LDR brachy at MSK: Five weeks post-treatment

[NYC_talker]

Hi all,

An update on progress as I come upon 5 weeks after LDR brachytherapy at MSK (passed the one-month mark last week. )

My last post was one day after the one-time seed implant procedure. You can read that here. (Stats are there and in my profile).

healthunlocked.com/prostate...

Urinary function:

Thankfully, I've had no acute urinary issues. No frequency or retention -- both side effects which usually begin within 2 weeks of LDR. The first few days I had the expected burning, blood in urine, but that cleared up. No issues since. Sleeping through the night most nights -- every now and again I get up once to pee, but this is where I was before treatment.

My urologist says I'm "sailing through," as he usually sees varying degrees of short-term urinary issues, beginning even before two weeks after LDR. Believes I'm past the window to get those short-term effects.

I've been on Flomax since a week before treatment. Doc says I can now think about coming off of it. I think I'll wait a while longer, as it might be what's keeping me in check, and then taper down and see what happens.

Bowel issues:

None at all. Everything is like it's always been, since day one after treatment.

Sexual:

No erectile issues at all. Have been on low-dose Cialis since a week before treatment, and will continue for a few months after, per my RO's orders, as it also helps keep blood flowing down there. Same intense orgasms. Ejaculate has diminished but seems to ebb and flow -- sometimes more than other times. Urologist says part of this is definitely a side effect of Flomax, as I told him I lost a lot of ejaculate even before treatment, when I began Flomax a week before. He says once I get off Flomax whatever effect it's having on me in this department will stop.

In general, I feel great, no fatigue or any other issues. Was back to work and the gym in a few days, going on long runs and doing everything I always did in terms of daily activity.

Beginning the new year by having my treatment four days into it was a great way to start 2022. I'm grateful that it's -- so far -- gone so smoothy. Will get my first PSA test in May when I meet with my RO.

I was inspired to chronicle my journey by others here who did the same, including Hope4Happiness, so that people would get all the varying experiences of prostate cancer treatment and perspectives. Thanks for reading it, and for all your thoughts and advice.

[aceace12]

great post , keep it up...and keep us informed ........

David

[Darryl Partner]

Indeed. Your posts are helpful

[Mando1]

That's excellent news! Thanks for the update. Keep on healing strong!Mike

[NYC_talker in reply to Mando1]

Thanks! Hoping the steady road continues -- but if not, I know folks here will always be helpful.

[Hope4Happiness]

Very effective and informative post! As someone who was treated at MSK, I like this post because, regarding radiation treatments, my two options came down to HD-Brachy and SBRT, so it was interesting to hear about the LD-Brachy process.

[NYC_talker]

Thanks! And I was glad to read your posts which will no doubt help others. It all helps to demystify treatment for those making decisions.

[j-o-h-n]

MSKcc is a Keeper.....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Thursday 02/10/2022 11:44 PM EST