At 3 months after seeding my PSA = 3.8 (Abbott assay). I currently have some urinary and bowel side effects but none serious. Unlike a successful RP, radiation treatment results in a slow reduction of PSA over time and the fact that my PSA is now lower than my pre-treatment of 5.6 is a good sign. The radioactive Iodine seed implanted in my prostate gland and seminal vesicles will produce a total dose of 12, 000 cGy of radiation and the 35 external beam treatments added an additional 4,500 cGy. For those interested in the details of my treatment I am copying the remarks below from my PCD (Prostate Cancer Digest). I would recommend that every patient keep one, containing all of the details of his diagnosis and treatment.
01/28/98 Catheter removed by
Dr.Berson. Some blood in urine
during first void in doctor's office, none since.
Given funnel to stain urine and lead vial to store any
seeds expelled. Discomfort from insertion of 25 trans-
perineal needles minimal to the point where after
leaving the doctor's office the wife and I took a driving
tour of Covington's antebellum homes spared in Sherman's
March to the Sea. Gut-stuffing dinner at Pa-Pa's Country
Buffet.
01/29/98 Large amount of blood noticed in ejaculate.
01/30/98 Less blood noticed in ejaculate.
02/05/98 Very little blood noticed in ejaculate.
02/11/98 Simulation at RCOG Decatur clinic (11:00 AM)
02/17/98 First EBRT treatment (non-conformal, "butterfly")
to the pelvic area for five sessions that week.
Second week, 5 sessions of conformal EBRT
Third week, 5 sessions of non-conformal pelvic bed EBRT
Fourth thru Sixth week - 5 session each week of conformal
Seventh week - 5 sessions tightly conformed to the apex area.
Toward end of first week of EBRT hemorrhoids became inflamed
but easily controlled with Preparation-H. All else well.
Side effects noted during second week of EBRT were primarily
urgency and frequency. Stream weak during third week, took
Saw Palmetto at suggestion of Dr. Critz. Stream weaker during
fourth week of EBRT. Dr. Williams gave me sample Flomax
tablets which worked well. Got prescription and found 1 to 2
tablets per day prevented problems. Experienced loss of
energy after returning home (8 weeks after start of EBRT).
Energy level improved by 10 weeks after start of EBRT and
use of Flomax down to one tablet every other day.