Volume Study today and date set for brachytherapy

I had the ultrasound volume study today to see if I was a candidate for the brachytherapy. Good news is that my gland is ideal size, 40cc, to proceed with treatment. The other option was to shrink it down with meds for about 3 months before proceeding. I have a date scheduled for January 18th to proceed with the seed implantation.

I had asked Dr Green, the radiation oncologist, several followup questions, and he promptly and professionally answered all my questions:

1) I asked if he thought an MRI or some other scan would be helpful to determine the PCa had spread outside the gland, given that there would be no final pathology and he stated that there was such a nil chance of it being spread with my low PSA, that it wouldn't be beneficial.

2) Also asked about the use of combination treatment to include EBRT./IMRT in addition to the seeds. Again, he said that it used to be common procedure, but the latest studies indicated it didn't give any clear advantages over mono-therapy with seeds alone. He still does it with high-risk patients, and said that if I wanted to do it, he would...but he really felt, that in my case, LDR brachytherapy would be great by itself.

So, now just waiting on the 2nd opinion Bostwick lab results. If it's no different or downgraded, then I'll proceed with seed implantation. If it comes back with a worse Gleason, then I'll back up and re-evaluate surgical options.

Have a great Christmas, all of you ! You''ve been helpful so far along this journey.

Bob
Powellst

Bob, that all sounds great. Hopefully you will receive the long awaited second opinion soon so you can proceed with your plan.

Good luck and pls keep us up to date.

Merry Xmas,

Tudpock (Jim)

Syzygy51,

My PSA was last 3.7 (it had actually came down from the GP's referral @ 4.3), and Gleason is 3+4=7. That's the initial lab report, I'll post the 2nd set from Bostwick as soon as I get them, probably next week.

My doc has recommended the LDR brachytherapy.