Questions about radiation for prostate cancer: Can I drive myself?

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.

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)...

Hi 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.

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.

Thank you rkurtzjr.

Yes, Dr Thompson as urologist/surgeon and Dr Ryan Phillips for radiology

I met with Dr Percy Lee at city of Hope today. He suggested IMRT with 28 treatments and Brachy therapy and Harmone therapy. He gave me a choice if I want to skip Brachy therapy.
I am impressed with him and the facility.
I am trying to get an appointment at California proton center for zoom consultation with Dr. Rossi. They keep telling a clinical coordinator will contact me to get my medical records for the last 7 days.
Why is it so hard?

My husband (65) is very independent and still working. He scheduled his radiation sessions to be first patient in am so he could get to work after. He drove to appointments then the 45 minutes to work everyday for the 6 weeks of treatment. PSA zero after completed.

I received my treatment at Mayo clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
My radiologist was doctor Bryan Traughber.
Both proton treatment and photon treatment can be administered in high-dose low frequency manners. Or low dose high frequency.
That's really up to the radiologist, each persons circumstances are unique.
I'm 10 months post treatment. Next PSA will be in May.
I'm 77, feel that I have had a good outcome.
My treatment included a 4 month course of ADT.
Side effects included a brief incident of rectal bleeding that resolved without treatment. That happened 2 months after treatment.
I live in Des Moines IA, about 2 hrs from Rochester.
After treatment I did connect with a local oncologist who has been very helpful as a care manager
My primary care doctor is also a good resource.
The most helpful education resource was the Prostate Cancer Research Institute. The organization has a great selection of youtube videos and covers most aspects of diagnosis and treatment.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you have any questions

jackph,
Where did you get 5 doses of proton treatment? I thought all proton treatments take several weeks?