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How Long is Too Much Time Between SpaceOAR and Radiation?
I am scheduled to have SpaceOAR implanted December 12, 2024. CT Planning session is scheduled for January 7, 2025. 40 radiation sessions for two months after that. Everything I read advocates a week or less between gel implantation and CT planning and radiation. The reason for the delay is Christmas and New Year's vacations. Should I reschedule the SpaceOAR closer to the CT Planning? Thanks.
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SpaceOAR Hydrogel stays in place for about three months and is naturally absorbed into the body over the next six months. Try and schedule it closer to the first Radiation session, You should know that soon after you get the radiation start date, following the January 7 Scan.
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1 ReactionI went four weeks between the spacer implant and starting IMRT. I received the Bioprotect spacer, and it was implanted at the same time as my brachytherapy procedure. Granted, I "only" received 25 radiation treatments, which I completed yesterday. Getting the implant closer to your CT planning scan date may be a good idea, especially as there often is a lag between the scan and initiation of radiotherapy.
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1 ReactionMy SpaceOar was implanted about four weeks before I started five rads of SBRT treatment in May 2024. At the first session, which included a walkthrough, they did check first to make sure the gel was properly seated before treatment started. If you have concerns about the length of time talk to your RO or other care provider. Best of luck on your journey. You got this.
Before my SpaceOar was implanted, I was told it was unnecessary to have anesthesia for the procedure. However, as the procedure was about to begin, the tech recommended it. I'm glad I did. I could hear voices during the procedure. but could not understand the words. I was told ahead of time that my penis and testicles would be taped to my abdomen. The anesthesia made me forget the procedure and any embarrassment or feelings of modesty I might otherwise have experienced.
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1 ReactionThanks, Scott M!
I finally got through to my radiation oncologist and she moved up the CT Planning session to Dec. 19th, a week after the gel implantation (Dec. 12), instead of later in January. I was completely out for my biopsy and am told the gel implantation will be the same deal, but hopefull fewer punctures! 😬
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2 Reactions@mark1952, how did the gel implantation go? Any questions for the guys about CT planning session coming up?
Hello, Colleen Young,
I posted my experience under the"Fiducial Markers Implant and SpaceOAR Gel" discussion, but I am not very experienced navigating this application so I frequently lose track of my posts. Thanks!