Has anyone had HDR Brachytherapy for locally advanced Prostate cancer

Posted by tom57 @tom57, Apr 6 2:03pm

I’m considering having HDR brachytherapy with IMRT with Dr. Albert Chang at UCLA. I’ve been diagnosed with Gleason 9 locally advanced prostate cancer with metastasis to one pelvic lymph node. Has anyone been treated by Dr. Chang or any other radiation oncologist with HDR brachytherapy and what were the results? Also, has anyone had brachytherapy to a regional lymph node? Dr. Chang has said he has done this with very good results. Thanks.

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retiredboomer71 | @retiredboomer71 | Dec 6 10:40am

Beachcomber20, I'm now 9 months after HDR Brachytherapy & SBRT (5 sessions) and feeling very nearly at my pre-treatment norm.

No urinary discomfort. Flow is good, same as before. No evidence of a stricture; but I've never had one, so no basis for comparison.

At first, as a precaution I'd wear a urine pad to catch an infrequent dribble or two -- a concern after sitting for a few hours or upon waking during the night. After a few months, I began feeling normal & confident and I stopped wearing a urine pad.

Nowadays, my urinary control feels nearly as good as before, no worries. But occasionally, there's a slightly greater sense of urgency, especially if I'm well-hydrated & sit/recline for a few hours.

No regrets with my choice of HDR/B and SBRT. In my case I think it was the obvious choice.

retiredboomer71 | @retiredboomer71 | Dec 6 10:43am

For anyone trying to decide on which treatment to choose, here's a video I found VERY helpful...

clandeboye1 | @clandeboye1 | Dec 7 12:35pm

In reply to @bevans00007 "Has anyone had Focal Therapy for Prostrate Cancer?" + (show)

I know lots of people who had NanoKnife , HIFU , Immunotherapy and Cryosurgery .
Mostly with Gleason 6 and both Gleason 7 scores . All were sellections for different reasons but ALL for " One Day Quick Trreatment and Done " No hospital stays . All would make the same decision . The ages ranged from late 50's to mid 70's .
NanoKnife is growing fast worldwide -- no so much so far in the USA . TULSA-PRO is marketinng their procedure very hard , with apparent success .
Our cost in Canada is $23.000 Can. approx. $ 16,000 USD .