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Brachy and Loss of a Seed

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Posted 8/9/2018 12:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all,

I posted a while back right after my Brachy surgery on 27 July (Brachy and Flomax was that post). I did follow the suggestions here and my doctor to temporarily take this Flomax for about a month. All is well in that regard.

In fact, in general, all is very well just now hitting 2 weeks tomorrow. Walking fine, that feeling that something happened down there is gone and moving on.

So, today, I did a first full system check and had one seed in my semen. I've read that is rare yet it does happen. Anyone else have this occur?

I've already emailed the doc who was not concerned at all.

Eric
Posted 8/9/2018 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
kirkeric: Very glad that your healing and walking; great news! With the advent of "Stranded Seeds" the seed migration issue was lessened. I don't recall any LDR guys talking about seed migration on this forum but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. Hopefully someone with first hand experience will chime in. Keep on walking and may your PSA's be on a downward trend.
Posted 8/9/2018 1:46 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks browntrout.

I had read that this is more rare so I was a little surprised. My docs response was

"No worries here. You had 61 seeds placed so each seed only contributes ~1.6% of dose. The seed that dislodges likely was in the seminal vesicle (as opposed to prostate) as we don’t place anything near the urethra in the gland. "

Eric
Posted 8/9/2018 1:52 PM (GMT 0)
Now that is interesting. So a radioactive seed could end up in someone’s vagina? Evidently not a safety issue, but it still might be bothersome to the person on the receiving end.
Posted 8/9/2018 1:53 PM (GMT 0)
My brother's LDR doc mentioned that was a possibility and not to worry about it if it happens.

My brother had something that looked like a seed, but the doc said it was just a blood clot that broke lose.
Posted 8/9/2018 2:07 PM (GMT 0)
Rare, but does happen. Many ROs suggest that a condom is used while the seeds are radioactive (6-12 months) to avoid unintended deposits and radiation to another person.
Posted 8/9/2018 4:01 PM (GMT 0)
They use "stranded seeds" where they can, but they can't put them everywhere and seeds still break loose and migrate.

It is a good idea to have another CT scan after a month to make sure there are no cold spots - they can add a seed here or there if they have to.

I'm glad the Flomax is working for you.
Posted 8/9/2018 6:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Kirkeric:

It is unusual with today's stranded seeds but it does rarely happen. When it does it is almost always in the first couple of weeks.

I just looked back at my post-op instructions (from 10 years ago!). Even though I had stranded seeds i was told me pee in a strainer for two weeks and also wear a condom during that two weeks. Well...not for the entire two weeks...just when engaging in sex...well...not just any sex, but sex with another person.

Anyway, the good news is you are doing well and that your full system check was successful. Keep on checking!

Jim
Posted 8/9/2018 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all,

For some reason I didn't get any email notifications on all of these fine responses. But, absolutely, this can happen, says also in all of my post OP notes too. Same type information, if you should have sex, you absolutely wear a condom the first few times. Sounds like you just sort of need to clear the pipes so to speak to ensure any that may have become dislodged are released and disposed of. My instructions specifically said to not touch but use a pair of tweezers and flush. I read elsewhere to return them but don't think that's necessary. I just used a paper towel and flushed the seed.

One site just recommended you do it alone a few times before having sex but that or the condom works.

I DO have the CT scan already scheduled for right at the 30 day mark as the doc mentioned this morning (I just didn't include that part). So, he'll check it out. I am not of the understanding that they would go and insert one or two if necessary. Pretty sure that's not the case.

And to the gent above - yes, continued system checks are the prudent thing to do. smile

Eric

Post Edited (kirkeric) : 8/9/2018 12:34:24 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 1/7/2020 2:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone,
I posted in here back in late 2018 when I was going through my Proton treatment and Brachytherapy. It's been a good while and thought I'd just provide an update for folks if interested.
After my July 2018 brachy surgery, I went on a nice already planned vacation to Jamaica. Good way to celebrate and of course another summer has since come and gone too.
I have to say that I am very pleased with things and have moved on. My PSA dropped drastically from the original 6 down to .79, then jumped to 1.9 and then back down to 1.48 and a couple months back at 1.27. The jump was known according to the doc as just an unexplained anomaly and I was told ahead of time that it may occur.
So, feeling fine. The only single thing I've notice really is just variation in urinating. The stream is acceptable but I've gone from occasional burning (which feels more like the urine is just real warm) to no burning and recently sort of back to burning. And, I've noticed that it feels MUCH better to stay good and hydrated and nothing feels better than to go after a couple tall glasses of water or beer. Everything seems to just flow and feel better then.
Anyone have the same? I am extremely happy at this point, though next PSA will be done in about a month.
Happy New Year!
Eric

Post Edited (kirkeric) : 1/7/2020 7:19:38 AM (GMT-7)

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