I'm conflicted

Posted by stew80 @stew80, 1 day ago

Guys - I've addressed this before but as I draw closer to mapping and ultimately the EBRT (20 fractions) starting soon after, I read that many men have the SpaceOAR injection of hydrogel first as a preventive measure for damage to the bowel/rectum. I asked my RO about it and he said they don't do it here (which is deemed a center if excellence for prostate cancer). It would only be recommended if the patient had an existing bowel disease like colitis. He got defensive about it. The nearest prostate center to get the injection is 150 miles away. I'm not sure whether to request it to be prescribed or pay myself. I am conflicted and unsure about the risk/reward. It seems like a no-brainer but I don't know.

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dailyeffort | @dailyeffort | 6 hours ago

In June of 2022, I had proton therapy + lupron with abiraterone for GG 9 with EPE and cribform. The RO advised against a rectal barrier in my case. I selected the medical center and doctor because they are excellent, so I trusted his judgment. Three years later, I have yet to have any side effects from the RT and my PSA remains < .03.

In the absence of solid clinical trial data indicating that a rectal barrier should be the standard of care in all cases and given the caliber of the RO I carefully selected, it made sense to me to defer to his judgment. That said, it's still a tough decision. Best wishes for your peace of mind with your decision and a positive outcome!
Bill