HDR Brachytherapy as a standalone treatment option

I will begin that treatment next week. What’s going to come if it , I do not know. As far as I know, now after the first one, which is to look and see, I was told twice for the brachytherapy. My surgeon and oncologist both recommended this and said I’ll do great. I believe one lesion, Stage 1 Gleason 4+3=7. I’ve read that this is very successful for our condition. I just turned 59

I was 64 when diagnosed, cancer was contained to the prostate and two 3+3’s and one 3+4. I did a bunch of research and got multiple opinions and decided on the standalone HDR Brachytherapy at the Mayo Clinic. I was very satisfied with treatment and also with the desired results thus far. Best of luck to you!

Thank you for your information. Did you experience any side affects.

Well, here goes my story… I’ve had prostate cancer cents 55 years of age. At 57 I had HDR Brachytherapy. My Gleason’s were all 10+ with some at 14 even though 10 is the maximum they record. 14 samples and all positive. at the time HDR Brachy therapy was highly recommended and had a 99.4% success rate. I was not one of the lucky ones, probably because of the advanced state of my cancer. But it took 14 months for my urethra to heal, a very long and unusual time. Plus complications. At this time they found two spots of non-active cancer on my hip bones. So I was already stage four and metastasized. I started on Lupron and most of the chemotherapy pills mentioned here. At one time I ran several years with a .01 or .013 PSA and so my urologist skipped a Lupron shot And I immediately got 20+ spots of bone cancer on my body. A huge struggle to eradicate that and they have caused many problems. They only treat bone cancer when it hurts and so mine is in my neck and spine and most of the bone regions of my body. Currently underwent my second 44 day session of radiation, this time to kill bone cancers that were causing pain and so now I am in the most pain-free spot I’ve been in many years. I personally am seeking to cure this on my own by implementing diet changes, and , whatever else. And constantly ask my doctor for direction about cure. I do think there are cures out there, but I think I am one hell of a money machine for the medical industry. I am on Medicare now and they pay these bills. My care is pushing $2 million go figure.

70. Just had my second session 25 days ago. Recovering pretty well by now. Still on Flomax generic) but going to start off that soon. I had 12 of 16 biopsy shots with cancer, pretty widespread but contained. Five lesions (PI-RADS 5, 4, 4, 3, 3). No pain at all during the process. Probably have to let the years go by to see if it all worked. But now, no plans for hormone or any other treatments.

I was unable to go with brachytherapy, and went with Proton HDR and hormone therapy with SpaceOar gel. It’s now been two weeks since I rang the bell and so far, other than some minor side effects (mostly during the middle of treatment), I am doing well. No bleeding or pain, some trouble at first with urination but was prescribed FloMaxx and it has helped. The biggest issue from all of it, during and still, has been fatigue.

We are most interested in HDR brachytherapy. Will be seeing radiologist for first time next week. From research I understand that the experience and skill is extremely important in person doing the procedure. Do you mind telling who your radiologist was? Did you look into experience of your radiologist? We trying to learn all we can. Thanks, in advance!

I had 2 sessions HDR Brachytherapy last June at Mayo/Rochester by Dr. Wilson. I had the choice of HDR Brachytherapy or the 5 treatment of proton therapy. I chose HDR Brachytheapy with 2 treatments since it reduced my travel. The studies show it has the lowest incidence of recurrence of all of various treament options. Side affects consisted of fatigue for a couple of days following the treament but I was back to my regular exercise routine within 5 days following each treatment. The doctor had me take flomax for 30 days which was helpful but I may of been able to go without. I did develop ED which can happen with all of the various treatment options, the meds do work for this. Mayo has a lot of experience with HDR, however the proton is favored for many patients since they do not have to be put under. There are not many centers that do HDR Brachytherapy since there are not many RO that are trained in this and the additional physic team is needed as well. Prostate Cancer Research Institute (pcri.org) has some good videos on HDR brachytherapy as well.

Dr. Waddle was who I had for my HDR Brachytherapy. He was excellent. I was told he does the second most of this treatment at Mayo Rochester and that one other does more than him. I was comfortable enough after hearing that and having met him to proceed. Hope this helps. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks a lot, @marshallfeller and @rt57 ! Jim, my husband was diagnosed ~6 wks ago with Gleason 3+4. PSA 3.4 (normal range, but up ~2 points in past 2.5 years). Had CT for another medical symptom and luckily something seen on the prostate; then guided MRI and biopsy. So otherwise we wouldn't have known. Two samples had 3+4. We're wondering if that means two tumors. Haven't yet seen Urologist or Radiologist. I'm not sure how much HDR brachy is done at Mayo. We know the skill in doing the procedure is very important. Jim's radiologist, we found out, does LDR but not HDR. Hoping he can point us to a good HDR radiologist. A QUESTION: Were you considering LDR seed implant? Would be interested in knowing thoughts on HDR vs. LDR. I'm nervous but optimistic. Looking forward to what the doctors have to say. Glad you guys had a good experience! And yes, we've found Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI.org) to be an excellent resource of reputable information. All the Best to You!