaculation.

For additional HDR information see www.cetmc.com the website of Dr. Jeffrey Demanes the HDR pioneer who also headed the department at the UCLA Medical Center.

I assume you are in the Atlanta area, as am I. If there is anything I can help you with, please let me know.

Jack
Posted 3/9/2016 2:37 PM (GMT 0)
I really don't have any ejaculate after my HDR brachy, but it does sound like others have some based on JNF's comments above and others I've read here. I understand where you're coming from and I do miss it somewhat, but basically it becomes part of the new normal.
Posted 3/10/2016 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
I'm two weeks out as of yesterday and have yet to test the equipment so to speak, but as others have said, don't count on much if any ejaculate post treatment. I've read some materials that say the impact on ejaculate volume decline partially depends on the size of the prostate at time of treatment, whether or not the seminal vesicles are radiated, the level of radiation dosage, etc., but it seems to vary by patient overall. I'm also taking the generic version of flomax which decreases ejaculate output significantly at least for me (I've taken it in the past for kidney stones which is how I know).
Posted 3/10/2016 7:35 PM (GMT 0)
My case. One year out since the HDR Brachy treatment ( Chicago, Jan 28.292015). The answer for me, is yes but limited to varying degrees depending on my own sense or "level" of libido---horniness-- and/ or that specific occasion. Also, and I don't know if this is across the board, but the orgasm is quite a bit different... more intense since treatment...... Go Figure

Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the PLAY
Posted 3/10/2016 8:48 PM (GMT 0)

habhammer said...
Some of you have read my previous posts and saw my situation. I am researching all my options and am leaning heavy toward HDR Brachytherapy. I have an appointment with Dr Peter Rossi at Emory next Thursday 03-17-16 to discuss it. For those of you that have had HDR Brachy and or have heavily researched it I have a question. I know this is a pretty straight forward question but here goes. Can you still ejaculate after HDR therapy? I know with surgery there is still orgasm's but they are dry. I have heard there is still a possibility that you still can after HDR. Is this true?

I know that to some this is a vain reason but that is one thing that has me leaning toward HDR since it and surgery have close to equal cure rates. That may not mean much to some but at 49 without that I feel like I am being put out to pasture. VIEW IMAGE

I have not, but as you put it, I can still orgasm.....and I cannot view your image.
Posted 3/11/2016 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
Yes and sometimes no.

I'm 13 months out and do now. Sometimes the volume is more than other times. I too was disappointed that I hadn't expected that part of it. Mine can be fairly decent at times. Still feels good though.

I think it's that way with any treatment.

I have my appointment with Dr. Rossi next Thursday as well. 1:00. I'd be happy to talk with you if you're there around 1. I was 48 when diagnosed, healthy, fit (I've since gained 10 lbs.though b/c of toe surgery and low T).

Dr. Rossi is very good. He'll give you several options for treatment, and he told me they had great surgeons if I went that route.

Let me know.
Posted 3/11/2016 1:44 AM (GMT 0)
My personal experience is yes (though reduced in volume) - unless I've recently taken Rapaflo, in which case I'm dry. But the weird thing is, though dry then, the sensation is often more intense.
Posted 3/13/2016 2:27 AM (GMT 0)
Dewayne,

My appointment with Dr Rossi is at 2 this coming Thursday
Posted 3/13/2016 6:37 PM (GMT 0)

habhammer said...
Dewayne,

My appointment with Dr Rossi is at 2 this coming Thursday

I'll probably be coming out as you're going in. If you want to hear a live, first-hand account I'd be happy to talk with you.

I'm white, 50 (by 12 days), about 5'8 and 180. Thinning hair but good-looking, still. At least in my own mind.... smilewinkgrin
Posted 3/14/2016 12:25 PM (GMT 0)
Dewayne,

Do you have a cell# or e-mail address where I can contact you?

Posted 3/14/2016 6:37 PM (GMT 0)

habhammer said...
Dewayne,
Do you have a cell# or e-mail address where I can contact you?

Yes, call me anytime at 706-936-3900.

I'm expecting another PSA reduction this Thursday....
Posted 3/24/2016 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
Well I may as well chime in here - 10 years out and maybe my husband is the exception, but YES and it's NOT dry LOL
Posted 3/26/2016 1:04 AM (GMT 0)
My volume is greatly reduced to a small amount of clear liquid. Sometimes a bit more, sometimes a bit less, but it's not really a big deal once you get used to it.
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