Had my radiation oncologist consult today

The spousal unit and myself had our consult with Dr. Green, the radiation oncologist at U.T. Medical Center today. Of course, I wanted to hear what he said..but most of the information I had already learned from researching hours a day for 3 weeks. He has done over 1600 cases of brachytherapy, with Palladium seed implants, and has very good success. We had already decided that unless he presented some good reason from reviewing my file on surgery, that was the treatment option we wanted. So, was very glad to hear about that ! He is reporting that in his own experience, he has seen a 90-95% cure rate. I go in for the volume study on Dec 23rd. Of course, the down side is not knowing for 2 years whether or not it worked..but I can live with that.

My numbers didn't add up either, IMO. I went the surgery route.

Hope the best of outcomes for you.

The volume study probably wasn’t at the top of your ‘wish list’ to Santa but it will be nice to get it over with before the Xmas holidays. Then try and put it all out of your mind until the implant.
Wishing you all the best for the 23rd, your Brachy implant and for a very happy and healthy 2012.
Susan
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I keep hearing the quote from several forum members that their numbers didn't add up for Brachy. I have no idea what this means as the only restrictions I have seen for not doing Brachy is pubic arch interferance, which can only be determined by a CT scan, or the presence of a systemic disease in which no local therapy alone would be appropriate. Exixting urinary issues such as strictures can also disqualify a patient. Gleason grade is not a reason for rejection as both Dr Grimm and Dr Dattoli have reported cure rates above 80% for high risk cases; Grimm uses Brachy alone and Dattoli uses combo Brachy/IMRT for high risk cases.
Only a Brachytherapist can make the determination if you are a candidate for Brachy.
JohnT