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Posted 12/10/2019 9:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,

I just wanted to update my situation and ask a question. I have decided to do the Brachytherapy. I am just not comfortable having RALP surgery. I agonized on having beam radiation therapy. I finally decided to go with Brachy.

One question I would like to ask concerning proctitis. I wonder if proctitis is more prevalent with beam radiation or will brachy possible produce the same proctitis side effect? Also as swelling is a big issue with me because of frequent urination, would beam radiation or Brachy be better for this side effect also.

Thank you for your help.
Posted 12/10/2019 11:51 PM (GMT 0)
Brachytherapy has been a great treatment for decades. I had HDR brachytherapy and IMRT and nine years later no negative treatment side effects. No proctitis.
Posted 12/11/2019 2:09 AM (GMT 0)
I’m a believer in seeking out the best practitioners no matter the treatment choice. That said; it’s not easy trying to determine who those best providers are. I would look into who performs the procedure routinely and often and talk with as many of their patients and peers as I could. I think Brachytherapy can be a great choice. I also think it’s a treatment that requires skill and practice.
As a side note: I have experienced no negative side effects (not so much as a wet fart).
Posted 12/11/2019 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
I was offered Brachy high dose (which is a direct 15 Gy ) then 45 EBRT. The concern was the ongoing BPH symptoms - which will be made worse by Brachy. 3 of 4 EBRT guys advised to go surgery, which surprised me.
I will go surgery route Jan 8th because I have a Gleason 4+4 in one core, 4+3 and 3+3 in other ... and a reluctance to get hormone deprivation which is the guideline for Gleason 8. If there wasn't a G8, I would taken a hard look at the high dose brachy (seeds are low dose).
Posted 12/11/2019 2:46 AM (GMT 0)

oceanfisher58 said...
Hi everyone,

I just wanted to update my situation and ask a question. I have decided to do the Brachytherapy. I am just not comfortable having RALP surgery. I agonized on having beam radiation therapy. I finally decided to go with Brachy.

One question I would like to ask concerning proctitis. I wonder if proctitis is more prevalent with beam radiation or will brachy possible produce the same proctitis side effect? Also as swelling is a big issue with me because of frequent urination, would beam radiation or Brachy be better for this side effect also.

Thank you for your help.


well I have had both radiation treatments back-to-back and never suffered from radiation proctitis, untreatable ED or incontinence. I have had a couple of temporary bouts with radiation cystitis tho.
Posted 12/11/2019 12:54 PM (GMT 0)
I want to thank everyone who has replied so far. Even after doing exhaustive research it is so difficult to know the right treatment course. I have learned so much from reading the stories of others here on this forum.

I hate that we all must go through this.

Thanks
dmo
Posted 12/11/2019 4:29 PM (GMT 0)
I can't speak for Brachy but I am presently dealing with Procitis as a result of radiation. Colonoscopy in September for rectal bleeding. It restarted again very shortly after the procedure. Just had a Sigmoidoscopy last week for the same issue. My GI doc tells me it's likely to be a chronic issue now
Posted 12/11/2019 7:32 PM (GMT 0)
Ocean, the urinary issue is real but if your prostate gets to normal size then there is every reason LDR Brachy could be a good choice for you. Most of the men on this forum over the years (with one notable exception) have been extremely happy with LDR Brachy as their choice...and most of us have cure, little/no ED, good continence and only temporary/minor bowel issues.

I was about your age when I made this choice; copy and past my long winded journey from my signature if you are interested in my anecdotal experience.

Jim
Posted 12/11/2019 10:18 PM (GMT 0)
My Dad had strictures after LDR BR a couple of times over 15 years and back to urologist to remedy them. May have been some other urinary issues also. I think I might favor HDR where the seeds are not left in with some RT if necessary to cover a larger area from what I have read and his experience. No other basis for that thought.
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