12 months post HDR Brachytherapy

[Lingbed]

I am now at twelve months post HRD Brachytherapy (no ADT) which was done with Dr Chang at UCLA. For the benefit of the group, below are the results:

Urinary bother is very modest - some slowness in the morning on some mornings, otherwise same as pre-treatment

Sexual function is at baseline in terms of frequency and close to baseline is terms of erectile function. One half of a 25 mg Viagra returns me to baseline. The lack of ejaculate is noticeable and overall pleasure is down a small amount.

Quarterly PSA results are:

Baseline: 4.5

2.42

1.92

1.48

2.3

Overall, I am pleased with my choice of treatment and provider and am happy to answer any questions.

[Hidden]

I'm interested to know why HT wasn't factored in with your treatment and also did you have any RT to compliment your Brachy? Finally what was your GS and PSA prior to treatment?

[Lingbed in reply to Hidden]

I do have a fairly complete history in my profile that can give a bit more background. I did not do HT because based on the complete picture - PSA, MRI, PSMA, Decipher, and biopsy my doctor said I did not need it despite having a 4+3 gleason. I realize that is a deviation from the guidelines, but it made sense to me given that the guidelines don't as yet consider some of the data which is now available i.e. PSMA and Decipher.

I had only Brachy. My understanding is that my prostate size and the fact that it was contained within the gland made me eligible for monotherapy.

[Hidden in reply to Lingbed]

Good for you. Your treatment seems like the least amount of side effects and yet to date very effective. I'm sure that if everyone thought that they could do the same they would but with my GS at 4+4, I dont think i can avoid HT or some additional RT. Not looking forward to it, but it seems plenty have been through this process and have come out the other side with a positive experience. When i say positive i mean positive compared to the very negative reports that you hear some have endured. I hope your journey continues to be positive for you for the next 20+ years!!

[Lingbed in reply to Hidden]

The precision and effectiveness of well done RT is impressive these days. You will probably come out in good shape.

[CarverD]

I also underwent HDRB as a mono therapy 3 years ago, almost to the day. My most recent PSA was .609. Expect to see several bounces over the next few years until it settles down. Congratulations and continued success!

[Lingbed in reply to CarverD]

Thanks for heads-up on bounces. That’s comforting for sure.

[RainState]

I'd be traveling to UCLA from out of state. How much time would I need to spend in Los Angeles to undergo the entire treatment from start to finish? Any advice for someone coming from a long distance away?

[Lingbed]

I was there for a week...arrive Sunday, treatment on Monday and Thursday and depart Friday. The travel home was not comfortable, but tolerable. I just wanted to get home. The quality of care outweighs the travel hassle for sure. I gave no consideration to travel in my decision.