Excessive bruising after brachytherapy, normal??

[watertender]

Hi all, Just finished my first course of radiation HDR brachytherapy. Will be getting my simulation for IGRT shortly. For those of you who have had brachy did you have major bruising to that whole area including your penis? I am talking my whole area is black not just a little bruised, a bit concerning. Not to sore, I expected some bruising, but this is really black so kind of freaking me out to tell you the truth.

Appreciate any feedback. Thank you in advance.

[Tall_Allen]

It's probably hematomas from broken blood vessels during the insertion of the catheters. There may be some bruising too, but it's mostly blood. It collects under the skin where it causes pressure and sensitivity. The blood pools downward because of gravity, so the penis and scrotum catches a lot of it. It usually clears away in 2-3 weeks.

[watertender in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks not much pain but awful to look at. Hoping to see it fade away in time then. Am somewhat concerned it might be an issue for my IMRT simulation hoping they do not want to postpone but I would not think so.

[TylexGP]

I was warned I could have some and I did have some minor bruising in the scrotum.

[SkyH]

For me minor bruising only. The must have hit some blood vessels. I had bruising-type pain for 3-4 weeks.

[tad4]

I had HDR Brachy and yes, you will be bruised and sore for weeks, particularly if you had the rods inserted through the perineum. I had 17 rods and it looks like you have been strung up by the scrotum and beaten with a big stick! Don't even think about riding a bike! My major side effect is a problem with peeing, hence I take Duodart every day, probably for the rest of my days. I was on ADT (Zoladex) for 12mths prior to Brachy, then followed up with 23 sessions of EBRT. My last two PSA readings were .008. My Gleason scale prior to treatment was 9, so ADT, Brachy and EBRT seems to be pretty effective (I hope, fingers crossed). Good luck with your treatment.

[tsim in reply to tad4]

When my Brachy guy asked if I had a lot of bruising, I told him it looked like a black acorn sitting on two Italian plums.

[j-o-h-n in reply to tsim]

Mama Mia.. Anthony,,,,, You couldn't have a Melanzane instead of an acorn?

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Tuesday 07/05/2022 6:58 PM DST

[tsim in reply to j-o-h-n]

alright, maybe one of those Thai eggplants. He was hiding, what have you done to me?

[tsim]

Fairly normal, should subside in a week or two.

[Jancapper]

No visible bruising of any kind but hemorrhoids are out and about and are very painful.