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LDR Brachytherapy - Family Lap Dog

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 3/1/2018 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
Good afternoon. My husband has recently been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer (Gleason 6 3+3) We are in the process of deciding which treatment to go with. We are leaning towards the LDR Brachytherapy (recommended by Oncologist) The problem we are having is we have a Maltese dog (small 13lbs) and she is our only child smile that being said the doctor has said my husband should not sit her in his lap for 2 months after the procedure. This is going to be very hard as she is his sidekick and would be a great source of therapy for him during this time. My question is has anyone else been in this situation and can you give us any pointers on how to handle it. I appreciate your time!
Posted 3/1/2018 7:17 PM (GMT 0)
It would help if you'd supply more details of his diagnosis. With only a GS3+3, why is he getting any therapy at all at this time? Active Surveillance might be a better option.

Surgery, SBRT and HDR brachytherapy are alternative treatments where nothing radioactive is left inside.
Posted 3/2/2018 1:14 AM (GMT 0)
The late Peter Grimm, who, was one of the best LDR ROs, told me there was little to no risk regarding your inquiry. I have not done intensive research on this issue but trusted Dr. Grimm and his expertise.

Your choice for LDR is, in my biased opinion, is the best possible therapy if done by a highly experienced RO who has done over 1,000 implants and comes highly recommended. SBRT and HDR have similar cure rates and should also be considered.

You have time to listen and learn with your GS read. Do the "Due Diligence" and talk to people who have been through this. What ever your choice there are many hear that will support your choice. Best wishes and keep us posted.
Posted 3/2/2018 4:32 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HW. Sorry you need to be here.

I think the RO is being a bit excessive. LDR brachy radiation doesn't travel much beyond the prostate. My brother who had LDR was told that there wouldn't be any restrictions post procedure.

Depending on the type of seed the half life is from 18 to 40 days.

At that gleason level, he has a lot of options, including AS.
Andrew
Posted 3/2/2018 2:16 PM (GMT 0)
What are his biopsy results? Like some of the other guys mentioned a G6 could be a great candidate for active surveillance and no treatment required at this point in time. In fact probably most guys in their 60s and 70s have G6 cancer in the prostate but it's so slow growing it's not a factor.
Posted 3/2/2018 2:32 PM (GMT 0)
The dangers of very low doses of radiation -- the sort your pooch might face sitting on your husband's lap -- loom large in the minds of personal injury and medical malpractice lawyers but those risks are hypothetical and based on pretty wobbly science. The warning about incidental exposure is not so much intended to protect pets and small children as to protect the doctors' insurance company from predation by roving bands of lawyers.

That said, if your husband decides to go ahead with the brachytherapy and is worried about irradiating the dog you could buy some sort of radiation shield for his lap. If you google for "brachytherapy lead underwear" you will probably find something designed for the purpose. I find them catastrophically unfashionable. You can also buy lead blankets (the sort your dentist uses for x-rays) although you want to verify that the vendor will sell to consumers. Some of them only sell to medical facilities.

There is also a company that sells a lead-lined apron on Amazon that is designed for brachy patients who worry about pets and small children.

Oh, and I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Gleason 6(3+3) is never particularly urgent. Your husband has lots of time to look at options and make up his mind.

Welcome to the forum.
Posted 3/2/2018 3:25 PM (GMT 0)
The radiation only had adverse effects on young animals still in the growth stage. Same for children. I wasnt supposed to be withing 2 feet of any child under 13 for more than a few minutes, for 3 months. Dog will be fine, my 4 1/2 pound teacup yorkie slept pushed against me the whole time. Sure the dog is nuts, but he was always that way.

On another note, depending on your husbands age a 3+3 gleason 6 probably doesnt need that. The procedure, although pretty non invasive, is not with without its drawbacks. Take some time, and get at least one more opinion.

Post Edited (tulmkr) : 3/2/2018 9:12:29 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 3/3/2018 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
Also a dog lover here. The alternative to LDR treatments as suggested by Tall Allen would leave no residual radiation but, also as TA says, as a GL 6 you may be a good candidate for surveillance only and should investigate that as opposed to treatment.

If you were treated with LDR I would think a vest like what you may put over you for dental x-rays could block radiation, but I'm not a radiation expert.
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