Started SBRT Today

I started SBRT today, and thought I would share my experience for those interested in SBRT.

My treatment plan is 4 sessions (4 X 9.5gys).

I had a 9:00 AM appointment, and met with nurses, PA, and MD first. They checked my bladder volume twice (by ultrasound) before treatment started. I was given a steroid for possible inflammation. Prep work took a little over 1 hour.

The actual treatment took much longer than I expected - slightly over 1 hour. Apparently this is normal at UNC. I asked lots of questions, and the team said that the prostate cyberknife treatments are usually the longest.

I am an amateur astronomer. At 20 minute intervals they stopped to add what looked like a different lens to the equipment. I assume this allowed slightly different concentrations of the beam during treatment. During the "lens" change the arm moved directly past my forehead! Glad they have good control of the beam.

No issues so far, but I was told not to expect any side effects until about a week to 10 days after treatment.

I will update again later in the week.

Partially toasted!

I had 5 treatments of 7.25 gy each. I started having some urinary issues the night after the third TX. Just really low flow and some pain. Both issues fully resolved with flowmax and aleve.

Each of my treatments lasted 35 minutes with no down time for any lens changing. I agree about having "HAL" under control. The arm passed within a hair's breath of my nose a few times.

Enjoy the rest of the show as it will soon be over.

Be well.

Roger

Why ask to take pics? I was so intrigued about the AccuRay CyberKnife equipment and process that I emailed their marketing department, asking if I could get one of their miniature models of the machine. The rep I contacted said "sure - where can we send it?" So, now I have my own miniature CyberKnife machine. It sure starts conversations if I leave it on my desk at work. . .

The length of time each treatment takes may differ with dose per fraction, and I am sure it differs between the different brands of machines used to deliver SBRT. IIRC, Tall Allen had his treatments on a Varian (brand) machine, and each treatment was only 10-15 minutes. I had the AccuRay CyberKnife treatment, and each treatment was 45-60 minutes. I have no complaints about the duration of each treatment, as I was made very comfortable for each one. I got to lay on a narrow bed, covered by a warmed blanket (from a blanket warmer they kept in the room) and listen to the music of my choice on a pretty decent sound system. I actually napped through a couple of the treatments. I had 9 AM treatments, then went to work. After work each day, I went to the gym. I really didn't miss a beat through the entire process.

I did have some side effects (tenesmus, radiation proctitis, bowel and urinary urgency, etc.) but they gradually resolved to the point that once I was 6-7 months out, I was back to baseline. (Yeah. . . there is no "normal" after all this.)

I did take ibuprofen and FlowMax through treatment and for a few weeks after, but YMMV.

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

2nd treatment today was practically the same. The Collimators were set at 35MM, 20MM, and 10MM. First one was for about 30 minutes, second was 20 minutes, and third was 18 minutes. 1 hour and 8 minutes. They stopped once also to place a towel under my back for slightly better aim (I guess).

The jazz on the audio was substandard. Tried to recall favorite events, golf rounds, etc. That is a long time to for me, and you really can't try to sleep.

My friend had RP on 3/30/18. He is still in the catheter. His stats were different than mine (small G8 found via TURP), but I am glad that I did not have to go that route.

More later.

I had my last treatment today. I have no side effects yet. I was told to expect side effects, if any, in about a week. I have a follow up appointment in 1 month.

I plan to work tomorrow morning, and play golf after lunch. Hopefully, no 3-putts, but I doubt it.

I hope what I have posted has been helpful to others considering treatment options. This site has been very helpful to me, and this is the least that I could do.

Cheers! I have a German lager in the fridge.

3 Putt you got it now. Just live life to the fullest.

Congrats!!

Roger

Good news, 3 putt! You've passed another major milestone.

I don't know why you weren't able to sleep while in treatment. I napped through several of mine. . .