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Posted 12/19/2010 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
In another thread we had this post from a new member, GOP: "I had brachy on Oct. 4, 2010. I go back on Jan 6 to check the PSA. I would rather wait longer...much longer, but that is what the doc wants."

GOP, welcome to HW.  You are one of a growing number of brachytherapy patients who post here from time to time and I hope you will stick around for awhile.  Please put together a signature and then select the box "include signature" so we can learn a little more about you.

Re the 3 month PSA test, it probably is a little early so don't get your expectatons out of whack.  As long as it's lower than pre-procedure then it's heading in the right direction.

Tudpock (Jim)

Posted 12/19/2010 5:52 PM (GMT 0)
Tud,

The mix here is definitely changing in the past year. It's good to see how many new "seed" folks have come aboard, and guys contemplating going that way. You and John won't have to feel "odd" man out any more.

David
Posted 12/19/2010 6:39 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome, GOP. Hope you will stay with us and share your journey as you travel along.
Posted 12/19/2010 6:59 PM (GMT 0)

Hi GOP and welcome to our little corner of the world. Even though most guys here are surgery guys, the numbers are slowly swinging towards other methods of attacking their cancers. Hope fully you'll stay with us and share your experiences so that new guys can learn and benefit from all of our journeys.

All the best to you and happy holidays.

Mag

Posted 12/20/2010 12:09 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for the warm welcome. I'm not exactly sure what was meant by the signature thing, but I'll probably catch on eventually. Again...thank you. I feel that I can learn a lot here.
Posted 12/20/2010 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
When you are logged in go to my profile and then select edit profile and page all the way down. You'll find a box that you can and information about your history as related to prostate cancer. I have not included mine in this post. You have the option each time you post to do so if you want. The post above your last post has included the signature option.

And Welcome
Hero
Posted 12/20/2010 12:00 PM (GMT 0)
Okay...I think I did that. Thanks again.
Posted 12/20/2010 1:26 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome GOP, Nice to have a guy that did Branch. Would love for you to hang around and keep us posted on your progress. You will find this a warm and inviting group. You are in the minority as to treatments.. I did surgery and many have done RT.

Best of luck to the new year.

Cajun Jeff
Posted 12/20/2010 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
GOP,

Your PSA question. In my case, I had a PSA test at 6,9,and 12 months from my BT procedure on 12/11/09 (note that I also had 25 IGRT treatments after BT). For the next 12 months, my uro has moved the test to 4 months apart. At the end of 2011, we re-evaluate.

Close monitoring in the first year is a good thing.

Joe
Posted 12/20/2010 10:30 PM (GMT 0)
Joe,
I am very happy so far with this procedure. I stayed overnight in the hospital and then returned to my part time job two days later. I was back in the gym the same day I went to work. Days 10-35 were the worst, but even then, it was mild discomfort and mild inconvenience. I had some bladder spasms which caused some pain, but a low dose steroid took care of that. I have a small amount of leakage now if I drink too much coffee or beer, but really not much of an issue. ED was my biggest fear, and so far, so good. I did not have beam radiation afterwards. As I said, I am very happy with things so far. Of course, the real question is did it work? I guess that will be answered in the weeks and months to come. This is a very weird disease. I had a tough time convincing myself to do anything since I had no symptoms whatsoever. Treatment went against my golden rule of 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.'. But I guess it was 'broke'..at least to some degree.
Posted 12/21/2010 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome, GOP! My husband, Carter, has chosen radiation as well...in his case, IMRT. It seems to be the 'easiest' treatment option, aside from the length of time spent, but as you said the question is "Did it work?". That big unknown, and all it attendant anxiety, is one thing we ALL have in common here.

I wish you luck, and hope you will keep us posted on your progress!

Juliet
Posted 12/21/2010 1:45 AM (GMT 0)
GOP, it's nice to see that another chap has chosen to join the Brachytherapy ranks. I believe that we have made a good choice of treatments.
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