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Questions about radiation for prostate cancer: Can I drive myself?
Question to you who have been through radiation treatment for prostate cancer or have knowledge of the proceedure.
I'm considering some type of radiation treatment for my cancer. My main question is, will I be able to drive myself to and from?
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Thank you rkurtzjr.
Regret the delay...I don't come to the site that frequently. My doctor 14 years ago was Dr. Bush. He remains at Loma Linda, but in what capacity..not certain.
Let just say that in the morning normally about 5 to 7 men were awaiting their "turn" with the "big machine". I would ask thinking about backgrounds and why they selected proton radiation. I recall about 60% or more were doctors/physicians. This fact reinforces my decision proton radiation the best option of me. I have a slow growth centralized right lob; PSA was 6.47 Gleason 3+3 T1. Former Army officer with many deployments..physical was required before and blood work after..so I had PSA results for many years.
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1 ReactionHi RetiredBoomer71,
May I ask about your experience with the BioProtect spacer and HDR brachy at UCLA? I may be following in your footsteps and would really appreciate any specifics you can give about both the balloon and the HDR experience at UCLA. Would you recommend the balloon? And is there a HDR physician there that you can also suggest? Thanks for any details you can provide.
Beachcomber20,
I don't recall how I was informed that I'd get the BioProtect spacer (ballon). But I definitely ended up getting the SpaceOar gel implant, not the BioProtect balloon.
Why? I believe because, at the time of my HDR (March 2024), BioProtect was still very new to the U.S. market: https://www.urologytimes.com/view/available-rectal-spacer-options-for-patients-with-prostate-cancer-undergoing-radiation-therapy
Anyway, SpaceOar worked well for me; after almost a year since HDR, I've had no rectal issues -- pooping is just as easy and problem-free as before HDR.
Just be aware that the diameter of your poop will likely be smaller than usual -- recovering to normal as the gel dissolves over a few months. During that time, you do not want to get constipated. I've used a stool-softener (Metamucil) for many years, never a problem. Adjust your diet as needed. And keep a spare Fleet enema handy just-in-case.
Also, after my HDR, I had 5 sessions of SBRT spread over 2 weeks. It's required to self-administer an enema just prior to each SBRT treatment. So, if you also get SBRT, you'll probably not have a constipation problem during your treatment period.
My experience at UCLA was excellent (see next post below)...
Beachcomber20,
Regarding my experience at UCLA: Now I understand why it's highly recommended that you go to a Center of Excellence if possible.
Dr. Albert J. Chang was great and did a terrific job. He gets my highest recommendation. VERY experienced too; according to his UCLA bio, "Dr. Chang has performed over 1500 brachytherapy procedures." (Probably many more since that was written.)
https://www.uclahealth.org/providers/albert-chang
More discussion: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/has-anyone-had-hdr-brachytherapy-for-locally-advanced-prostate-cancer/
Dr. Chang's entire team was also great. PA's, nurses, schedulers, front desk, you-name-it -- all top notch.
Likewise excellent for after-treatment care, with UCLA doctors for oncology/urology, primary care, and (for me) cardiology.
All that said, I've also seen great reviews for other Center of Excellence hospitals, especially Mayo Clinic facilities. But I don't have first-hand experience outside UCLA.
Not sure what specifics you want. Just know that UCLA provides very detailed information to prepare you for every step in the process.
Best Wishes.