Hi Folks, I'm new to the forum

Sorry to be here as a new member, but I thank God this forum exists....thanks in advance for your caring and sharing of your experiences.  It's truly inspirational for me....

My Dx was 8/15/08, 2 of 13 cores positive 3+4=7; CT scan, chest xray and Bone scan all clear....I'm considering Brachytherapy and I wanted to know if any of you have used the Cesium 131 seeds, and what your recovery period and side effects have been....

In particular, I'm interested in the ED side effects...I had just gotten engaged (2nd time around for me) about 1 month prior to the Dx and I feel obligated to discuss this facet of the treatment with my fiancee....(she says, of course, it doesn't matter, but I'd like to know also)....

thanks in advance for your thoughts and May God Bless you all....

 

I can't speak about the seed implants experience, but I've done almost everything else. I do know that all treatments have side effects and some do it right away, like surgery, and some do it later, like RT. Any path you choose, stay with us a share it. You already know it's valuable by coming here and seeing you are not alone. But for now, draw from us as much as you need to, and welcome!

Tony

GP-

Despite all you'll read here to the contrary, I've been on Zoladex and Casodex, had five weeks of external beam radiation and HDR brachy and never suffered ED. Everyone is different.

-Les

GP,
Welcome to the place you never wanted to be - that said there is a purpose behind it all.

I started in the direction of brachy and would have done it had not my biopsy been so high marginal. It appears from what you state (2 of 9 cores) that you are a good candidate. Because of my biopsy I was going to have to go through harmones, IMRT, and brachy (what my doctor called the blue plate special) so I chose to have the prostate removed instead with the hope the pathology would show clear margins (which it did). Chances appear strong in your favor that yours is confined to the prostate.

From what I understand, there is generally less ED with seeds than RRP, although that can vary by person. I would only urge you to be sure and check the credentials of your radiologist and make sure they are experienced. I think that is the biggest issue with all the remedies. Blessings to you!

RB

Age 61
Original data - pre-operation
PSA: 5.1
T1C clinical diagnosis, Needle biopsy - 10 cores, Gleason 7 = 3+4 in 1 core (40%), 7 cores Gleason 6 = 3+3 ranging from 5% to 12%
All scans negative
Lupron administered 4/9/2008 for 4 months (with idea I would undergo external beam radiation followed by seed implants - then I changed my mind).
Robotic DiVinci surgery - Dr. Fagin (Austin) May 19th
Post operative - pathology
pT2c NX MX
Gleason 3+4
Margins - negative
Extraprostatic extension - negative
seminal vesicle invasion - uninvolved
1st Post PSA .04

GP,

I'm diagnosed pre-cancer (PIN) but Dad had the brachytherapy with Zoladex and Casodex. He had great results and did not have any lingering side effects. It was easy and worked well for him. If/when my CaP is diagnosed I'm inclined to take the same path. The oncologist I'm using is Dr. Brian Moran at the Chicago Prostate Cancer Center. He's a great guy and the best in the brachytherapy business.

If you are interested in gathering "beginner" information, I started a thread titled "Trying to get the straight facts". Check it out as all of the forum members gave me great information. Check my web site in my signature too for links and other info.


Jim

I had surgery on March 5th 2008. Today I have no problem with sex. Please read my profile below.) We are about the same age and stage as far as the cancer is concerned. I have no regrets. The prostate and cancer is out. The key is finding a very experienced surgeon that can perform nerve sparing surgery.  

I to would like to say that I am sorry you are, but since you are hang out and share your thoughts, emotions, and experiences with us. I cannot speak about seeds my treatment is still Lupron, Avodart, and Casodex and sad to say I am still impotent, but like Les said it does not happen to everyone. For now please do not let that cloud your mind, the main goal right now should be treatment. Stick with us.

peace to you
Dale