What is EBR?

[FellowSurvivors]

Recently diagnosed with PC. Trying to decide on treatment. What is EBR?

[Tall_Allen]

External Beam Radiation - usually "EBRT" External Beam Radiation Therapy. It is a broad category that includes SBRT, moderately hypofractionated IMRT, conventionally fractionated IMRT, and proton beam therapy. It is distinguished from the two kinds of brachytherapy, high dose rate (temporary implants) and low dose rate (permanent seeds). You will have to meet with specialists in each of those because a specialist in one doesn't typically know all that much about the others.

[FellowSurvivors in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thank you Tall_Allen for the info. Will research each of these.

[EdinBmore]

As you're doing your research, make sure you understand the pros and cons of the treatment options and their side effects and likely outcomes. I know it's a tall order to be hit with all at once and there is more than enough jargon, abbreviations and mumbo jumbo to go around. You'll probably want to see a urologist, radiation oncologist and, perhaps, a medical oncologist. Remember, each has his opinions and, to be blunt, each is trying to sell you something. Don't be hesitant to ask for second and third opinions and make sure you understand what the hell they are saying to you.

Oh, and this forum is a great source of information and support. The guys here are living through this just as you are. It ain't easy sometimes. Your life is about to change but there's a lot of expertise here ready and willing to chat.

I chose IMRT (a form of EBRT) and seed brachtherapy. The procedures themselves were non-invasive and relatively short (however, there was still all the anxiety and "what ifs" associated with any medical procedure); I am not just shrugging these off. And, then, "hormone therapy." Devastating for me but that's a story for another day.

Good luck to you and welcome to a club no one wants to belong to.

EdinBaltimore

[westof]

Hmm... Here is a link to Memorial Sloan Kettering (where I'm bring treated). A wealth of information:

mskcc.org/cancer-care/types...

[FellowSurvivors in reply to westof]

Are you having the Proton therapy there? How many treatments? What's the success rate?

[westof]

Hmm... Hey FS, I had 25 days of IMRT and I'm doing just fine!

Here is a link to my first post, it will fill in the blanks.

healthunlocked.com/advanced...

Best

Also, I had HDR Brachey, no seeds and I took the train home to CT that night.

1 day to recover.