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Re: urinary symptoms following brachytherapy

Elena,

The only item I can share with you with regard to your question may, I regret to say not be good news.

When brachytherapy began to gain some ground as a treatment of choice about fifteen years ago, there was considerable discussion on the Internet about issues like movement of seeds, dangers of radiation to people in close proximity to the man and the like.

One of the points raised was the strength of the seeds and the appropriate placement of the seeds. It was said that seeds in the periphery of the gland should radiate a lower dose than those in the centre of the gland. This was done to avoid so called collateral damage to other parts of the body in close proximity to the gland - such as bladder and bowel. Seeds are often encased in material to limit their migration - referred to as stranded seeds - and are ordered pre-loaded from the suppliers. Problems had arisen in some cases because, in some strands, the seeds had been loaded incorrectly, with high radiation seeds ending up in peripheral positions resulting in collateral damage. It was emphasised that the radiologists should check strands on delivery very carefully to ensure that the seeds were placed in the sequence required.

It seems to me, if all the seeds are reportedly in place, that there is a possibility that some may be incorrectly placed. I certainly hope that is NOT the case, but it may be worth pursuing this line of enquiry.

Terry in Australia

Re: urinary symptoms following brachytherapy

My brachy was in 2007. Had terrible pain for about 18 weeks felt like I was passing barb wire when I peed. Flomax and Ibuprofin did not help at all. Radiation uncologist prescribed lyrica and it was of no use. Only time helped. The discomfort and pain will go away. Never thought mine would. It was so bad that I had hemorrhoids and ripped inguinal hernias as I could not void and strained terribly to do so. I now need hernia operation to correct them. Time will heal the effects of the radiation. My side effects have been horrible, but my PSA's have been great (very low).

Re: urinary symptoms following brachytherapy

I've been to hell and back twice on this matter and think that finding ways to promote blood circulation through the area is a key.

Sexual activity, exercise, and diet can help to accomplish this.

No matter how accurate the placement, there is no way to predict that one or more may end up next to a blood vessel or nerve that may cause prolonged or delayed discomfort/damage.

Depending on the isotope used, the initial recovery time to tolerable varies. 12 weeks or more would not be unusual. Some of the more lucky guys notice little discomfort within a couple weeks. - p (Alaska, USA)

Re: urinary symptoms following brachytherapy

Elena ... I had seeds implanted in 10/07 and 30 days later began an 8 week course of external beam radiation.

I suffered with the exact same symptoms and even had to stop working for a few weeks. When the radiation treatments ended I asked the Oncologist how long it would be before I found some relief.

She told me I would see significant recovery in about three months. That didn't happen. I stayed on Flomax for about a year and did finally see some relief, but, it took two years before I felt "normal".

Please understand that everyone may respond to treatment differently, but that's my story.

Good luck.

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