This Journal #2 is a companion to my pre-treatment Journal #1 called “My Brachytherapy Cancer Treatment Decision Process” found via the following link: http://www.inspire.com/groups/us-too-prostate-cancer/journal/my-brachythera py-cancer-treatment-decision-process/?ref=as.
I had a biopsy in November 2010. Before treating the prostate cancer, my Gleason Score was 3+3=6. My Prostate Volume was 39cc. Five of 12 biopsy cores were cancerous. Percent of cancer in each core: 70%, 70%, 60%, 40%, and 30%. All of the cancerous cores were from the LEFT side of my prostate gland and NONE of the cores from the RIGHT side were cancerous.
As described in Journal #1, my prostate cancer was treated with radioactive seed implants (“Brachytherapy” / “BT”) on April 13, 2011.
PSA HISTORY
0.5 December 2011 (6-month follow-up)
0.7 October 2011
1.4 JULY 20, 2011 (3-month follow-up)
7.2 April 13, 2011 (Brachytherapy Treatment)
4.1 February 2011
3.3 October 2010 (Dr. prescribed a biopsy)
2.5 April 2010
3.8 October 2009 (Dr. prescribed strong antibiotic)
1.8 April 2009
2.1 October 2008
1.9 October 2007
1.8 October 2006
THREE-MONTH FOLLOW-UP
For me, making the out-of-town trip to Scottsdale AZ for treatment and follow-up have been well worth the effort. Dr. Grado’s primary focus was in 3 areas: PSA, DRE, and Side effects.
PSA was 1.4 which he was pleased with. He expects my long-term PSA to eventually reach less than 0.5.
DRE (digital rectal exam) was completely normal.
SIDE-EFFECTS: While it is apparently more the norm to have some level of continuing frequency, weak stream, difficulty emptying, burning, and/or getting up at night to urinate – in my case, any such side effects disappeared rather quickly. Slight burning with urination lasted a couple of weeks. Frequency and getting up at night lasted a few days. Bowel movements have been pretty much normal except for an occasional clear mucous. Blood in the urine continued for a few weeks. Blood in semen continues at this time. No problems with sexual function but first few ejaculations were painful.
Since my side effects were gone after the first couple weeks, I was able to make plans (during weeks 7-11 after the BT), to travel extensively without incident.
Dr. Grado explained that he normally does not suggest decreasing the daily Flomax at the 3-month mark but said I could I try taking the Flomax every other day for 2 weeks to see how it goes.
6 MONTH FOLLOW-UP
At 3 months, I decreased the Flomax to every other day without any negative results. I stopped taking it entirely by the 6 month mark. Getting up several times a night to urinate has never been a symptom for me - either before or after Brachytherapy. DRE was normal. Somewhat-achey orgasms seem to be decreased if Viagra is taken beforehand. Plus the achey pain seems to be less and less as times goes on. Dr. G says that he expects such achey pain to eventually go away.
Other than all that, life goes on as normal.
Edited January 8, 2012 at 2:17 am
Paul - congratulations on the PSA reduction. I can bet that after your European travels, getting home and finding that good result was icing on the cake.
From what I've read, the PSA level can bounce around a bit, but you're looking for a general trend downward. I'll have my second 3-month test next week.
Thanks for sharing the side effect situation. I had issues very similar to yours, which are 95% gone now (six months after seeds). I was on two .4mg FloMax daily pretty much from the beginning. I began reducing the morning dose a few weeks ago, and now I'm on one a day. I'll start reducing the evening dose next week.
Best wishes to you.
Tom
PS - While enjoying the Widor and Vierne, don't neglect Buxtehude!