@kenk1962 :
1. We started differently: You had SpaceOAR, I didn't.
2. Two weeks after SBRT, you have bleeding & rectal pain; a few days after SBRT (late April 2025) I had mucus and some traces of blood on my bowel but no rectal pain.
3. You were thinking how much worse it could have been short-term without the spacer; I was thinking if I wouldn't have had any bleeding at all if I had it.
4. I share your concern about what the long-term side effect(s) will be: (a) In your case, SBRT with spacer; (b) In my case, SBRT no spacer.
5. May I suggest we both update this support group of ours, if either or both of us developed more side effects (in the medium or long term) that may help "newcomers to the club" -- who may at that time be on the crossroads whether to have the spacer or not.
I wish you a fast recovery from your immediate side effect(s).
Best,
Vir