Posted 8/29/2010 7:17 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Pocketman,
I received a notification from this forum, that you placed a post. First like I was told welcome to the forum at Healing well
" sorry you have to be here" I am sure you have read my posts. I find this forum extremely helpful, with guys whom have had years of experience dealing with their own Pca situation as well as studying and researching the subject through joint effort with others. The collective research and personal experience found here in this forum, can't be found anywhere else. The decision as which treatment method to choose will be entirely yours and only yours. If you are a married man, then perhaps between you and your spouse. But as I was told here in this forum, don't rush into making that decision. Let time pass a bit, study different methods, have second and third opinion with different doctors, oncologist, surgeons. see the surgeons, and oncologist that do the particular treatment. For example ,for traditional RP, surgeon, for Brachytherapy, a Brachy Surgeon/ Oncologist, and fore radiation alone, an oncologist. Pick those with years of experience on their had. Not new comers to the trade. Have your result biopsy slides reviewed by another pathologist, such as John Hopkins University, or another nationally known lab. I had mine reviewed by John Hopkins Dr Epstein and his associate . Although my results came back somewhat more than original, I am glad I asked for the second opinion, because if I hadn't I would always blame myself for not doing it. This way, I was finally convinced in my head that I have an issue and must now decide on the treatment method. I chose combination of Brachytherapy and external radiation, also known as EMRT, or EGRT. The seed implant procedure was a breeze, less than 3 hours total which included the admission preparation, and then the actual surgery. when I woke up, I had no pain what so ever, I thought may be I am still waiting for the operating room. There was no bandage, no catheter, nothing. They handed me a jar asked to pee , to see if I could. There was a slight burning sensation right the first time, that was mostly due to irritation of the catheter removal. i am glad they removed it while I was unconscious as that would have freaked me out. In short I am very happy with my decision.
The next morning I had an erection which was unusual. Unfortunately I couldn't put it to good use, since I was suppose to hold off for at least two weeks. I thought perhaps it was the result the seed implant ( going nuclear). My prostate was small, only 17CC and they used 40 seeds all together. about 4 weeks later they called me for CT scan, detail computer measurement, and few days later I started the external radiation. This radiation is so precise it is right on the spot, and the arm of the equipment moves around your pelvic 360 degree, and aims at predetermined location for the duration specified. any movement either on your part or your internal organs such as the prostate itself, colon or anything else in the vicinity, the radiation stops on the spot. So precise. The duration is about 15 minutes everyday 5 days a week.
I am now on my third week, come Monday. There is no pain involved either. The only negative thing is after radiation and pending on what you have eaten, you may/will experience loose bowl.
For me and many other guys on this site quality of life after operation was important. At the radiation center I go, i see other guys who have had RP, robotic, etc. Just because one has traditional surgery, it doesn't mean the cancer is gone. Some people have to come back through radiation for post surgery, because the surgeon couldn't get it all. With seed implant you are radiating the cancer from within and you will supplement with external focused radiation. I am not suggesting which method is better. This is a personal choice based on what you want to put up with afterwards. since none of the treatment method guarantees 100% and based on the historical data, the brachy and the RP have equal results in long run. Also despite what some folks think, One does have a choice with Br achy if the first attempt is not successful, and according to my oncologist, a second seed implant, or more external radiation or worst scenario, the surgery, which will be a bit difficult but can be done, pending the surgeon. I am hoping I don't have to resort to surgery. I will keep everyone posted when my treatment session is over and I have my PSA result. I am told with Brachy, there will always be a PSA number higher than 0, because the prostate is still there, and naturally will create serum.
Again, please research thoroughly and no matter which treatment you choose, pick an experienced doctor.
I know in the beginning, it may be tough to make a decision, because your mind is going 100 miles an hour in every direction. Please be patient, be considerate of those who are very close to you and love you. They are more worried than you are and they are trying to help you. In most cases in the early stage when our mind is still in shock , the people around us do better thinking.
Let them help you, and discuss your concern and or fear and anxiety with them. Even writing and reading these posts tends to be therapeutic. Believe it or not it helps.
Wishing you the best, please keep us posted.
Best regards
Shaheen
PS USS Shaheen!