SBRT question

[NYCguy123]

I'm moving forward with SBRT sometime in August. Can someone tell me how long the "markers" need to be in the prostate before the radiation begins? Also, is this a painful process?

[Tall_Allen]

It's like the biopsy, only they aren't ripping out tissue. I didn't find it nearly as painful, and it only takes about 5 minutes to place the 3 fiducials.

[NYCguy123 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks. How far in advance are they typically placed before treatment begins?

[Tall_Allen in reply to NYCguy123]

They need a few days for them to set in place, and then they can do the planning imaging. They can begin treatment anytime after the planning.

[NYCguy123 in reply to Tall_Allen]

I have my SBRT scheduled and am wondering how I will feel during the process. Advice? Also, is there any weight loss or gain?

[Tall_Allen in reply to NYCguy123]

It feels like nothing. No weight loss or gain, no fatigue, no pain... nothing. Exercise as much as possible.

[NYCguy123 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Great! Thanks!

[NYCguy123]

Thanks for the information!

[EdinBmore]

Ditto Tall_Allen. Several days prior to the fiducial "insertion," a tech gave me 3 "dot-sized" tattoos. One in each area of groin and one near base of penis. Slight pin-prick, but quick and unpainful. Question: why the tattoos?

EdinBaltimore

[LiveLongAndPropser in reply to EdinBmore]

The tattoos are to set the site lines for the radiation. They might also do a cast of your backside to help put you into place quickly for your treatment.

[EdinBmore in reply to LiveLongAndPropser]

Thanks for your response. Guess I don't understand. I thought the fiducials were used in "mapping" where to target the radiation. Don't understand the need for the tattoos. Nope, did not do the butt cast (although that might be kind of kinky. LOL). Used malleable "cushions"/bags at feet and ankles to keep me in place, as it were.

[Hidden]

I'm starting with radiation end of july or august. too bad we can't go together. (haven't decided if i'm going to sloan kettering or stony brook...stony brook will lop off 30 minutes travel time each way).

[westof in reply to Hidden]

Hmm... I had my initial MSK consult at Norwalk Hospital (CT) and MSK does practice there.

Brachy was done(04/26/2019) in NYC (took the train with "Darling Wife" of almost 50 years) and both of our adult children were there for additional support. Went home that night!

IMRT (25 days) was done at Norwalk and everything went beyond my wildest expectations!

If MSK is at Stony Brook, I wouldn't hesitate!

Best,

AJ

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

MSK

[cybertreated2019]

My fiducials were placed on January 3rd and had my 5 SBRT treatments mid February. No pain with the insertion, but had a crappy reaction to the general anesthesia, with some puking in recovery. No issues with treatment. 4 1/2 years with no regrets. Good luck

[FellowSurvivors]

Cyberknife

[FellowSurvivors]

My husband and I were both diagnosed with cancer one week apart. We both had cyberknife. Placement of markers was painful for both of us. Treatment was no problem. We are now three years past our treatment, numbers slowly came down and are normal now. Saw our oncologist radiologist for the last time this past week. Will continue to meet with our urologist and have our PSA tested every six months. Our sex life has continued to be amazing. Erections may be not as hard as years ago but I am 72 and my husband of 33 years is 61 so I would expect our erections not to be as firm. We do not use any medications, pumps or devices. Use it or loss it. Blessed. Best wishes to all of you.

[Hidden]

The markers remain there. Are you have an OAR rectal spacer installed to reduce radiation proctitis effects? Consider that. Make sure your post install has the space fully covering the Apex. I had SBRT and was left with devastating chronic pain due to the space not covering the whole area. Doctor knew but did not tell me. I personally regret having SBRT done. In retrospect I should have had it taken out. Think carefully.