I went to the UNM Cancer Center for the SpaceOar injection on Monday. This was because my local hospital cancer doesn’t do the procedure. If it wasn’t for the 120 miles round-trip drive I would have selected the UNM Cancer Center for my radiation treatment as it was 39 zaps. Similarly, if it wasn't 750 miles away I would have used MD Anderson. I have consulted with them all over the past 7 months since diagnosis. Instead, I will soon be starting 44 fractions of 79.2 RapidArc® Radiotherapy in Santa Fe at Christus St. Vincent Regional Cancer Center.
SpaceOar is a product which is similar to epoxy but water based that is used to protect the rectum and reduce erectile dysfunction for men receiving radiation treatment for prostate cancer. I thought sharing my experience might be helpful. There are various products available including balloons to reduce radiation dosage to the colon. However, SpaceOar seems to reduce ED which appeals to me.
So, I was placed on a liquid diet the day before the procedure. I also was prescribed a 500 mg Levofloxacin 3 pills one a day along with a Fleet enema- the night before and morning of. Prior to the procedure, I accepted a Xanax 5 mg from the nurse to reduce anxiety. I had some anxiety. Not sure I felt the Xanax. I turned down the Oxycodone as my stomach was bothering me.
Undressed from the waist down and flat on my back on the exam table, I was asked to put my feet in stirrups which spread my legs apart while the technician lifted my legs high in the air. I am on Lupron, a hormone so far 4 ½ months. I am increasing exercise and sex. I had grown used to hot flashes and low libido caused by the hormone treatment. At this point, I thought to myself I survived menopause and now I am positioned to experience an annual Pap smear test or the birthing experience. Ha-ha.
Assisting with the procedure was the nurse, a CT tech., an equipment technician and a representative from Augmenix, the company that makes and distributes SpaceOar. My physician who is a radiation oncologist has managed a number of clinical trials. So, I wasn’t sure if the well-dressed, good-looking woman from Augmenix was monitoring his work or considering him to lead a new clinical trial with the company. After cleaning me up, I was provided a topical anesthetic to numb the surface and another anesthetic injection. I watched the procedure on the CT screen. The needle went along the very small space between the prostate and the rectum. I didn’t feel any pain outside of the initial puncture. At a little past midpoint of the prostate, the gel was injected. This was the first real pain which was about a 6 on a scale of 10. I was told that the pain would lessen once the needle was removed and it did. The nurse said I did well.
After the procedure, I could still feel the added pressure from the injected gel, but my only pain was a slight burning in “the taint” area. I was glad my wife had come along to drive us home, as I was a little dizzy. The next day I felt fine.
Although additional clinical studies are needed if the SpaceOar injection helps to reduce any radiation side effects it will be worth it. According to my follow-up, T3 MRI the interval placement of hydrogel in between the prostate gland and the rectum appears appropriately placed and measures approximately 4.7 x 1.6 cm in AP and AP dimensions, respectively.
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